King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 30:29 Mean?

1 Samuel 30:29 in the King James Version says “And to them which were in Rachal, and to them which were in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, and to them which were in t...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And to them which were in Rachal, and to them which were in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, and to them which were in the cities of the Kenites,”

1 Samuel 30:29 · KJV

Context

27

To them which were in Bethel, and to them which were in south Ramoth, and to them which were in Jattir,

28

And to them which were in Aroer, and to them which were in Siphmoth, and to them which were in Eshtemoa,

29

And to them which were in Rachal, and to them which were in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, and to them which were in the cities of the Kenites,

30

And to them which were in Hormah, and to them which were in Chorashan, and to them which were in Athach,

31

And to them which were in Hebron, and to all the places where David himself and his men were wont to haunt.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Rachal, the cities of the Jerahmeelites, and the cities of the Kenites receive gifts, extending David's reach to tribal groups allied with Judah. The Jerahmeelites, descendants of Jerahmeel son of Hezron (1 Chronicles 2:9), were a Judean clan. The Kenites, descendants of Jethro's family, had allied with Israel since Moses' time. David's gifts strengthen ties with these associated peoples who would later support his kingship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Kenites' connection to Moses' family (Judges 1:16) gave them special status in Israel. David's earlier lie to Achish (27:10) claimed to be raiding these groups; his gifts now prove his true loyalty was always with Judah's allies.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you maintain relationships with varied groups who share common interests?
  2. What does David's treatment of allied peoples teach about inclusive leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְלַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר1 of 8
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּרָכָ֗ל2 of 8

“And to them which were in Rachal”

H7403

rakal, a place in palestine

וְלַֽאֲשֶׁר֙3 of 8
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּעָרֵ֥י4 of 8

“and to them which were in the cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַיְּרַחְמְאֵלִ֔י5 of 8

“of the Jerahmeelites”

H3397

a jerachmeelite or descendant of jerachmeel

וְלַֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר6 of 8
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּעָרֵ֥י7 of 8

“and to them which were in the cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַקֵּינִֽי׃8 of 8

“of the Kenites”

H7017

a kenite or member of the tribe of kajin

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 30:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 30:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 1:161 Samuel 27:101 Samuel 15:61 Samuel 23:19

Places in This Verse

RacalSettlement · Modern: Khirbet el Kirmil · 31.42°N, 35.13°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in 1 Samuel 30 →

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