וַיָּבֹ֨א דָוִ֤ד וַֽאֲנָשָׁיו֙ אֶל־הָעִ֔יר וְהִנֵּ֥ה שְׂרוּפָ֖ה בָּאֵ֑שׁ וּנְשֵׁיהֶ֛ם וּבְנֵיהֶ֥ם וּבְנֹתֵיהֶ֖ם נִשְׁבּֽוּ׃
Contextual Introduction
1 Samuel 30:3 narrates the devastating moment when דָוִד and his men return to their temporary base at צִקְלָג only to find it burned by the Amalekites and their families taken captive. This verse is situated in a climactic section of David’s flight from שָׁאוּל, highlighting themes of loss, crisis, and impending redemption. Grammatically, the verse presents a series of vivid clauses that escalate the emotional impact and build narrative tension.
The syntax—sequential wayyiqtol verbs, verbless clauses, and a passive perfect—evokes the immediacy and horror of discovery. Theologically, the verse explores leadership in crisis and the vulnerability of divine providence when all seems lost.
Grammatical Focus: Verbal Chains, Verbless Clauses, and Passive Forms
This verse exemplifies three advanced grammatical features of Biblical Hebrew:
1. Sequential wayyiqtol forms in narrative.
2. Verbless clause with interjection: וְהִנֵּ֥ה שְׂרוּפָ֖ה בָּאֵ֑שׁ.
3. Passive perfect verb: נִשְׁבּֽוּ.
1. וַיָּבֹ֨א … וַֽאֲנָשָׁיו
The opening sequence begins with a classic narrative wayyiqtol verb: וַיָּבֹ֨א (“and he came”). This form, derived from the prefix conjugation with a vav-conversive, marks sequential past tense—a hallmark of Biblical Hebrew storytelling. The subject is split: דָוִד is the primary actor, but וַֽאֲנָשָׁיו (“and his men”) are incorporated with a coordinated subject following the verb, reinforcing David’s leadership role.
2. וְהִנֵּ֥ה שְׂרוּפָ֖ה בָּאֵ֑שׁ
This verbless clause introduces a dramatic visual: “and behold, it was burned with fire.” The copular verb “was” is implied, with שְׂרוּפָ֖ה (“burned”) functioning adjectally. The feminine singular form agrees with הָעִ֔יר (“the city”) from the prior clause. The participle שְׂרוּפָ֖ה as a predicative adjective creates immediacy, while בָּאֵ֑שׁ (“with fire”) is a prepositional phrase of means or agent.
3. נִשְׁבּֽוּ – Passive Qal Perfect
The verb נִשְׁבּֽוּ (“were taken captive”) is Qal perfect 3rd person common plural, passive. It forms the climactic end of the verse, describing the fate of נְשֵׁיהֶ֛ם וּבְנֵיהֶ֥ם וּבְנֹתֵיהֶ֖ם (“their wives, their sons, and their daughters”). The passive construction emphasizes the helplessness of the victims and the total loss experienced by David and his men. The rhythm and repetition in the list of family members heighten the emotional weight.
Theological and Literary Implications
The juxtaposition of visual devastation (שְׂרוּפָ֖ה בָּאֵ֑שׁ) with the passive loss of family (נִשְׁבּֽוּ) crafts a scene of utter collapse. David’s authority is tested—not merely by external enemies but by the internal crisis of his men’s despair (v. 6). The grammar mirrors this descent: wayyiqtol moves the action; the verbless clause freezes the horror; the passive perfect seals the calamity.
Literarily, the use of וְהִנֵּ֥ה (“and behold”) is more than narrative flair. It marks a turning point, drawing the reader into a shock of recognition. Such constructions are typical in Hebrew for introducing new, often disturbing, visual realities (cf. Gen 22:13; Judg 16:1). Theologically, it resonates with prophetic laments, as fire and captivity are covenantal curses (Deut 28:30–32).
Comparative Versions and Philological Insights
The Septuagint renders נִשְׁבּֽוּ as “ἐχμαλωτεύθησαν” (they were taken captive), preserving the passive nuance. The Vulgate offers “ductae sunt in captivitatem,” emphasizing the gender and passive voice as well. These translations underscore the fidelity of the ancient versions to the Hebrew grammar.
The participle שָׂרוּף and its derived forms occur frequently in prophetic texts (e.g., Isa 1:7), usually connoting divine judgment. Here, its use evokes both military devastation and theological overtones—perhaps YHWH’s hidden hand amid David’s trial.
When Grammar Burns: Divine Absence and Grammatical Silence
1 Samuel 30:3 portrays a theological nadir for David. The city burned, families gone, and no divine voice yet heard. The syntax and verb forms serve not just narrative but existential functions: the absence of a copula in וְהִנֵּ֥ה שְׂרוּפָ֖ה and the passivity of נִשְׁבּֽוּ reflect the perceived silence of YHWH. Yet, this grammatical stillness prepares the way for divine intervention in the following verses. Here, grammar becomes not only the medium of meaning but a vessel for lament and a stage for hope.
