2 Samuel 1:13
New International Version
David said to the young man who brought him the report, “Where are you from?” “I am the son of a foreigner, an Amalekite,” he answered.

New Living Translation
Then David said to the young man who had brought the news, “Where are you from?” And he replied, “I am a foreigner, an Amalekite, who lives in your land.”

English Standard Version
And David said to the young man who told him, “Where do you come from?” And he answered, “I am the son of a sojourner, an Amalekite.”

Berean Standard Bible
And David inquired of the young man who had brought him the report, “Where are you from?” “I am the son of a foreigner,” he answered. “I am an Amalekite.”

King James Bible
And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art thou? And he answered, I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite.

New King James Version
Then David said to the young man who told him, “Where are you from?” And he answered, “I am the son of an alien, an Amalekite.”

New American Standard Bible
Then David said to the young man who informed him, “Where are you from?” And he answered, “I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite.”

NASB 1995
David said to the young man who told him, “Where are you from?” And he answered, “I am the son of an alien, an Amalekite.”

NASB 1977
And David said to the young man who told him, “Where are you from?” And he answered, “I am the son of an alien, an Amalekite.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And David said to the young man who told him, “Where are you from?” And he answered, “I am the son of a sojourner, an Amalekite.”

Amplified Bible
David said to the young man who informed him, “Where are you from?” He answered, “I am the son of a foreigner (resident alien, sojourner), an Amalekite.”

Christian Standard Bible
David inquired of the young man who had brought him the report, “Where are you from? ” “I’m the son of a resident alien,” he said. “I’m an Amalekite.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
David inquired of the young man who had brought him the report, “Where are you from?"” I’m the son of a foreigner,” he said. “I’m an Amalekite.”

American Standard Version
And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art thou? And he answered, I am the son of a sojourner, an Amalekite.

Contemporary English Version
David asked the young man, "Where is your home?" The man replied, "My father is an Amalekite, but we live in Israel."

English Revised Version
And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art thou? And he answered, I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
David asked the young man who had brought him the news, "Where are you from?" And the young man answered, "I'm an Amalekite, the son of a foreign resident."

Good News Translation
David asked the young man who had brought him the news, "Where are you from?" He answered, "I'm an Amalekite, but I live in your country."

International Standard Version
Meanwhile, David asked the young man who had told him the story, "Where are you from?" He answered, "I'm an Amalekite, the son of a foreign man."

Majority Standard Bible
And David inquired of the young man who had brought him the report, ?Where are you from?? ?I am the son of a foreigner,? he answered. ?I am an Amalekite.?

NET Bible
David said to the young man who told this to him, "Where are you from?" He replied, "I am an Amalekite, the son of a resident foreigner."

New Heart English Bible
David said to the young man who had told him, "Where are you from?" He answered, "I am the son of a foreigner, an Amalekite."

Webster's Bible Translation
And David said to the young man that told him, Whence art thou? And he answered, I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite.

World English Bible
David said to the young man who told him, “Where are you from?” He answered, “I am the son of a foreigner, an Amalekite.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And David says to the youth who is declaring [it] to him, “Where [are] you from?” And he says, “I [am] the son of a sojourner, an Amalekite.”

Young's Literal Translation
And David saith unto the youth who is declaring it to him, 'Whence art thou?' and he saith, 'Son of a sojourner, an Amalekite, I am.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will say to the youth announcing to him, From whence thou? and he will say, I the son of a man, a stranger, an Amalekite.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And David said to the young man that told him: Whence art thou? He answered: I am the son of a stranger of Amalee.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And David said to the youth who had reported it to him, “Where are you from?” And he responded, “I am the son of a man who is a new arrival from the Amalekites.”

New American Bible
David said to the youth who had reported to him, “Where are you from?” He replied, “I am the son of a resident alien, an Amalekite.”

New Revised Standard Version
David said to the young man who had reported to him, “Where do you come from?” He answered, “I am the son of a resident alien, an Amalekite.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then David said to the young man who told him, Where do you come from? And he answered, I am the son of a proselyte, an Amalekite.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David said to the youth who told him: “From where are you?” And he said to him: “I am son of a man, a proselyte, an Amalekite”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And David said unto the young man that told him: 'Whence art thou?' And he answered: 'I am the son of an Amalekite stranger.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David said to the young man who brought the tidings to him, Whence art thou? and he said, I am the son of an Amalekite sojourner.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Learns of Saul's Death
12They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. 13And David inquired of the young man who had brought him the report, “Where are you from?” “I am the son of a foreigner,” he answered. “I am an Amalekite.” 14So David asked him, “Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?”…

Cross References
1 Samuel 31:4-5
Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. / When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died with him.

1 Chronicles 10:4-5
Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. / When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died.

2 Samuel 4:10
when someone told me, ‘Look, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was a bearer of good news, I seized him and put him to death at Ziklag. That was his reward for his news!

1 Samuel 16:13
So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.

1 Samuel 24:6
So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.”

1 Samuel 26:9-11
But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” / David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. / But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.”

1 Samuel 28:16
“Why do you consult me,” asked Samuel, “since the LORD has turned away from you and become your enemy?

2 Samuel 1:14-16
So David asked him, “Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” / Then David summoned one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him!” So the young man struck him down, and he died. / For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’”

2 Samuel 3:1
Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was protracted. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.

2 Samuel 5:1-3
Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel.

2 Samuel 12:9
Why then have you despised the command of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You put Uriah the Hittite to the sword and took his wife as your own. You have slain him with the sword of the Ammonites.

1 Kings 2:32
The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army.

1 Chronicles 11:3
So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where David made a covenant with them before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD through Samuel.

Matthew 27:3-5
When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. / “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.” / So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

Acts 1:16-20
“Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit foretold through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus. / He was one of our number and shared in this ministry.” / (Now with the reward for his wickedness Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong and burst open in the middle, and all his intestines spilled out. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And David said to the young man that told him, From where are you? And he answered, I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite.

2 Samuel 2:8
But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;

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Alien Am' Amalekite Amal'ekite David Declaring Foreigner News Report Sojourner Strange Stranger Whence Young Youth
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Alien Am' Amalekite Amal'ekite David Declaring Foreigner News Report Sojourner Strange Stranger Whence Young Youth
2 Samuel 1
1. The Amalekite who accused himself of Saul's death is slain
17. David laments Saul and Jonathan with a song














And David inquired of the young man who had brought him the report
David's inquiry reflects his leadership and discernment. In the context of ancient Israel, leaders often sought to verify the truth of reports, especially concerning matters of national importance. This moment follows the death of Saul and Jonathan, a pivotal event in Israel's history. David's question shows his careful approach to understanding the situation fully before taking action. This aligns with his character as a man after God's own heart, who often sought divine guidance.

“Where are you from?”
David's question is not merely about geographical origin but also about the young man's identity and allegiance. In the ancient Near East, one's origin often determined their social status, rights, and responsibilities. By asking this, David seeks to understand the young man's background and potential motives. This question also reflects the importance of tribal and national identity in Israelite society, where lineage and heritage were crucial.

“I am the son of a foreigner,” he answered.
The young man's response indicates his status as an outsider. In Israel, foreigners had different rights and were often viewed with suspicion. The term "foreigner" suggests he was not part of the covenant community of Israel, which could affect his credibility and the reception of his report. This status might also imply a lack of understanding of Israelite customs and laws, which could be significant in the unfolding narrative.

“I am an Amalekite.”
The identification as an Amalekite is significant due to the historical enmity between Israel and the Amalekites. The Amalekites were descendants of Esau and were long-standing enemies of Israel, first attacking them during the Exodus (Exodus 17:8-16). God commanded Israel to blot out the memory of Amalek (Deuteronomy 25:17-19), and Saul's failure to fully carry out this command led to his rejection as king (1 Samuel 15). The presence of an Amalekite in this narrative highlights the ongoing conflict and the complexities of David's rise to power. This also foreshadows the judgment that David will pronounce on the young man, as his identity as an Amalekite carries significant historical and theological weight.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The anointed king of Israel, known for his heart after God. At this point, he is mourning the death of Saul and Jonathan.

2. The Young Man (Amalekite)
A messenger who brings news of Saul's death to David, claiming to have killed Saul himself.

3. Amalekites
A nomadic tribe often in conflict with Israel. They were descendants of Esau and were considered enemies of Israel.

4. Saul
The first king of Israel, who died in battle against the Philistines. His death marks a significant transition in Israel's leadership.

5. Jonathan
Saul's son and David's close friend, also killed in the battle against the Philistines.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Disobedience
Saul's failure to fully obey God's command regarding the Amalekites ultimately leads to his downfall. This highlights the importance of complete obedience to God's instructions.

Integrity in Leadership
David's response to the Amalekite's claim shows his respect for God's anointed and his commitment to justice, even in the face of personal gain.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The Amalekite's fate serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority and justice, fulfilling His word against the Amalekites.

The Role of Truth and Deception
The Amalekite's false claim to have killed Saul for personal gain backfires, illustrating the dangers of deceit.

Respect for God's Anointed
David's reaction underscores the importance of respecting those whom God has placed in positions of authority, even when they fall short.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And David
דָּוִ֗ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

inquired
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

of
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the young man
הַנַּ֙עַר֙ (han·na·‘ar)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

who had brought him the report,
הַמַּגִּ֣יד (ham·mag·gîḏ)
Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

“Where
אֵ֥י (’ê)
Interrogative
Strong's 335: Where?, how?

are you from?”
אָ֑תָּה (’āt·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

“I am the son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of a foreigner,”
גֵּ֥ר (gêr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1616: A guest, a foreigner

he answered.
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“I am
אָנֹֽכִי׃ (’ā·nō·ḵî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

an Amalekite.”
עֲמָלֵקִ֖י (‘ă·mā·lê·qî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6003: Amalekites -- descendants of Amalek


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OT History: 2 Samuel 1:13 David said to the young man who (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 1:12
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