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.”

Berean Literal Bible
And David said to the young man who told him, “From where are you?” And he answered, “I am a son of a sojourning man, 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.”

Berean Annotated Bible
And David (beloved) 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 (people of lapping).

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."

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.
Majority Text Translations
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.”

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.”

Berean Literal Bible
And David said to the young man who told him, “From where are you?” And he answered, “I am a son of a sojourning man, 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
And David inquired of the young man who had brought him the report,

2 Samuel 18:31-32
Just then the Cushite came and said, “May my lord the king hear the good news: Today the LORD has avenged you of all who rose up against you!” / The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” And the Cushite replied, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up against you to harm you be like that young man.”

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!
“Where are you from?”

1 Samuel 30:13
Then David asked him, “To whom do you belong, and where are you from?” “I am an Egyptian,” he replied, “the slave of an Amalekite. My master abandoned me three days ago when I fell ill.

Joshua 9:8
“We are your servants,” they said to Joshua. Then Joshua asked them, “Who are you and where have you come from?”

Genesis 42:7
And when Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he treated them as strangers and spoke harshly to them. “Where have you come from?” he asked. “From the land of Canaan,” they replied. “We are here to buy food.”
“I am the son of a foreigner,” he answered.

Psalm 39:12
Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. For I am a foreigner dwelling with You, a stranger like all my fathers.

Ruth 2:10
At this, she fell on her face, bowing low to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you should take notice of me, even though I am a foreigner?”

Genesis 23:4
“I am a foreigner and an outsider among you. Give me a burial site among you so that I can bury my dead.”
“I am an Amalekite.”

Deuteronomy 25:17-19
Remember what the Amalekites did to you along your way from Egypt, / how they met you on your journey when you were tired and weary, and they attacked all your stragglers; they had no fear of God. / When the LORD your God gives you rest from the enemies around you in the land that He is giving you to possess as an inheritance, you are to blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget!

1 Samuel 15:2-3
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘I witnessed what the Amalekites did to the Israelites when they opposed them on their way up from Egypt. / Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”

Exodus 17:14-16
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as a reminder and recite it to Joshua, because I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” / And Moses built an altar and named it The LORD Is My Banner. / “Indeed,” he said, “a hand was lifted up toward the throne of the LORD. The LORD will war against Amalek from generation to generation.”
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.

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.”


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.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 1:13?

2. Why did David inquire about the young man's origins in 2 Samuel 1:13?

3. How does David's reaction reflect his respect for God's anointed in 2 Samuel?

4. What does 2 Samuel 1:13 teach about accountability and truthfulness before God?

5. How can we apply David's discernment from 2 Samuel 1:13 in our lives?

6. Connect 2 Samuel 1:13 with Proverbs 12:22 on the importance of honesty.

7. Why did David ask the young man about his origins in 2 Samuel 1:13?

8. What does 2 Samuel 1:13 reveal about David's character and leadership?

9. How does 2 Samuel 1:13 fit into the broader narrative of David's rise to power?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 1?

11. 2 Samuel 1:13–16: Why would David execute the Amalekite based solely on his own confession with no corroborating witnesses?

12. Why does 1 Chronicles 18:12 credit Abishai with killing 18,000 Edomites, while 2 Samuel 8:13 attributes the same victory to David?

13. In 2 Samuel 2:4, why is David anointed again when he was already anointed in 1 Samuel 16:13?

14. Who incited David to count the fighting men of Israel? God did (2 Samuel 24: 1) Satan did (I Chronicles 2 1:1)
What Does 2 Samuel 1:13 Mean
And David inquired of the young man who had brought him the report,

• David has already heard the shocking news of Saul’s and Jonathan’s deaths (2 Samuel 1:2-10). Before acting, he pauses to examine the facts—he wants more than hearsay (compare Proverbs 18:13; Deuteronomy 17:6).

• By questioning, David models the discernment expected of a future king: “Then David said to the young man who had brought him the report, ‘How do you know that Saul and Jonathan are dead?’ ” (2 Samuel 1:5).

• His careful inquiry reflects the habit he showed at Keilah and Ziklag—always seeking confirmation before deciding (1 Samuel 23:2-4; 30:7-8).

• The episode reminds us that grief does not suspend the need for truth or justice. Even in lament (2 Samuel 1:11-12) David’s first response is accountability.


“Where are you from?”

• Identity is crucial. If the messenger were an Israelite, the legal and covenant implications would differ from those for a foreigner (Deuteronomy 23:3; Numbers 35:30-31).

• The question also tests motive. David has encountered opportunists before—Doeg the Edomite boasted of aiding Saul to slaughter the priests (1 Samuel 22:9-10). David will not repeat that tragedy by accepting unverified claims.

• Asking “Where are you from?” guards Israel’s throne from manipulation (2 Samuel 4:10). A true shepherd safeguards both flock and crown.


“I am the son of a foreigner,” he answered.

• The phrase indicates a resident alien—one living among Israel without full covenant status (Exodus 12:48; Leviticus 19:34).

• By stressing he is “the son” of such a man, the messenger distances himself from tribal loyalties. Perhaps he expects David to reward an outsider who aided him.

• Yet this self-designation quietly signals vulnerability. Foreigners enjoyed limited protections but could also be judged for capital offenses (Leviticus 24:22). David hears that the man claims no covenant allegiance, so any plea for special mercy is weakened.

• The line also exposes the messenger’s miscalculation: David’s loyalty to God’s order outweighs any political gain a foreign mercenary might offer.


“I am an Amalekite.”

• Now the identity is complete—and disastrous. God had declared perpetual enmity with Amalek (Exodus 17:14-16; Deuteronomy 25:17-19).

• Saul’s great failure had been sparing Amalek’s king (1 Samuel 15:2-9). An Amalekite boasting of finishing Saul’s life only magnifies the irony: the very enemy Saul failed to destroy claims to have destroyed Saul.

• David had just rescued Ziklag from an Amalekite raid (1 Samuel 30:1, 17-20). Hearing the name stirs fresh memories of plunder and grief.

• By admitting Amalekite status, the young man unwittingly signs his own sentence. David will soon declare, “Your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed’” (2 Samuel 1:16).

• The episode underscores God’s consistent standard: neither nationality nor opportunism excuses lifting a hand against His anointed (1 Samuel 24:6; 26:9).


summary

2 Samuel 1:13 shows David pausing amid sorrow to interrogate a messenger whose self-disclosure seals his fate. Each question peels back a layer: Who is this man? What allegiance does he hold? When the answer proves he is an Amalekite—people under divine judgment—David sees the gravity. The verse teaches that God’s king must prize truth, uphold covenant principles, and judge impartially, even when information arrives wrapped in apparent benefit. David’s discernment foreshadows the flawless justice of the greater Son of David, who always judges “with righteousness” (Isaiah 11:3-5).

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)
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