Study 41: 1 Samuel 30: 1-31: Trent Evans

In 1 Samuel 30, we witness one of the most powerful restoration stories in David’s life. After 16 months of living in Philistine territory and distancing himself from God, David returns to Ziklag only to find it burned and his family taken captive. In his lowest moment—rejected by enemies and nearly stoned by his own men—David strengthens himself in the Lord. This message explores the road to restoration: remembering God, seeking His direction, responding in obedience, fighting necessary battles, and becoming a channel of mercy. Ultimately, this passage reveals that restoration is not just something God does for us—it is something He works through us, all made possible through the greater restoration secured by Jesus Christ.

Sermon Outline

1. God Rescues David from Himself

(00:01–02:26)

Text: 1 Samuel 29–30:1

David had aligned with the Philistines, but God mercifully removed him from fighting against Israel. Even our missteps cannot override God’s sovereign purposes.

2. The Cost of Distance from God

(08:59–14:19)

Text: 1 Samuel 30:1–6a

Ziklag is burned. Families are taken. David’s men consider stoning him. Sixteen months without seeking the Lord leads to exhaustion, fear, and loss.

3. Strengthening Yourself in the Lord

(18:16–19:18)

Text: 1 Samuel 30:6

David “strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” Restoration begins when we return personally and intentionally to God.

4. Remembering God’s Faithfulness

(23:02–24:37)

Texts: Psalm 18:6; 1 John 1:9; Philippians 2:13

Restoration requires remembering God’s character—His faithfulness, mercy, and ongoing purpose for our lives.

5. Seeking God’s Direction

(24:05–28:00)

Text: 1 Samuel 30:7–8

David calls for the ephod and inquires of the Lord. Restoration requires renewed dependence and obedience.

6. Moving Forward in Obedience

(29:17–32:30)

Text: 1 Samuel 30:9–15

David and 600 men pursue the Amalekites. Along the way, they minister to an abandoned Egyptian servant—God’s provision appears “along the way.”

7. Fighting Necessary Battles

(36:36–45:05)

Text: 1 Samuel 30:16–20

Restoration does not eliminate conflict. Sometimes we must confront consequences born of our own choices.

8. Mercy as Evidence of Restoration

(50:09–53:08)

Text: 1 Samuel 30:21–25; Luke 7:36–50

David shares the plunder equally. A restored heart becomes merciful and generous.

9. Restoration That Spreads (53:16–55:30)

Text: 1 Samuel 30:26–31

David blesses Judah with gifts. Restoration flows outward. God prepares him for kingship through reconciliation.

10. Christ: The Greater Restoration

(58:11–End)

Texts: 1 Corinthians 11:23–26

Communion reminds us that ultimate restoration comes through Jesus—the true King who restores us to the Father.

Scripture References

1. 1 Samuel 29–30:1 (00:01–02:26) – God removes David from fighting Israel.

2. 1 Samuel 30:1–6a (08:59–14:19) – Ziklag destroyed; David in danger.

3. 1 Samuel 30:6 (18:16–19:18) – David strengthens himself in the Lord.

4. 1 Samuel 26:13 (15:13–19:18 reference) – Jonathan previously strengthened David in God.

5. Psalm 18:6 (22:16–22:46) – David’s cry in distress.

6. 1 John 1:9 (23:02–24:19) – God’s faithfulness to forgive.

7. Philippians 2:13 (25:00–25:25) – God works in us to fulfill His purpose.

8. 1 Samuel 30:7–8 (24:05–28:00) – David seeks the Lord through the ephod.

9. 1 Samuel 30:9–15 (29:17–35:00) – Egyptian servant leads them to the Amalekites.

10. 1 Samuel 30:16–20 (36:36–48:06) – Complete recovery of all that was taken.

11. 1 Samuel 30:21–25 (50:09–53:08) – Sharing the plunder equally.

12. Luke 7:36–50 (54:55–52:58 reference flow) – Those forgiven much love much.

13. 1 Samuel 30:26–31 (53:16–55:30) – Gifts sent to Judah.

14. 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 (58:11–End) – Communion and remembrance.

Word Study

Word: Strengthened

Original Language: Hebrew

Original Word: חָזַק (Chazaq)

Strong’s Number: H2388

Pronunciation: khaw-ZAK

Simple Definition: To strengthen, make firm, prevail.

Extended Definition:To grow firm, to seize, to hold fast, to fortify oneself. Often used to describe God strengthening His people for battle or resolve.

First Mention: Genesis 41:57 (famine “severe” – strengthened)

Key Supporting Passages:

• Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous.”

• 2 Samuel 3:1 – David “grew stronger.”

• Ephesians 6:10 – “Be strong in the Lord.”

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Synonyms: Fortify, encourage, upholdAntonyms: Weaken, abandon, falter

Connection to Sermon Theme:David did not wait for someone else to encourage him. He actively positioned himself in God’s presence. Restoration begins when we choose to be strengthened in the Lord. Ultimately, Jesus is the greater David who perfectly trusted the Father and now strengthens us through the Holy Spirit.

Questions for Deeper Study

1. Where in your life might God be inviting you to “strengthen yourself in the Lord” instead of relying on your own resources?

2. Is there a battle connected to past decisions that God is calling you to confront in obedience and humility?

3. How can you become a channel of mercy and restoration to others as evidence of what Christ has done in you?