Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Samuel 30:1-6

"And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had made a raid upon the South, and upon Ziklag, and had smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire, and had taken captive the women [and all] that were therein, both small and great: they slew not any, but carried them off, and went their way. And when David and his men came to the city, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captive. Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep. And David`s two wives were taken captive, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite. And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David strengthened himself in Jehovah his God." — 1 Samuel 30:1-6 (ASV)

When we go out in the course of our duty, we may confidently hope that God will take care of our families in our absence, but not otherwise. If, when we return from a journey, we find our home in peace and not destroyed—a mercy David did not find here—let the Lord be praised for it. David's men grumbled against him.

Great faith must expect such severe trials. But observe that David was brought so low only just before he was raised to the throne. When things are at their worst with the church and people of God, then they begin to improve. David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.

His men fretted over their loss; the people were deeply bitter. Their own discontent and impatience added to the affliction and misery. But David bore it better, though he had more reason than any of them to lament it. They gave free rein to their emotions, but he set his graces to work; and while they discouraged each other, he, by encouraging himself in God, kept his spirit calm.

Those who have made the Lord their God may find encouragement from Him in the worst of times.