שמואל א, פרק ל׳, פסוק י״ג

Once the man found collapsed in the field finally regains his strength, David approaches him to uncover his identity and understand the circumstances that led him to this desolate place [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Seeking clarity, David asks the young man two distinct questions: he wants to know who his master is, and from which nation or region he originates [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון].

The young man responds to these inquiries systematically. Addressing his origins first, he explains that he is a servant of Egyptian descent [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. He then clarifies his ownership, stating that he is enslaved to an Amalekite man [מלבי״ם].

Eager to explain his dire situation, the young man emphasizes that he is not a runaway slave. Instead, his master deliberately abandoned him [מלבי״ם]. He clarifies that he was not left behind as a punishment for any wrongdoing, but simply because he fell ill [מלבי״ם]. Weakened by his sickness, he was unable to maintain his master's marching pace. Seeing no reason to offer any help, his master callously left him behind on the road [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Concluding his account, the young man notes that exactly three days have passed since the onset of his illness [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].