1 Samuel 30:23
But David said, "My brothers, you must not do this with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and delivered into our hands the raiders who came against us.
But David said
This phrase introduces David as the speaker, highlighting his role as a leader and a man after God's own heart. In the Hebrew text, the name "David" (דָּוִד) is significant, meaning "beloved." David's leadership is characterized by his reliance on God and his ability to unify and guide his people through challenging circumstances. His words often reflect wisdom and a deep understanding of God's will.

My brothers
David addresses his men as "brothers," emphasizing unity and equality among them. This term fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. In the context of ancient Israel, the concept of brotherhood was crucial for maintaining social cohesion and mutual support, especially in times of conflict and recovery.

you must not do this
David's directive is firm, indicating a moral and ethical stance. The Hebrew verb used here implies a prohibition, underscoring the importance of acting justly and righteously. David is guiding his men away from selfishness and towards a more equitable distribution of the spoils, reflecting God's justice.

with what the LORD has given us
This phrase acknowledges God's sovereignty and provision. The Hebrew name for "LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh) is the covenant name of God, reminding the Israelites of His faithfulness and promises. David recognizes that their victory and the spoils are gifts from God, not merely the result of their own efforts.

He has protected us
David attributes their safety and success to God's protection. The Hebrew root for "protected" (שָׁמַר, shamar) conveys the idea of guarding or keeping safe. This reflects a recurring biblical theme where God is seen as a shield and protector of His people, reinforcing their trust in His divine care.

and delivered into our hands
The phrase "delivered into our hands" signifies God's active involvement in granting them victory. The Hebrew verb for "delivered" (נָתַן, natan) means to give or bestow, indicating that their triumph was a divine gift. This underscores the belief that God orchestrates events for the benefit of His people.

the raiding party that came against us
This refers to the Amalekite raiders who attacked Ziklag. Historically, the Amalekites were long-standing enemies of Israel, often representing opposition to God's people. David's victory over them is not just a military success but a spiritual triumph, symbolizing God's power to overcome evil and protect His covenant community.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The anointed king of Israel, known for his leadership and reliance on God. In this passage, he demonstrates wisdom and fairness.

2. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is acknowledged as the source of victory and protection.

3. The Raiding Party
Refers to the Amalekites who had attacked Ziklag, taking captives and plundering the city.

4. Ziklag
A Philistine town given to David, which was attacked and plundered by the Amalekites.

5. David's Men
The group of warriors who followed David, some of whom were initially unwilling to share the spoils of victory with those who stayed behind.
Teaching Points
Acknowledging God's Sovereignty
Recognize that victories and blessings come from the LORD. David attributes the success to God, reminding us to give credit to Him for our achievements.

Unity and Fairness
David's decision to share the spoils equally teaches us about the importance of unity and fairness within a community. It encourages us to consider the needs and contributions of all members, not just those on the front lines.

Leadership and Wisdom
David exemplifies wise leadership by making a decision that promotes harmony and sets a precedent for future generations. Leaders today can learn from his example to make decisions that benefit the whole community.

Gratitude and Generosity
By sharing the spoils, David demonstrates gratitude and generosity. We are called to be generous with what God has given us, recognizing that it is not solely for our benefit.

Dependence on God
David's inquiry of the LORD before pursuing the raiders shows his dependence on God for guidance. We are reminded to seek God's direction in our decisions and actions.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's response to the situation in 1 Samuel 30:23 reflect his understanding of God's role in their victory?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of fairness and unity demonstrated by David in our own communities or workplaces?

3. How does the concept of sharing the spoils equally relate to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, particularly in the parable of the workers in the vineyard?

4. What are some practical ways we can acknowledge God's sovereignty and provision in our daily lives?

5. How can we cultivate a spirit of gratitude and generosity, as demonstrated by David, in our personal and communal relationships?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 30:8
Earlier in the chapter, David inquires of the LORD whether he should pursue the raiding party, showing his dependence on divine guidance.

1 Samuel 30:24-25
David establishes a principle of sharing the spoils equally, which becomes a statute in Israel, reflecting fairness and unity.

Matthew 20:1-16
The parable of the workers in the vineyard, where Jesus teaches about the kingdom of heaven and the fairness of God's grace.

James 1:17
Emphasizes that every good and perfect gift is from above, aligning with David's acknowledgment of God's provision.
David in Three SituationsC. Bradley, M. A.1 Samuel 30:1-31
Tarrying by the StuffT. De Witt Talmage, D. D.1 Samuel 30:21-25
The Statute of David for the Sharing of the SpoilSpurgeon, Charles Haddon1 Samuel 30:21-25
The Fruits of VictoryB. Dale 1 Samuel 30:21-31
People
Abiathar, Abigail, Ahimelech, Ahinoam, Amalekites, Caleb, Cherethites, David, Eshtemoa, Jerahmeelites, Jezreel, Jezreelitess, Jizreelitess, Kenites, Kerethites, Nabal
Places
Besor, Bethel, Bor-ashan, Carmel, Egypt, Eshtemoa, Hebron, Hormah, Jattir, Negeb, Negev, Racal, Ramoth, Siphmoth, Ziklag
Topics
Band, Brethren, Brothers, Company, David, Delivered, Forces, Handed, Hands, Kept, Preserve, Preserved, Protected, Replied, Safe, Troop
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 30:22-23

     5661   brothers

Library
At the Front or the Base
'As his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff.'--1 Samuel xxx. 24. David's city of Ziklag had been captured by the Amalekites, while he and all his men who could carry arms were absent, serving in the army of Achish, the Philistine king of Gath. On their return they found ruin, their homes harried, their wives, children, and property carried off. Wearied already with their long march, they set off at once in pursuit of the spoilers, who had had a
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Secret of Courage
'But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.'--1 Samuel xxx. 6. David was at perhaps the very lowest ebb of his fortunes. He had long been a wandering outlaw, and had finally been driven, by Saul's persistent hostility, to take refuge in the Philistines' country. He had gathered around himself a band of desperate men, and was living very much like a freebooter. He had found refuge in a little city of the Philistines, far down in the South, from which he and his men had marched as a contingent
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Statute of David for the Sharing of the Spoil
THOSE WHO ASSOCIATE themselves with a leader must share his fortunes. Six hundred men had quitted their abodes in Judaea; unable to endure the tyranny of Saul they had linked themselves with David, and made him to be a captain over them. They were, some of them, the best of men, and some of them were the worst: in this, resembling our congregations. Some of them were choice spirits, whom David would have sought, but others were undesirable persons, from whom he might gladly have been free. However,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

Thirdly, for Thy Actions.
1. Do no evil, though thou mightest; for God will not suffer the least sin, without bitter repentance, to escape unpunished. Leave not undone any good that thou canst. But do nothing without a calling, nor anything in thy calling, till thou hast first taken counsel at God's word (1 Sam. xxx. 8) of its lawfulness, and pray for his blessings upon thy endeavour; and then do it in the name of God, with cheerfulness of heart, committing the success to him, in whose power it is to bless with his grace
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Bright Dawn of a Reign
'And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the Lord said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And He said, Unto Hebron. 2. So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail, Nabal's wife, the Carmelite. 3. And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron. 4. And the men of Judah came, and there
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Canaan
Canaan was the inheritance which the Israelites won for themselves by the sword. Their ancestors had already settled in it in patriarchal days. Abraham "the Hebrew" from Babylonia had bought in it a burying-place near Hebron; Jacob had purchased a field near Shechem, where he could water his flocks from his own spring. It was the "Promised Land" to which the serfs of the Pharaoh in Goshen looked forward when they should again become free men and find a new home for themselves. Canaan had ever been
Archibald Sayce—Early Israel and the Surrounding Nations

Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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