1 Samuel 30:30
to those in Hormah, Bor-ashan, and Athach;
to those in Hormah
Hormah, meaning "devotion" or "destruction" in Hebrew, is a city with a significant history in the biblical narrative. It was initially a place of defeat for the Israelites (Numbers 14:45) but later became a site of victory (Judges 1:17). This duality reflects the transformative power of God’s grace and the importance of perseverance in faith. The mention of Hormah here signifies the restoration and blessing that comes after trials, reminding believers that God can turn past failures into future triumphs.

Bor-ashan
Bor-ashan, which can be translated as "well of smoke" or "pit of smoke," is a location whose exact historical and geographical details are not well-documented. The name itself suggests a place that might have been associated with industry or activity, possibly a site of refining or purification. In a spiritual sense, this can symbolize the refining process believers undergo, where trials and challenges serve to purify and strengthen faith, much like how smoke rises from a refining fire.

and Athach
Athach is another location mentioned in this passage, though it is not widely referenced elsewhere in the Bible. The inclusion of Athach, along with the other cities, highlights the comprehensive nature of David’s outreach and generosity. It underscores the biblical principle of community and the importance of sharing God’s blessings with others. This act of giving to various towns reflects the unity and interconnectedness of God’s people, encouraging believers to extend kindness and support to their broader community.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The anointed future king of Israel, who is leading his men after a significant victory over the Amalekites.

2. Hormah
A city in the southern part of Judah, historically significant as a place of defeat and later victory for the Israelites.

3. Bor-ashan
A location mentioned in the context of David's distribution of spoils, though not much is known about it.

4. Athach
Another location receiving part of the spoils, indicating David's widespread influence and generosity.

5. The Amalekites
A nomadic tribe that had raided Ziklag, prompting David's pursuit and eventual victory.
Teaching Points
Generosity in Leadership
David's distribution of the spoils demonstrates a leader's responsibility to care for and support his people. Leaders today can learn from David's example of generosity and fairness.

Restoration and Reconciliation
By sending gifts to the elders of Judah, David not only restores what was lost but also strengthens relationships. This teaches the importance of reconciliation and community building.

God's Faithfulness in Victory
The victory over the Amalekites and the subsequent sharing of spoils remind us of God's faithfulness in delivering His people and providing for their needs.

Strategic Alliances
David's actions in sending gifts to various cities can be seen as a strategic move to solidify alliances and support for his future kingship. This highlights the importance of building strong, supportive relationships in our own lives.

Historical Significance and Memory
The mention of places like Hormah serves as a reminder of past victories and God's continued presence with His people. Reflecting on our own history can strengthen our faith and trust in God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's distribution of the spoils reflect his character and leadership qualities? What can we learn from this about being generous leaders in our own communities?

2. In what ways does the historical significance of places like Hormah enhance our understanding of God's faithfulness to Israel? How can reflecting on our own past experiences of God's faithfulness encourage us today?

3. How does David's approach to reconciliation and community building through the distribution of spoils apply to our relationships and communities today?

4. What strategic alliances or relationships in your life need strengthening, and how can you apply David's example to build these connections?

5. How does the account of David's victory over the Amalekites and the subsequent sharing of spoils encourage you to trust in God's provision and deliverance in your own life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 30:26-31
This passage provides context for verse 30, detailing David's distribution of the spoils to various cities in Judah, emphasizing his leadership and generosity.

Numbers 21:3
This verse recounts the Israelites' victory over the Canaanites at Hormah, connecting to the historical significance of the location.

1 Samuel 15:3
God's command to Saul to destroy the Amalekites, highlighting the ongoing conflict between Israel and Amalek.
David in Three SituationsC. Bradley, M. A.1 Samuel 30:1-31
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
Ashan, Athach, A'thach, Bor, Borashan, Bor-ashan, Borash'an, Chorashan, Chor-ashan, Hormah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 30:26-31

     7719   elders, as leaders

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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