1 Samuel 30:31
and to those in Hebron and in all the places where David and his men had roamed.
and to those in Hebron
Hebron holds significant historical and spiritual importance in the biblical narrative. The Hebrew root for Hebron is "חֶבְרוֹן" (Chevron), which means "association" or "alliance." Hebron was a city of refuge and a Levitical city, indicating its spiritual significance. It was also the place where Abraham settled and where the patriarchs were buried, making it a city rich in heritage and covenantal promise. David's sending of spoils to Hebron signifies his recognition of the city's importance and his desire to honor the alliances and spiritual heritage associated with it. This act foreshadows Hebron's future role as David's first capital when he becomes king over Judah.

and to those in all the places
This phrase underscores the widespread nature of David's generosity and the strategic alliances he maintained. The Hebrew word for "places" is "מְקוֹמוֹת" (mekomot), which can refer to locations or habitations. David's actions here reflect a leader who understands the importance of community and the need to maintain strong relationships with various groups. By sharing the spoils with these places, David not only rewards loyalty but also strengthens his political and social network, which is crucial for his future reign.

where David and his men had roamed
The word "roamed" in Hebrew is "הִתְהַלְּכוּ" (hithaleku), which implies movement, journeying, or wandering. This reflects the period of David's life when he was a fugitive, constantly on the move to evade King Saul. The phrase highlights the transient and often precarious nature of David's existence during this time. Despite the challenges, David's roaming was not aimless; it was a divinely guided journey that prepared him for leadership. The places where David and his men roamed became significant as they were witnesses to God's provision and protection. This phrase serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness during times of uncertainty and the importance of trusting in His guidance through life's journeys.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The anointed future king of Israel, who at this time is leading a group of men while fleeing from King Saul. David is known for his leadership, faith in God, and military prowess.

2. Hebron
A significant city in the history of Israel, later becoming David's first capital as king. It is a place of refuge and alliance for David and his men.

3. David's Men
A group of loyal followers who support David during his time of exile. They are often referred to as "David's mighty men" and are known for their bravery and loyalty.

4. The Amalekites
A nomadic tribe that had raided Ziklag, the city where David and his men were staying, taking their families and possessions. David's pursuit and defeat of the Amalekites is a key event leading up to this verse.

5. Ziklag
The city given to David by the Philistine king Achish, which was raided by the Amalekites. David's recovery of the city and its people is a testament to his leadership and God's provision.
Teaching Points
Generosity and Gratitude
David's distribution of the spoils to various places, including Hebron, demonstrates a heart of generosity and gratitude. Believers are encouraged to share their blessings with others, recognizing God's provision.

Leadership and Responsibility
David's actions show responsible leadership, ensuring that those who supported him were rewarded. Christians in leadership are called to care for and acknowledge those who contribute to their mission.

Trust in God's Provision
The recovery of what was lost to the Amalekites underscores the importance of trusting in God's provision and timing. Believers can find hope in God's ability to restore and bless.

Community and Fellowship
By sending gifts to the elders of Judah, David strengthens community ties and fellowship. Christians are reminded of the importance of building and maintaining strong, supportive relationships within the body of Christ.

Faithfulness in Trials
David's journey from Ziklag to Hebron illustrates faithfulness amidst trials. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting that God is working through their circumstances.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's distribution of the spoils reflect his character and leadership qualities? How can we apply these qualities in our own lives?

2. In what ways does the city of Hebron play a significant role in David's life and the history of Israel? How can understanding this context enrich our reading of 1 Samuel 30:31?

3. How does David's response to the Amalekite raid demonstrate trust in God's provision? What situations in your life require a similar trust?

4. What can we learn from David's actions about the importance of community and fellowship in our spiritual journey?

5. How does the account of David's recovery of Ziklag and his subsequent actions encourage us to remain faithful during challenging times? What other biblical examples can you think of that illustrate this principle?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 30:1-30
Provides the context of the Amalekite raid on Ziklag and David's subsequent pursuit and victory, leading to the distribution of the spoils to various places, including Hebron.

2 Samuel 2:1-4
Describes David's anointing as king over Judah in Hebron, highlighting the city's importance in his rise to power.

Genesis 13:18
Mentions Hebron as a place where Abraham settled, establishing its historical and spiritual significance.

Psalm 18:50
Celebrates God's deliverance and favor upon David, reflecting the themes of victory and divine support seen in 1 Samuel 30.
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
Accustomed, David, Haunt, Hebron, Places, Resort, Roamed, Stay, Wont
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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