Berean Study Bible The Amalekites Raid ZiklagDavid and his men returned from the Philistine campaign after a three-day journey. 2Sa 1:2 On the third day a man with torn clothes and dust… David and his men arrived in Ziklag, Ziklag was the city Achish, king of Gath, had given David as a refuge during his flight from Saul. 1Ch 12:1 Now these were the men who came to David at Ziklag,… and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, Taking advantage of David’s absence, the Amalekites raided settlements in the southern region. 1Sa 27:8 Now David and his men went up and raided… attacked Ziklag, They targeted David’s home and the families of his men, exposing the insecurity of their situation among the Philistines. Exo 17:8-16 After this, the Amalekites came and attacked… and burned it down. The destruction left David and his followers without their possessions or homes and led to a severe crisis that would test David’s leadership and dependence on the Lord. Jos 6:24 Then the Israelites burned up the city and everything in it.… They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. The Amalekites raided Ziklag, a city given to David by the Philistine king Achish, while David and his men were absent, seizing the entire population without regard for age or status. Their attack continued their long hostility toward Israel and left David’s households, including his two wives, in captivity. Num 31:9-11 The Israelites captured the Midianite women… They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way. Rather than destroying the inhabitants, the raiders drove them away as captives, likely intending to profit from them through slavery or ransom. Their preservation of the captives made David’s pursuit and recovery possible, turning a devastating loss into a deliverance for every family in Ziklag. Num 31:18 but spare for yourselves every girl… When David and his men came to the city, When David and his men returned to Ziklag, the Philistine city Achish had given David during his exile from Saul, they faced uncertainty after being dismissed from the Philistine army. Caught between Israel and the Philistines, David’s position remained precarious. Neh 2:13 So I went out at night through the Valley Gate… they found it burned down When David and his men returned to Ziklag, they found that the Amalekites had raided the undefended city, burned it, and carried off its inhabitants. Israel had long known the Amalekites as hostile raiders, and their attack left Ziklag devastated. Jdg 18:27 After they had taken Micah’s idols and his priest… and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. The Amalekites carried away the inhabitants, including David’s wives Ahinoam and Abigail. The loss of their families and homes brought David and his men to a moment of deep grief and tested David’s leadership. 2Ch 28:8 Then the Israelites took 200,000 captives from their kinsmen… So David and the troops with him David returned to Ziklag with the men who had followed him through Saul’s persecution. Their households had shared the hardships of exile in Philistine territory, and the loss of their families struck the entire community. 1Sa 27:2 So David set out with his six hundred men… lifted up their voices and wept Finding the city burned and their wives and children carried away by the Amalekites overwhelmed David and his men. Their grief was open and shared, revealing the depth of their attachment to their families and to one another. Jdg 2:4 When the angel of the LORD had spoken these words… until they had no strength left to weep. Sorrow left them physically spent and without any immediate answer to their crisis. David faced the same loss as his men, yet this desperate moment would lead him to seek the Lord’s direction. Lam 2:11 My eyes fail from weeping; I am churning within.… David’s two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail were among David’s household at Ziklag. Their capture made the Amalekite attack deeply personal to David as well as devastating to his men. 1Sa 27:3 David and his men settled in Gath with Achish.… Ahinoam of Jezreel Ahinoam was David’s wife during his years as a fugitive from Saul. Jezreel was likely a town in the hill country of Judah, near the region where David had lived and served. 1Sa 25:43 David had also married Ahinoam of Jezreel.… and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel, Abigail became David’s wife after Nabal’s death. Her earlier actions had restrained David from shedding innocent blood, revealing her wisdom and courage. Carmel was a town in Judah associated with Nabal’s wealth and flocks. 1Sa 25:39-42 On hearing that Nabal was dead, David said,… had been taken captive. The Amalekites carried away the women and children from Ziklag but did not kill them. David faced the loss of his own family alongside the grief and anger of his men, yet God later enabled him to recover all that had been taken. Gen 14:14 And when Abram heard that his relative had been captured… And David was greatly distressed David returned to Ziklag after the Amalekites had burned the city and carried away its inhabitants, including his wives and children. His anguish was compounded by the collapse of his men’s confidence in him and by his responsibility for their families. 2Sa 15:30 But David continued up the Mount of Olives,… because the people spoke of stoning him, Grief turned to anger, and the men held David accountable for the disaster. Though they had followed him into Philistine territory, they now considered killing the leader who had shared their loss. Exo 17:4 Then Moses cried out to the LORD, “What should I do…”… because the soul of every man grieved for his sons and daughters. The captives’ fate was unknown, and each man mourned the loss of his family. Their sorrow was deeply personal, yet it threatened to divide the entire company at the moment they most needed unity. Gen 37:34-35 Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist,… But David found strength in the LORD his God. David did not yield to fear or seek escape from his men. He turned to the Lord, who had called and preserved him, and found the strength to act with faith and wisdom. 1Sa 23:16 And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh…
David Destroys the AmalekitesAbiathar had escaped Saul’s slaughter of the priests at Nob and had joined David in exile. His presence provided David with access to the priestly ministry and marked God’s preservation of the line of Ahimelech despite Saul’s violence. 1Sa 22:20-23 But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped.… “Bring me the ephod.” Facing grief, danger, and the threat of losing the loyalty of his men, David did not act impulsively. He sought the Lord’s direction through the appointed means of priestly inquiry. 1Sa 23:9-12 When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him… So Abiathar brought it to him, Abiathar faithfully served David by bringing the ephod, enabling him to seek God’s will before pursuing the Amalekites. 1Sa 23:6 Now Abiathar son of Ahimelech had brought the ephod with him… and David inquired of the LORD: With Ziklag burned and their families taken, David did not act on grief or anger alone. He sought the Lord’s direction before mobilizing his men, likely through the priest Abiathar and the ephod. 1Sa 23:2 So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and… “Should I pursue these raiders? The Amalekites had attacked the undefended city while David and his men were away. Though pursuit seemed necessary, David waited for God’s command rather than assuming the course of action. 1Sa 14:37 So Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down… Will I overtake them?” David needed assurance that the pursuit would succeed and that the captives could be recovered. The situation was urgent, and his force was weakened by exhaustion and sorrow. Exo 15:9 The enemy declared, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake.… “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, The Lord answered clearly, directing David to act. God’s command turned a desperate pursuit into a mission undertaken with divine assurance. 1Sa 23:4 Once again, David inquired of the LORD… “for you will surely overtake them The promised outcome left no uncertainty: David would catch the Amalekites despite the distance and the time already lost. Deu 19:6 Otherwise, the avenger of blood might pursue… and rescue the captives.” God promised complete deliverance. David would recover the people taken from Ziklag, including his own wives and the families of his men. Gen 14:16 He retrieved all the goods, as well as his relative Lot… So David and his six hundred men David led the force that had remained with him through years of hardship while fleeing Saul. Though comparatively small, these men were disciplined and devoted, forming the core of his military strength. 1Sa 23:13 Then David and his men, about six hundred strong,… went to the Brook of Besor, Located in the southern region near the Negev, the brook provided water and a needed stopping place during the urgent pursuit of the Amalekite raiders who had attacked Ziklag and carried off its people. Jos 15:4 It proceeded to Azmon, joined the Brook of Egypt… where some stayed behind Two hundred men were too exhausted to continue. They remained to guard the supplies while the others pressed on, setting the circumstances for David’s later decision that all would share in the recovered plunder. 1Sa 14:28 Then one of the soldiers told him, “Your father”… because two hundred men were too exhausted to cross the brook. David’s men had marched from Philistine territory to Ziklag, discovered the destruction of their city, and then set out immediately after the Amalekite raiders. At the Brook Besor, two hundred were unable to continue. Their condition reflects the severe physical strain of the journey and the grief of finding their families carried away. 1Sa 14:31 That day, after the Israelites had struck down… But David and four hundred men continued in pursuit. David did not abandon the rescue effort because part of his force had to remain behind. With the four hundred who were able to go on, he pressed forward in obedience to God’s direction, determined to recover the captives and what the Amalekites had taken. Jdg 8:4 Then Gideon and his three hundred men… Now his men found an Egyptian in the field David’s men discovered a young Egyptian who had been abandoned by the Amalekites after becoming ill. His presence confirmed that the raiders had passed through the area and provided an unexpected means of locating them. Gen 16:7-10 Now the angel of the LORD found Hagar by a spring of water… and brought him to David. David’s men brought the weakened stranger to their leader rather than ignoring him. The encounter would prove crucial to David’s pursuit of the Amalekites. 2Sa 4:8-9 They brought the head of Ish-bosheth to David at Hebron… They gave the man water to drink and food to eat— Though the Egyptian belonged to the company that had attacked Ziklag, David’s men first met his immediate need. Restored by food and water, he was able to tell David where the Amalekite raiding party had gone. 2Ki 6:22-23 “Do not kill them,” he replied. “Would you kill those… a piece of a fig cake and two clusters of raisins. These portable foods provided quick nourishment for a man weakened by hunger and exposure. David’s men met an immediate physical need, showing mercy to an abandoned servant. 1Sa 25:18 Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread… So he ate and was revived, Food and water restored his strength after severe deprivation. His recovery enabled him to speak with David and later guide the men to the Amalekite camp. Jdg 15:19 So God opened up the hollow place in Lehi… for he had not had any food or water for three days and three nights. His Amalekite master had left him behind when he became sick, treating him as expendable. His condition underscores both the cruelty of the raiders and the timely compassion shown by David’s men. Act 9:9 For three days he was without sight, and he did not eat… Then David asked him, “To whom do you belong, and where are you from?” David needed to know whether the man was connected to the raiders and whether he could provide reliable information about their movements. His questions established the man’s identity, master, and homeland before David acted on what he learned. Gen 32:17 He instructed the one in the lead, “When my brother… “I am an Egyptian,” he replied, The man was a foreigner in the land of Judah, likely taken or acquired by Amalekite raiders. Though not an Israelite, he became an important witness to the location and actions of David’s enemies. Act 21:38 Aren’t you the Egyptian who incited a rebellion…… “the slave of an Amalekite. He belonged to an Amalekite master, placing him within the company that had attacked Ziklag and carried away its people and possessions. The Amalekites had long opposed Israel and continued to act as violent raiders. Lev 25:44-46 Your menservants and maidservants shall come… My master abandoned me three days ago when I fell ill. Unable to continue traveling, he was left behind without care or provision. His abandonment exposed the cruelty of his master and led directly to David’s discovery of the Amalekite force. Mat 25:43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in,… We raided the Negev of the Cherethites, The Amalekites had attacked settlements in the southern region inhabited by the Cherethites, a people closely connected with the Philistines. 1Sa 27:8-10 Now David and his men went up and raided… the territory of Judah, Their raids also struck the southern lands belonging to Judah, exposing Israelite communities to repeated attacks from hostile bands. Jos 15:1-12 Now the allotment for the clans of the tribe of Judah… and the Negev of Caleb, This district was associated with Caleb’s descendants within Judah’s inheritance, showing that the Amalekites had ranged across several settled areas. Jos 15:13-19 According to the LORD’s command to him, Joshua gave… and we burned down Ziklag.” Ziklag, David’s home and base of operations, was burned after its people and possessions were carried away. The servant’s report gave David the direction he needed to pursue the raiders. 1Sa 27:6 That day Achish gave him Ziklag, and to this day… “Will you lead me to these raiders?” David asked. After returning to Ziklag and finding the Amalekites had carried off the people and possessions of the city, David continued the pursuit God had directed. The Egyptian servant, abandoned when he became sick, possessed the information David needed to locate the raiders. 1Sa 23:23 Observe and find out all the places where he hides.… And the man replied, “Swear to me by God that you will not kill me or deliver me into the hand of my master, Fearing death or punishment if returned to the Amalekites, the servant sought David’s solemn assurance of protection. His appeal to God recognized the binding force of an oath made before the God of Israel. Deu 23:15-16 Do not return a slave to his master if he has… and I will lead you to them.” In exchange for safety, the servant agreed to guide David’s men to the Amalekite camp. His rescue and cooperation became the means by which David found the enemy and recovered all that had been taken. 2Ki 6:19-20 And Elisha told them, “This is not the way,… So he led David down, The Egyptian servant led David and his men down to the Amalekite camp, likely into lower terrain, providing the direction David needed after the raid on Ziklag. Exo 13:21 And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud… and there were the Amalekites spread out over all the land, Their camp was widely scattered across the area, reflecting confidence after their successful raids and leaving them unprepared for attack. 1Sa 15:3 Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote… eating, drinking, and celebrating The Amalekites were enjoying their victory and the spoil they had taken, unaware that David was near. Exo 32:6 So the next day they arose, offered burnt offerings… the great amount of plunder they had taken Their wealth included goods and captives seized in raids, including everything taken from Ziklag. Exo 12:36 And the LORD gave the people such favor… from the land of the Philistines and the land of Judah. The Amalekites had attacked both Philistine and Judean territory, showing their hostility toward surrounding peoples and giving David cause to recover what belonged to his men and to Judah. 2Ch 28:18 The Philistines had also raided the cities… And David struck them down from twilight until the evening of the next day. David’s attack caught the Amalekites while they were celebrating their raid on Ziklag. The prolonged battle shows the scale of their force and David’s determination to destroy those who had taken the families and possessions of his people. Having sought the Lord’s direction before pursuing them, David carried out the rescue with decisive leadership. Jos 10:13-14 So the sun stood still and the moon stopped… Not a man escaped, except four hundred young men who fled, The Amalekite defeat was overwhelming, though four hundred young men escaped the battlefield. Their flight shows the collapse of the raiders’ resistance and left only a remnant to report what had happened. Jos 8:22-25 Meanwhile, those in the ambush came out of the city… riding off on camels. The camels gave the fleeing men the speed and endurance needed to escape across the wilderness. Their departure did not lessen David’s victory, for the Amalekites were defeated and all that had been taken from Ziklag was recovered. Jdg 7:12 Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the other people… So David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, Fulfilling the Lord’s assurance, David pursued and overtook the Amalekites, recovering everything they had taken. Their attack had not overturned God’s purpose for David or destroyed the households entrusted to him. Gen 14:16 He retrieved all the goods, as well as his relative Lot… including his two wives. Ahinoam and Abigail had been taken with the other women and children of Ziklag. Their safe return emphasized that nothing belonging to David’s household was lost. In the midst of grief, division, and danger, the Lord preserved David’s family and restored what the Amalekites had seized. 1Sa 27:3 David and his men settled in Gath with Achish.… Nothing was missing, David’s pursuit ended in a complete recovery from the Amalekite raid on Ziklag. The outcome fulfilled the Lord’s assurance that David would overtake the raiders and recover all they had taken. 1Sa 25:21 Now David had just said, “In vain I have protected… young or old, son or daughter, Every captive was restored, regardless of age or family role. The return of wives, children, and the vulnerable preserved the households of David’s men after a loss that had brought them to grief and despair. Exo 10:9 “We will go with our young and old,” Moses replied.… or any of the plunder the Amalekites had taken. The Amalekites lost both the people and goods they had seized. Their defeat reversed the destruction they had caused and displayed God’s protection over David and those with him. 1Sa 27:8 Now David and his men went up and raided… David brought everything back. David acted under the Lord’s direction and led his men to recover all that had been lost. As Israel’s future king, he protected his people and restored their households, anticipating the greater restoration accomplished by Christ. Gen 14:16 He retrieved all the goods, as well as his relative Lot… And he took all the flocks and herds, David recovered the animals taken from Ziklag, along with the possessions seized from other settlements during the Amalekites’ raid. The livestock represented substantial wealth and provided food, trade goods, and security for the people. Num 31:9 The Israelites captured the Midianite women… which his men drove ahead of the other livestock, His men led this additional livestock before the animals recovered from Ziklag, distinguishing it as spoil gained in the pursuit. Their orderly return showed David’s command and the unity of the force that had followed him into battle. Gen 33:13-14 But Jacob replied, “My lord knows that children are frail,… calling out, “This is David’s plunder!” The men publicly credited David with the victory and regarded the spoil as belonging to him as their leader. The declaration anticipates the authority David would later exercise as king, while also marking the Lord’s restoration after the devastation at Ziklag. 1Sa 27:8-9 Now David and his men went up and raided…
The Spoils Are DividedAfter defeating the Amalekites and recovering those taken from Ziklag, David returned to the two hundred men who had remained behind while the other four hundred continued the pursuit. Though they had not entered the battle, they were still part of David’s company and had shared in the hardship of the campaign. 1Sa 25:13 And David said to his men, “Strap on your swords!”… who had been too exhausted to follow him These men had been unable to cross the Brook of Besor because of fatigue. Their condition reflects the demanding march from Ziklag and the strain of recent events, including the loss of their families and possessions. Deu 25:18 how they met you on your journey when you were tired… and who were left behind at the Brook of Besor, The Brook of Besor lay in the southern region near the Negev and served as a stopping point during David’s pursuit. It provided a place where the exhausted men could remain with the supplies while the others went on. 1Ki 17:3-6 “Leave here, turn eastward, and hide yourself”… they came out to meet him and the troops with him. The men welcomed David and the returning force after the victory. Their meeting showed that they remained united with the men who had fought and shared in the relief of recovering their families and goods. 1Sa 18:6 As the troops were returning home after David had killed… As David approached the men, he greeted them, David received them warmly rather than treating them as failures. His conduct prepared the way for his decision that those who guarded the supplies would receive an equal share of the spoil. 1Sa 17:22 Then David left his supplies in the care of… but all the wicked and worthless men among those who had gone with David said, Not every man in David’s force shared David’s faith or judgment. Some who joined him were driven by hardship or self-interest, and their character surfaced after the victory. 1Sa 10:27 But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?”… “Because they did not go with us, Two hundred men had remained at the Besor Valley because they were too exhausted to continue. Though they did not fight in the final pursuit, they had been part of David’s company and had guarded the supplies. Num 31:27 Then divide the captives between the troops… we will not share with them the plunder we recovered, The fighters claimed the recovered goods as their personal reward and sought to exclude those who had stayed behind. Their words ignored that the victory and recovery had come through the Lord’s help and through the combined service of the whole group. Isa 33:23 Your ropes are slack; they cannot secure the mast… except for each man’s wife and children. They were willing to return the families rescued from the Amalekites but denied the exhausted men any share of their possessions. Deu 20:14 But the women, children, livestock, and whatever else… They may take them and go.” Their proposal would have divided David’s followers after a dangerous campaign. David rejected this selfish judgment and established an equal share for those who fought and those who remained with the supplies. Exo 12:32 Take your flocks and herds as well, just as you have said… But David said, As Israel’s anointed future king, David exercised firm and just leadership over his men. 1Sa 24:6 So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid… “My brothers, He appealed to their shared identity and loyalty. 1Ch 28:2 It was in my heart to build a house as a resting place… you must not do this David rejected their attempt to withhold the spoil from those who had guarded the supplies. 1Sa 26:11 But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand… with what the LORD has given us. The victory over the Amalekite raiders belonged to God, not to the men who fought. 1Ch 29:14 But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able…… He has protected us David recognized God’s preservation of the company and their families. Psa 121:7-8 The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will preserve… and delivered into our hands Their success came by God’s intervention. 1Sa 17:47 And all those assembled here will know that it is not… the raiders who came against us. The Amalekites had attacked Ziklag, taken captives, and carried away David’s possessions, but God gave David victory over them. Deu 25:17-19 Remember what the Amalekites did to you along your way… Who will listen to your proposal? David rejects the demand of the wicked and worthless men who wanted to exclude the two hundred exhausted soldiers who had remained at the Besor Ravine. Their service was necessary to the safety and recovery of the whole company. Pro 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,… The share of the one who went to battle The four hundred who pursued the Amalekites had fought courageously and recovered their families, possessions, and additional plunder. Num 31:27 Then divide the captives between the troops… will match the share of the one who stayed with the supplies. Those left behind had guarded the baggage and preserved the resources needed for the pursuit. David recognized that the victory belonged to the entire force, not only to those present in the fighting. Mat 20:8-15 When evening came, the owner of the vineyard… They will share alike.” David established a lasting rule in Israel, preventing division among his men and affirming that each assigned duty contributed to the success of the mission. Act 2:44-45 All the believers were together and had everything… And so it has been from that day forward. David’s ruling became the established practice after the victory over the Amalekites. Those who remained with the supplies had served the army by protecting its provisions and caring for what the fighting men would need. 1Sa 18:9 And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David. David established this statute and ordinance for Israel As king, David gave the decision binding force throughout Israel. The spoil was to be shared equally by those who entered the battle and those assigned to support the force behind the lines, preserving unity within the nation. Jos 24:25 On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people… to this very day. The practice continued beyond the immediate event, showing that David’s judgment was accepted as a lasting rule for Israel. Jos 5:9 Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away… When David arrived in Ziklag, David returned to the town after defeating the Amalekites who had raided it, burned it, and taken captives. Ziklag had been granted to him by Achish of Gath and had become his base while he lived outside Saul’s reach. 1Ch 12:20 When David went to Ziklag, these men of Manasseh defected to him… he sent some of the plunder David distributed part of the recovered spoil rather than keeping it for his own men. The gift recognized the support Judah had given him during his years as a fugitive and helped restore relationships after the Amalekite raid. Num 31:27 Then divide the captives between the troops… to his friends, the elders of Judah, The elders represented the leading towns and clans of David’s tribe. By honoring them, David strengthened the bonds that would soon lead Judah to acknowledge him as king. 2Sa 2:4 Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and… saying, “Here is a gift for you David presented the spoil as a gift, not as payment or tribute. His generosity showed gratitude toward those who had sheltered, aided, or remained favorable to him during Saul’s pursuit. 1Sa 25:27 Now let this gift your servant has brought to my lord… from the plunder of the LORD’s enemies.” The Amalekites had attacked David’s people and were longstanding enemies of Israel. David credited the victory and recovered possessions to the LORD, who had enabled him to rescue the captives and defeat the raiders. 2Sa 8:12 Edom and Moab, from the Ammonites and Philistines… He sent gifts David sent gifts from the spoil recovered from the Amalekites to the elders of Judah who had supported him during his years of exile. Gen 32:13-21 Jacob spent the night there, and from what he had brought… to those in Bethel, David sent part of the spoil to the elders of Bethel, meaning “House of God,” a town among the communities of Judah, strengthening his ties with regional leaders. Jos 18:22 Beth-arabah, Zemaraim, Bethel, Ramoth Negev, Ramoth Negev was a strategic community in the southern territory of Judah, near the wilderness where David had traveled. Jos 19:8 and all the villages surrounding these cities… and Jattir; Jattir was a Levitical city in Judah’s hill country. It was among the towns that received David’s generosity, honoring those who served the Lord and strengthening David’s relationship with Judah. Jos 15:48 These were in the hill country: Shamir, Jattir, Socoh, to those in Aroer, David included the elders of Aroer among the communities of Judah that had received him and his men during their years of wandering. The gifts came from the Amalekite spoil and expressed gratitude while strengthening ties with the leaders of the region. 1Ch 5:8 and Bela son of Azaz, the son of Joel.… Siphmoth, Siphmoth was among the towns of southern Judah connected with David’s movements while he lived near Ziklag. Its inclusion shows that David remembered those who had supported him before he became king. 1Ch 27:27 Shimei the Ramathite was in charge of the vineyards.… and Eshtemoa; Eshtemoa was a significant town in the hill country of Judah and a Levitical city. By sending gifts there, David honored both the local elders and a community associated with Israel’s worship. Jos 15:50 Anab, Eshtemoh, Anim, to those in Racal Racal was likely a settlement in southern Judah, though its precise location is uncertain. David included its elders among those who received spoil from the Amalekites, strengthening relationships with communities that had known his movements and hardship during Saul’s pursuit. Jos 15:21 These were the southernmost cities of Judah in the Negev… and in the cities of the Jerahmeelites The Jerahmeelites were a Judahite clan living in the Negev. By sending them gifts, David honored fellow members of Judah and secured the goodwill of influential local families as his public standing increased. 1Sa 27:10 Who would ask him, “What have you raided today?”… and Kenites; The Kenites lived among Judah and had longstanding peaceful ties with Israel. Their inclusion shows that David rewarded allies beyond his own clan and recognized those who had lived peaceably alongside God’s people. Jdg 1:16 Now the descendants of Moses’ father-in-law, the Kenite… to those in Hormah, Hormah, meaning “destruction” or “devotion to destruction,” lay in the southern region of Judah and was associated with Simeon’s inheritance. Its history of judgment and conquest made it a fitting reminder of the Lord’s deliverance in the land. David’s gift to its leaders strengthened his ties with Judah’s southern towns. Jos 19:4 Eltolad, Bethul, Hormah, Bor-ashan, Bor-ashan, possibly meaning “well of smoke” or “pit of smoke,” was among the communities of Judah that received a share of the Amalekite spoil. Though its location is uncertain, its inclusion shows David’s careful concern for the towns and leaders who had supported him during his years in the wilderness. Jos 15:42 Libnah, Ether, Ashan, and Athach; Athach was likewise a settlement known to David and his men during their time in southern Judah. By sending gifts there, David honored those connected with him and prepared the way for the unity of Judah under his future rule. Jos 15:31 Ziklag, Madmannah, Sansannah, and to those in Hebron Hebron stood in the hill country of Judah and was closely connected with the patriarchs, who were buried nearby in the cave of Machpelah. It later became a Levitical city and city of refuge. David’s gift to its elders was especially significant, since Hebron would soon become the place where he was anointed king over Judah and established his first capital. 2Sa 2:1-4 Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, … and in all the places where David and his men had roamed. During Saul’s pursuit, David and his followers had moved through many parts of Judah, depending on local people for shelter, supplies, and protection. By sharing the spoil taken from the Amalekites, David repaid those communities and strengthened ties with the men of Judah who had known his hardship and would later support his reign. 1Sa 27:8-12 Now David and his men went up and raided… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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