to those in Aroer, Siphmoth, and Eshtemoa; to those in AroerAroer is a location mentioned several times in the Old Testament, often associated with the territory of Reuben or Gad, east of the Jordan River. The Hebrew root of Aroer (עֲרוֹעֵר) suggests a place of ruins or desolation, which is fitting given its historical context as a frontier town. In this passage, David is sending spoils from his victory over the Amalekites to various towns, including Aroer, as a gesture of goodwill and alliance. This act reflects the importance of community and mutual support among the tribes of Israel, emphasizing the biblical principle of sharing blessings with others. to those in Siphmoth
Siphmoth is a less well-known location, and its exact historical and geographical context is not as clearly defined as some other towns. The name Siphmoth (סִפְמוֹת) may derive from a root meaning "fruitful" or "abundant," suggesting a place of prosperity. By sending gifts to Siphmoth, David is acknowledging and reinforcing relationships with these communities, which may have been strategically important or supportive of his leadership. This action underscores the biblical theme of gratitude and the importance of maintaining strong, supportive relationships within the community of faith. to those in Eshtemoa
Eshtemoa is a town in the hill country of Judah, mentioned in several biblical passages. The name Eshtemoa (אֶשְׁתְּמוֹעַ) is thought to mean "obedience" or "hearing," which may reflect the town's role as a place of communication or assembly. Historically, Eshtemoa was a Levitical city, indicating its religious significance. David's decision to send spoils to Eshtemoa highlights his respect for the Levitical priesthood and the religious institutions of Israel. This act of generosity serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting those who serve in spiritual leadership and the value of honoring God's appointed servants. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed future king of Israel, who at this time is leading his men in battle and distributing the spoils of war. 2. AroerA city located in the territory of Reuben, east of the Jordan River. It is one of the places where David sent gifts from the spoils. 3. SiphmothA location in Judah, possibly a village or town, where David also sent gifts. 4. EshtemoaA town in the hill country of Judah, known for its association with the Levites. David sent part of the spoils here as well. 5. The Spoils of WarThe goods and resources taken by David and his men after defeating the Amalekites, which he distributed among various towns in Judah. Teaching Points Generosity as a Leadership QualityDavid's distribution of the spoils demonstrates that true leadership involves generosity and care for others. Leaders should seek to bless those they lead. Building Alliances through KindnessBy sending gifts to various towns, David strengthens alliances and fosters goodwill. Christians are encouraged to build relationships through acts of kindness and generosity. Stewardship of ResourcesDavid's actions remind us of the importance of being good stewards of the resources God provides. We should use our blessings to support and uplift others. Recognition of God's ProvisionDavid's sharing of the spoils acknowledges that victory and resources come from God. Believers should recognize and give thanks for God's provision in their lives. Community and FellowshipThe distribution of gifts to different towns highlights the importance of community and fellowship among God's people. Christians are called to support and encourage one another. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's distribution of the spoils reflect his character and leadership qualities? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of generosity in our own lives, especially in our communities? 3. How does David's action of sending gifts to various towns relate to the New Testament teaching on giving and generosity? 4. What can we learn from David about building and maintaining relationships through acts of kindness? 5. How does recognizing God's provision in our lives influence the way we use our resources? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 30:26-31This passage provides context for verse 28, detailing how David sent portions of the spoils to various towns in Judah, emphasizing his leadership and generosity. 1 Samuel 25:13This earlier passage shows David's ability to gather and lead men, which is relevant to his actions in chapter 30. 2 Samuel 8:11-12These verses describe how David dedicated spoils from his victories to the Lord, showing a pattern of using resources for God's purposes. Proverbs 11:25This verse speaks to the principle of generosity, which is exemplified by David's actions in sharing the spoils. Acts 20:35The New Testament teaching that it is more blessed to give than to receive, which aligns with David's distribution of the spoils. People Abiathar, Abigail, Ahimelech, Ahinoam, Amalekites, Caleb, Cherethites, David, Eshtemoa, Jerahmeelites, Jezreel, Jezreelitess, Jizreelitess, Kenites, Kerethites, NabalPlaces Besor, Bethel, Bor-ashan, Carmel, Egypt, Eshtemoa, Hebron, Hormah, Jattir, Negeb, Negev, Racal, Ramoth, Siphmoth, ZiklagTopics Arara, Aroer, Aro'er, Eshtemoa, Eshtemo'a, SiphmothDictionary 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 ScriptureThe 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 Links 1 Samuel 30:28 NIV1 Samuel 30:28 NLT1 Samuel 30:28 ESV1 Samuel 30:28 NASB1 Samuel 30:28 KJV
1 Samuel 30:28 Commentaries
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