Background and Context:
The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe, descendants of Esau, and perennial enemies of Israel. Their hostility towards the Israelites is well-documented throughout the Old Testament. The raid on Ziklag is a significant event that occurs during the time of David, who was anointed but not yet reigning as king over Israel. This event is recorded in 1 Samuel 30 and takes place while David and his men were away from Ziklag, having been dismissed by the Philistine leaders from joining the battle against Saul and Israel.

The Raid:
While David and his men were absent, the Amalekites took advantage of the situation and attacked Ziklag, a town given to David by Achish, the Philistine king of Gath. The Amalekites "raided the Negev and Ziklag. They attacked Ziklag and burned it down" (1 Samuel 30:1). They captured the women and everyone else in the city, both young and old, but notably, they did not kill anyone. Instead, they took them captive and carried them off as they departed.

David's Response:
Upon returning to Ziklag, David and his men found the city destroyed by fire and their families taken captive. The men were so distraught that they wept until they had no strength left. In their grief, they even spoke of stoning David, blaming him for their loss. However, "David found strength in the LORD his God" (1 Samuel 30:6). Seeking divine guidance, David called for the ephod and inquired of the LORD whether he should pursue the raiding party. The LORD responded affirmatively, promising David that he would overtake the Amalekites and succeed in the rescue.

The Pursuit and Victory:
David set out with 600 men, but 200 of them were too exhausted to cross the Besor Valley, so they stayed behind. With the remaining 400 men, David continued the pursuit. Along the way, they found an abandoned Egyptian servant who had been left for dead by the Amalekites. After reviving him with food and water, the Egyptian agreed to lead David to the Amalekite camp, provided David swore not to kill him or return him to his master.

Upon reaching the Amalekite camp, David and his men launched a surprise attack. "David struck them down from twilight until the evening of the next day, and not a man escaped, except four hundred young men who rode off on camels and fled" (1 Samuel 30:17). David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives, and nothing was missing. This victory was seen as a direct result of divine intervention and David's faithfulness in seeking God's guidance.

Aftermath and Distribution of Spoils:
Following the victory, David returned to the 200 men who had stayed behind. Some of the men who fought in the battle did not want to share the plunder with those who had not fought. However, David insisted on sharing equally, establishing a principle that "the share of the one who goes into battle is the same as the share of the one who remains with the supplies" (1 Samuel 30:24). This became a statute and ordinance for Israel from that day forward.

David also sent portions of the plunder to the elders of Judah and to his friends, further solidifying his support and alliances within the tribe of Judah. This act of generosity and fairness helped to strengthen David's position as a leader and future king of Israel.