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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadPaul Kretzmann Commentary - 1 Samuel 30:21 - 30:31
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The Distribution of the Spoil
v. 21. And David came to the two hundred men, which were so faint that they could not follow David, whom they had made also to abide at the brook Besor, David having given this order on account of their great exhaustion; and they went forth to meet David, and to meet the people that were with him; and when David came near to the people, he saluted them, giving them a friendly greeting, wishing them peace and happiness.
v. 22. Then answered all the wicked men and men of Belial, vain and profitless fools, of those that went with David, for even in that band there were such, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them ought of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away and depart, literally, "But every man his wife and his children; these let them lead away and go. " They held the selfish idea that, because the two hundred had not shared in the danger, they should neither share the spoil.
v. 23. Then said David, his tactful gentleness averting a rupture in the ranks which might have become a calamity, Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the Lord hath given us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us into our hand. The success of their venture had been due entirely to Jehovah and His blessing and could, therefore, in no way be regarded as their own achievement.
v. 24. For who will hearken unto you in this matter? The majority would certainly not share their selfish sentiments. But as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff, who remains behind to watch the baggage; they shall part alike, share according to the same division.
v. 25. it was so from that day forward, that he, David, made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel unto this day. It was a rule which held as late as the time of the Maccabees, being considered just and fair to all.
v. 26. And when David came to Ziklag, he sent of the spoil, after everyone of his men had recovered what had been taken from him and other booty besides, unto the elders of Judah, even to his friends, saying, Behold a present for you, a gift of blessing, of the spoil of the enemies of the Lord;
v. 27. to them which were in Bethel, and to them which were in South Ramoth, the city of this name in the south country, and to them which were in Jattir,
v. 28. and to them which were in Aroer, and to them which were in Siphmoth, and to them which were in Eshtemoa,
v. 29. and to them which were in Rachal, and to them which were in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, and to them which were in the cities of the Kenites,
v. 30. and to them which were in Hormah, and to them which were in Chorashan, and to them which were in Athach,
v. 31. and to them which were in Hebron, and to all the places where David himself and his men were wont to haunt, who had shown kindness to him when he was a fugitive. All the cities here mentioned, some of which have been identified quite certainly, are in the southern and southwestern part of the territory of Judah. Note: If the Lord lays His blessing upon our endeavors, it behooves us to share it with others as there is need or occasion.