1 Samuel 30:21-25
Verse 24 “Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike.”
When the battle was finished the men were able to reunite with their loved ones, including David with his two wives. They likely waited until the next day to head back to the other 200 men at the Besor Valley. There was much to pack up and haul as the raiding party had not just taken the women and children from Ziklag, they had probably taken anything they wanted before burning the city and that wasn’t the only place they had raided.
With everything ready to head back they start the journey. We know that the Egyptian slave had been left for dead for three days before being discovered by David’s men so they may have had as much as a few days travel ahead of them and it would go slower because of the women, children and spoils of the battle. At least 200 people were with them that hadn’t yet been reunited with their loved ones and were eager to do so.
Of the 400 who had joined David on this mission, there were those who were particularly upset about the men who had stayed behind and they didn’t think they deserved anything that was being brought back except for their children and wives. The spoils should go to those who had done the work and faced the danger and since they hadn’t gone along, they aren’t needed in the group anymore.
These men are dealing with pride which shows the state of their heart. The last thing needed in a military unit is dissension. David had to step in like a parent and set the record straight, the 200 hadn’t gone along but they were working for the good of the entire company because they were guarding the supplies which weren’t needed for this rescue, therefore they deserved their share of the spoils.
David didn’t just tell them they needed to share the spoils, he gives them a very good reason, a reason which would be good for us to remember. The spoils weren’t because of their own strength, God had given them the spoils they had received. To withhold the 200 men’s share of the plunder would be a sin. The whole army needed to have resources to rebuild for their families. God had provided what they needed.
Making It Personal
When have you felt that someone else didn’t deserve something they received? Have you ever received something you didn’t deserve? Who can you bless today who may not deserve it?
Making It Personal Kids
Have you ever known someone who got something you didn’t think they deserved? Have you ever received something you didn’t deserve? Who can you bless today who may not deserve it?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for not giving us what we deserve, death. Help us learn to give others the grace we gladly accept from You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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