1 Samuel 30 24

1 Samuel 30:24 kjv

For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.

1 Samuel 30:24 nkjv

For who will heed you in this matter? But as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike."

1 Samuel 30:24 niv

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."

1 Samuel 30:24 esv

Who would listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage. They shall share alike."

1 Samuel 30:24 nlt

Who will listen when you talk like this? We share and share alike ? those who go to battle and those who guard the equipment."

1 Samuel 30 verses

1 Samuel 30 24 Meaning

David establishes a fundamental principle of equitable distribution: all who contribute to a collective endeavor, even in different capacities, are equally entitled to the fruits of the victory or blessings gained. Specifically, those who stayed behind to guard the essential baggage are to receive the same share of the spoils as those who directly engaged in battle. This decree promotes unity and justice, valuing all necessary roles within the community.

1 Samuel 30 24 Context

This verse is set immediately after David's devastating return to Ziklag, finding it burned by the Amalekites and all their families taken captive (1 Sam 30:1-2). Empowered by the Lord (1 Sam 30:6-8), David and his 600 men pursued the raiders. However, 200 of his men were too exhausted to cross the brook Besor and remained behind to guard the equipment and supplies (1 Sam 30:9-10). David, with the remaining 400, decisively defeated the Amalekites and recovered all that was taken, along with additional spoil (1 Sam 30:17-20). Upon their return to the 200 men, "all the wicked and worthless fellows among those who went with David" (1 Sam 30:22) argued that the men who stayed behind should not receive any spoil because they did not participate in the actual fighting. Verse 24 is David's powerful, decisive, and righteous judgment against this self-serving demand, establishing a precedent that became a law in Israel.

1 Samuel 30 24 Word analysis

• For who will listen to you in this matter? (וּמִי יִשְׁמַע לָכֶם לַדָּבָר הַזֶּה? - u'mi yishma' lachem la'davar hazzeh?): This is a rhetorical question signaling strong disapproval and dismissal. "Listen" (shama') implies not merely hearing, but obeying or giving heed. David questions the moral and authoritative basis of the argument presented by the "worthless fellows," asserting that their stance is contrary to justice and God's will. It subtly establishes David's authority as a God-appointed leader to settle such disputes.
• For as his share (כִּי כְחֵלֶק - ki k'chelek): "For" (ki) introduces the rationale for David's judgment. "Share" (chelek) is a crucial Hebrew term meaning portion, allotment, inheritance, or division. It speaks to something designated or apportioned, often by right or divine decree. Here, it underscores a legal or morally mandated entitlement.
• who goes down to the battle (הַיֹּרֵד בַּמִּלְחָמָה - ha-yored ba'milchamah): "Goes down" (yarad) suggests participating in the conflict, engaging in the actual fray. "Battle" (milchamah) denotes the active, armed conflict. This phrase refers to those who physically fought.
• so shall his share be who stays by the baggage (וְכִחֵלֶק הַיֹּשֵׁב עַל הַכֵּלִים - v'chi-chelek ha-yoshev al ha'kelim): "Stays" (yashab) means to sit, remain, or dwell. It denotes a stationary or non-combat role. "Baggage" (kelim) refers to articles, vessels, equipment, or provisions. In this context, it represents the vital supplies, possessions, and potentially the weak, wounded, or non-combatants that needed protection and logistics. Guarding them was a critical, albeit less visible, contribution to the overall success of the expedition.
• they shall share alike. (יַחְדָּו יַחֲלֹקוּ - yachdav yacholoku): "Alike" or "together" (yachdav) emphasizes unity, equality, and mutual participation. "They shall share" (chalak) signifies division, distribution, or receiving a portion. This phrase is the core of the decree, proclaiming equal distribution to all, affirming that both combatants and essential support personnel are equally valuable in their contributions and therefore equally entitled to the reward. This directly confronts and refutes the elitist view of those who fought.
• "For who will listen to you in this matter? For as his share who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike.": This entire statement is David’s declaration of principle. It confronts the selfish and discriminatory attitude (a direct polemic against a common self-serving impulse in victorious warriors), establishing a precedent of communal justice and solidarity. It acknowledges that victory is a collective achievement and divine blessing, not solely attributable to those in direct combat, valuing every essential role.

1 Samuel 30 24 Bonus section

• David's immediate enforcement of this principle showcases his nascent qualities as a king after God's own heart, highlighting his concern for justice and his reliance on God's perspective, even before he formally ascended the throne over all Israel.
• The fact that this became "a statute and ordinance" demonstrates its profound and lasting influence on Israelite society, serving as a legal precedent that ensured fairness in similar circumstances and instilled the importance of collective responsibility.
• This act can be seen as a microcosm of how God views labor and reward in His kingdom: every faithful servant, in whatever capacity, receives an equal and full share of His grace and blessing (Matthew 20:1-16).

1 Samuel 30 24 Commentary

David's decree in 1 Samuel 30:24 is a cornerstone of wise and equitable leadership, embodying principles of justice, community, and divine recognition. Facing a challenge from "wicked and worthless" men who sought to disenfranchise their exhausted brethren, David swiftly and righteously cut through self-interest and prejudice. His judgment declared that the success of an undertaking, particularly one divinely blessed, is a collective triumph where various roles hold equal importance.

Those who guarded the baggage were not mere idlers; they performed a crucial, supportive role, making it possible for the combatants to pursue and defeat the enemy without fear for their supplies or rear. David's rule elevated their contribution, establishing that service, regardless of its visibility or nature, if integral to the whole, merits equal recognition and reward. This challenges human tendencies towards pride and entitlement, advocating instead for humility and mutual honor. The lasting impact is evident in the fact that this became "a statute and ordinance for Israel to this day" (1 Sam 30:25), underscoring its timeless moral and legal significance.

This divine principle echoes through the entirety of biblical teaching, particularly in the New Testament concept of the Body of Christ (1 Cor 12). Just as diverse parts of the human body, each with unique functions, contribute to the whole, so too do different members within God's people contribute. Whether in front-line "battle" or essential "baggage" support, all are equally valued, interdependent, and share in the blessings. This fosters unity, mutual respect, and prevents the disparagement of those whose contributions might appear less glamorous but are equally vital.