1 Samuel 30 28

1 Samuel 30:28 kjv

And to them which were in Aroer, and to them which were in Siphmoth, and to them which were in Eshtemoa,

1 Samuel 30:28 nkjv

those who were in Aroer, those who were in Siphmoth, those who were in Eshtemoa,

1 Samuel 30:28 niv

to those in Aroer, Siphmoth, Eshtemoa

1 Samuel 30:28 esv

in Aroer, in Siphmoth, in Eshtemoa,

1 Samuel 30:28 nlt

Aroer, Siphmoth, Eshtemoa,

1 Samuel 30 verses

1 Samuel 30 28 Meaning

1 Samuel 30:28 lists specific cities and their inhabitants to whom David sent a portion of the spoil recovered from the Amalekites. These recipients included Ziklag, En-gedi, Jattir, Aroer, Siphmoth, and Eshtemoa. This act of distributing the plunder demonstrated David's generosity, wisdom, and strategic statesmanship, laying the groundwork for his future reign as king, especially over Judah.

1 Samuel 30 28 Context

1 Samuel Chapter 30 describes a critical period for David and his men. After serving the Philistine king Achish for sixteen months in Ziklag, David returns to find his city burned by the Amalekites, and their wives, sons, and daughters captured. David and his men are in great distress, but David strengthens himself in the Lord. Seeking divine guidance, David pursues the Amalekite raiders, ultimately recovering everything that was taken, along with additional spoil from the Amalekites. This dramatic recovery leads to a dispute among David's men about distributing the plunder, especially regarding those who stayed behind at the brook Besor, exhausted. David wisely institutes a new law for Israel: those who stay by the supplies shall share equally with those who go to battle (1 Sam 30:21-25). Verses 26-31 then detail David's actions in sending portions of this recovered and captured spoil to various elders in cities throughout Judah. This act was strategic; by distributing wealth, David solidified his support among the Judean leadership, cultivating goodwill and preparing the ground for his eventual anointing as king over Judah (2 Sam 2:4). The historical context shows David operating in a border region, building his reputation and support base ahead of a critical leadership transition in Israel.

1 Samuel 30 28 Word analysis

• to those in: Indicates that David sent gifts to the inhabitants or elders of these specific cities, not just the cities themselves. This targets leadership and establishes political alliances.
• Ziklag: (Hebrew: צִיקְלַג, Tsiqelag) - David's temporary operational base granted by Achish. Its inclusion signifies David sharing with his immediate community and base of operations, the place where the plunder was recovered.
• En-gedi: (Hebrew: עֵין־גֶּדִי, ʻEin Gedī, meaning "spring of the kid") - A wilderness oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. This region was known for its remote caves where David had previously sought refuge from King Saul (1 Sam 24:1-2). Sending spoil here signifies his continued remembrance and honoring of past benefactors or allies in his time of flight.
• Jattir: (Hebrew: יַתִּיר, Yattīr) - A Levitical city in the hill country of Judah (Josh 15:48, 21:14). It was one of the places where David and his men were "accustomed to go" during their wandering period (1 Sam 30:26), suggesting previous alliances or hideouts.
• Aroer: (Hebrew: עֲרֹעֵר, ʻĂrōʻēr) - In this context, likely refers to a city in southern Judah (Negev region), distinct from the more famous Aroers east of the Jordan (Deut 2:36). Its inclusion again points to David solidifying his support base among key towns within the territory he was preparing to rule.
• Siphmoth: (Hebrew: שִׂפְמוֹת, Sīp̄mōt) - The exact location is uncertain, but it is believed to be in the southern part of Judah, perhaps near other cities mentioned in the list. This demonstrates a wide, geographical spread of David's goodwill.
• Eshtemoa: (Hebrew: אֶשְׁתְּמֹעַ, Eshtəmōʻa) - A Levitical city located in the hill country of Judah (Josh 15:50, 21:14). Like Jattir, it was likely a place David and his men had visited or used during their fugitive period. It highlights David's connection to the heartland of Judah.

Words-group analysis:

• "to those in Ziklag, in En-gedi, in Jattir, in Aroer, in Siphmoth, in Eshtemoa": This specific enumeration of locations showcases David's intentional and extensive network-building. These cities represent key areas within Judah's tribal territory. By sharing the spoils, David wasn't merely displaying charity, but was politically investing in the elders and leaders of these communities, cementing loyalties, and gaining recognition for his emerging leadership and wisdom. It solidified his claim as a benevolent leader capable of providing for his people, preparing the ground for his eventual kingship over Judah.

1 Samuel 30 28 Bonus section

• David's action of sending portions of the spoil to these cities is called "sending a present" (שָׁלַח שֶׁלַח, shalach shelach) in 1 Samuel 30:26. This Hebrew term carries connotations of both a gift and a diplomatic envoy, underlining the strategic intent.
• The fact that David sends the spoil "to his friends" (1 Sam 30:26) indicates his relational approach to leadership, distinguishing him from Saul's more self-serving rule.
• The selection of cities primarily within the southern parts of Judah indicates a focused effort to gain the support of the region where he would first be crowned king (Hebron, 2 Sam 2:4).
• This generosity sets a precedent for his reign as king, contrasting with the often rapacious nature of kings in the ancient Near East, portraying him as a shepherd of his people who provides for them.

1 Samuel 30 28 Commentary

1 Samuel 30:28 is a concise snapshot of David's astute leadership in action. Following the harrowing experience of Ziklag's destruction and the miraculous recovery, David seized an opportune moment to secure his political future. The distribution of the Amalekite spoil was more than a mere act of gratitude; it was a deliberate strategy to forge and strengthen alliances with key communities and their elders across Judah. Many of these places, like En-gedi and Jattir, were likely former hideouts or supportive towns during his fugitive years, indicating David's enduring loyalty and recognition of those who aided him. Others were significant settlements in Judah whose support would be crucial for his impending ascent to the throne. By generously sharing the tangible fruit of divine victory and his leadership, David subtly yet powerfully asserted his influence, demonstrating his capability as a provider and a unifier. This proactive statesmanship ensured a smooth transition to kingship, affirming that David, empowered by the Lord, was destined to lead. This passage practically exemplifies how divine provision, when wisely stewarded, can be used not only for immediate relief but also for strategic long-term blessing and the advancement of God's purposes.