1 Samuel 30 30

1 Samuel 30:30 kjv

And to them which were in Hormah, and to them which were in Chorashan, and to them which were in Athach,

1 Samuel 30:30 nkjv

those who were in Hormah, those who were in Chorashan, those who were in Athach,

1 Samuel 30:30 niv

to those in Hormah, Bor Ashan, Athak

1 Samuel 30:30 esv

in Hormah, in Bor-ashan, in Athach,

1 Samuel 30:30 nlt

Hormah, Bor-ashan, Athach,

1 Samuel 30 verses

1 Samuel 30 30 Meaning

This verse details David's continued distribution of the spoils recovered from the Amalekites. It specifically names Hormah, Chor-ashan, and Athach as three more towns in Judah whose elders received a share of the immense plunder. This act was a strategic gesture of generosity and an appeal for loyalty, reinforcing David's standing among the communities of Judah just prior to his anointing as their king. It underscores David's remembrance of those who supported him during his exile and his desire to build a strong unified community.

1 Samuel 30 30 Context

First Samuel chapter 30 recounts a pivotal moment in David's life as a fugitive. While David and his men were accompanying the Philistines, the Amalekites raided Ziklag, David's home city, burning it and carrying off all the women, children, and goods. Upon returning to Ziklag and finding the devastation, David’s men spoke of stoning him. David, however, "encouraged himself in the Lord his God" (v. 6), inquired of the Lord through Abiathar the priest, and received permission and promise of success to pursue the raiders. David pursued the Amalekites, found them feasting, and recovered everything they had taken, along with additional flocks and herds which became part of the spoils (v. 18-20). The subsequent dispute among David's men over sharing the recovered spoils (v. 21-25) led David to establish a just decree: those who stayed with the supplies would share equally with those who went to battle. Immediately following this, David began to send portions of these spoils to the elders of various towns in Judah (v. 26-31). This strategic act, of which verse 30 is a part, solidified David's political and communal relationships in Judah, preparing the ground for his eventual kingship there (2 Sam 2:4).

1 Samuel 30 30 Word analysis

• And: (וְ - ve-) A conjunction, indicating continuity and adding to the preceding list of recipients of the spoils, emphasizing the widespread nature of David's outreach.
• to them which were in: (לַאֲשֶׁר בְּ - la'asher be-) Literally, "to those who were in." This recurring phrase highlights David's targeted and deliberate distribution to specific communities, not just random individuals. It shows he knew who the leaders or influential people were in these locations.
• Hormah: (חָרְמָה - Chormah) This place name means "devotion" or "utter destruction/place of destruction." Hormah holds a significant history in Israel, being the site of two notable destructions: an initial defeat of Israel (Num 14:45) and later a Canaanite city "utterly destroyed" by Judah and Simeon, resulting in the name (Num 21:3; Judg 1:17). David sending spoils here is a reminder of past divine judgments and victories, aligning his current triumph over Amalek with these ancient acts of dedication to destruction.
• and to them which were in Chor-ashan: (וְלַאֲשֶׁר בְּחוֹר עָשָׁן - ve-la'asher be-Chor Ashan) "Chor-ashan" literally translates to "smoking pit" or "furnace." It's less certainly identified geographically than Hormah, possibly near the Amalekites' camp (implied from 1 Sam 30:16 mentioning a place near them), but it's clearly within or on the borders of Judah. Including a less famous, possibly remote, town demonstrates David's thoroughness in reaching all parts of his potential constituency.
• and to them which were in Athach: (וְלַאֲשֶׁר בְּעָתָךְ - ve-la'asher be-Athach) "Athach" is another obscure location, possibly meaning "a lodging place." Like Chor-ashan, its precise identification is debated. The inclusion of such places, along with the more well-known ones mentioned in the surrounding verses, showcases David's intimate knowledge of the terrain and people of Judah, having lived as a fugitive among them. It signifies his widespread desire to gain loyalty and establish his authority throughout the entire territory.

• "And to them which were in [place name]" (repeated phrase): This recurring phrase structure across verses 27-31 emphasizes David's intentional and methodical outreach. It demonstrates a leadership quality of remembering, acknowledging, and reciprocating kindness or seeking future favor from specific, known communities and their leaders (elders). This isn't random giving, but a calculated political and relational strategy to secure support across Judah. It represents David's wise investment in the future of his reign, extending the blessings of God's victory over his enemies to His people.
• Listing of diverse places: The sequence of towns (Hormah, Chor-ashan, Athach, along with others in the preceding and succeeding verses) shows David's widespread knowledge and concern for the various regions of Judah. Some were old settlements with deep historical significance for the tribe, while others might have been smaller or more isolated, reflecting a comprehensive strategy to garner support from all corners, whether historically important or simply resident in key strategic locations. This distribution effectively turned personal victory into collective blessing, strengthening tribal bonds.

1 Samuel 30 30 Bonus section

• A "Political Tithe": David's distribution of the Amalekite spoils can be seen as a "political tithe" or a wise investment. Just as tithing acknowledged God's ownership and provision, this distribution acknowledged the elders' importance and secured their allegiance, using material blessing to forge stronger communal and political bonds.
• Contrast with Nabal: This generosity stands in stark contrast to Nabal's refusal to share provisions with David and his men earlier (1 Sam 25). David's abundance now allows him to act graciously, unlike Nabal who was a "worthless man," underscoring David's character as one fit for kingship who understands reciprocal relationships and generosity.
• Fulfilled Prophecy and Vengeance: The defeat of the Amalekites by David here also holds theological significance, participating in the divine command for Israel to utterly blot out Amalek (Deut 25:17-19; 1 Sam 15:2-3). David’s victory and subsequent actions thus serve as an instrument of divine judgment, the spoils being a tangible sign of God's blessing upon him for fulfilling His will against a perennial enemy.
• Foundation for Kingship: This act laid a crucial foundation for David's immediate ascent to kingship over Judah at Hebron (2 Sam 2). The elders and towns that received his gifts would naturally be more inclined to recognize and support his claim to the throne. It prepared the ground, not through coercion, but through shared benefit and restored dignity.

1 Samuel 30 30 Commentary

Verse 30 continues the detailed account of David's strategic distribution of the spoils from his overwhelming victory against the Amalekites. This act, extending the benefit of God-granted triumph to various communities across Judah, was far more than simple generosity; it was a masterful political maneuver by David. By sending shares of the plunder to the elders of towns like Hormah, Chor-ashan, and Athach, David accomplished several vital objectives: he reciprocated the past support, refuge, or goodwill these towns had offered him during his years as a fugitive; he reminded them of his victory over Israel's traditional enemies, the Amalekites, aligning himself with divine purpose and judgment; and he effectively garnered crucial support and loyalty from the influential leaders of Judah, cementing his position and popularity just before his anointing as king over Judah. This shrewd action illustrates David's blend of piety, gratitude, and political wisdom, securing widespread approval and demonstrating his fitness to rule.