1 Samuel 30 31

1 Samuel 30:31 kjv

And to them which were in Hebron, and to all the places where David himself and his men were wont to haunt.

1 Samuel 30:31 nkjv

those who were in Hebron, and to all the places where David himself and his men were accustomed to rove.

1 Samuel 30:31 niv

and Hebron; and to those in all the other places where he and his men had roamed.

1 Samuel 30:31 esv

in Hebron, for all the places where David and his men had roamed.

1 Samuel 30:31 nlt

Hebron, and all the other places David and his men had visited.

1 Samuel 30 verses

1 Samuel 30 31 Meaning

First Samuel 30:31 describes David's act of distributing plunder from his victory over the Amalekites to the elders of Judah and specifically to those in Hebron, and other localities where he and his men had previously resided or roamed during their fugitive years. This action demonstrates David's gratitude, strategic foresight, and his practice of leadership through sharing and establishing goodwill with the communities that had supported him during his hardship.

1 Samuel 30 31 Context

First Samuel chapter 30 records David's return to Ziklag to find it burned and their families abducted by the Amalekites. After a period of deep distress and seeking the Lord's guidance, David pursues the raiding party. With God's help, he successfully recovers everything, including their families, and gains significant spoil from the Amalekites. This victory not only restored what was lost but also provided David with immense wealth. Following this, a dispute arose among his men regarding the distribution of the spoil, with some refusing to share with the 200 men who were too exhausted to continue the pursuit (1 Sam 30:21-25). David, displaying wise and equitable leadership, decreed that those who stayed with the baggage should share equally with those who went to battle. Verses 26-31 then detail David's strategic distribution of this plunder. Verse 31 specifically focuses on his acts of sending gifts to key locations within Judah. This action, following his legal ruling on sharing the spoil, is interpreted as a diplomatic move to solidify support for his eventual kingship, especially among those who had provided him refuge and sustenance during his long years as a fugitive from King Saul. Hebron, a significant city, would soon become David's first capital after Saul's death.

1 Samuel 30 31 Word analysis

• and to those in Hebron: The Hebrew is "וּלְחֶבְרֹו֨ן" (u'l'Khevron). Hebron (חֶבְרוֹן) is an ancient and prominent city in the hill country of Judah, deeply symbolic due to its connection with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Its mention first highlights its specific importance as a key political and tribal center within Judah, a city where David would eventually be anointed king of Judah (2 Sam 2:4). Sending a gift here signifies a deliberate, strategic investment in future loyalty.

• and to all the places: The Hebrew is "וּלְכָל־הַמְּקֹמ֥וֹת" (u'l'khol-ha'm'komot), meaning "and to all the places." This phrase broadens the scope beyond Hebron, indicating a widespread act of gratitude and diplomacy. It implies David's understanding that many communities had sheltered and aided him.

• where David himself and his men: The Hebrew "אֲשֶׁר־הִתְהַלֶּךְ־שָׁ֣ם דָּוִ֔ד ה֖וּא וַאֲנָשָֽׁיו" (asher hit'halekh-sham David hu va'anashav).

  • David himself (דָּוִד ה֖וּא - David hu): The emphatic "himself" (hu) emphasizes David's personal connection to these places and his direct responsibility for the distribution. It shows his initiative and personal memory.
  • and his men (וַאֲנָשָֽׁיו - va'anashav): Refers to David's 600 loyal followers who endured the hardships of his fugitive life with him. The places mentioned had provided refuge to this entire company, not just David alone.

• had been accustomed to roam: The Hebrew is "הִתְהַלֶּךְ־שָׁ֣ם" (hit'halekh-sham). This verb (from the root הָלַךְ - halakh, to walk) is in the Hithpael stem, which can convey a reflexive or iterative sense, meaning "to walk about," "to roam," "to move continually." It paints a vivid picture of David's nomadic, fugitive existence for many years, constantly on the move to evade Saul. These places were his havens during that perilous time. The act of giving back underscores his loyalty and remembrance of their kindness despite his rise in circumstances.

• words-group: and to those in Hebron, and to all the places where David himself and his men had been accustomed to roam: This collective phrase highlights David's dual motivation: strategic political wisdom and sincere gratitude. He is securing future support, particularly in the critical area of Judah (signified by Hebron), but he is doing so by acknowledging and rewarding the kindness shown to him and his men during their difficult years. This shows David as a leader who remembers past kindness and rewards loyalty. His acts here cement his claim as a leader for Judah, contrasting with Saul's instability.

1 Samuel 30 31 Bonus section

This act of distributing the spoil also demonstrates David's principle of giving from "firstfruits" or the "best," mirroring spiritual principles of honoring God with the choicest part of one's abundance. Furthermore, it marks a significant shift in David's financial and material standing, transforming him from a wandering leader dependent on others to one who could now generously bestow gifts. This newfound capacity allowed him to express gratitude tangibly, solidifying bonds that would be crucial for the establishment of his kingdom. It represents a step in his journey from outcast to king, highlighting how his experiences shaped his wise and effective governance.

1 Samuel 30 31 Commentary

David's decision to distribute the plunder in 1 Samuel 30:31 is a pivotal moment, showcasing his character as a leader who combined wisdom, justice, and gratitude. After establishing a just principle for sharing spoil among his fighting men and support staff, David extended this principle of fair reward to the broader community that had aided him during his years as a hunted fugitive. Sending gifts to Hebron and other familiar "roaming grounds" was more than an act of benevolence; it was a strategically astute move to cultivate goodwill and cement allegiances. He was strengthening his political base and ensuring a warm reception for when he would inevitably claim the throne. This act underlines David's thoughtful leadership, sharply contrasting with Saul's rashness and isolation. It foreshadows David's eventual rise as a king who remembers his origins and builds unity, a leader after God's own heart, reflecting divine principles of fairness and blessing those who show kindness.