1 Samuel 30:20

KJV

And David took all the flocks and the herds, [which] they drave before those [other] cattle, and said, This [is] David's spoil.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} took {H3947} all the flocks {H6629} and the herds {H1241}, which they drave {H5090} before {H6440} those {H1931} other cattle {H4735}, and said {H559}, This is David's {H1732} spoil {H7998}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David took all the flocks and herds and drove them ahead of their own livestock, announcing, "This is David's spoil."

Berean Standard Bible

And he recovered all the flocks and herds, which his men drove ahead of the other livestock, calling out, “This is David’s plunder!”

American Standard Version

And David took all the flocks and the herds, which they drove before those other cattle, and said, This is David’s spoil.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 30:20 marks the triumphant culmination of David's pursuit of the Amalekites, who had raided Ziklag and taken his and his men's families and possessions captive. This verse vividly portrays the overwhelming success of David's divinely sanctioned mission, demonstrating not only the complete recovery of all that was lost but also the acquisition of additional flocks and herds—the Amalekites' own plunder. David's declarative statement, "This is David's spoil," asserts his rightful claim and underscores the magnitude of God's restorative and superabundant provision in the face of utter despair.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of David's military campaign against the Amalekites, following their devastating raid on Ziklag. The narrative begins with the profound distress of David and his men upon discovering their city burned and their families abducted ([1 Samuel 30:1-3](/1_samuel/30-1 "1 Samuel 30:1-3 - The Raid on Ziklag")). In his despair, David "encouraged himself in the Lord his God" ([1 Samuel 30:6](/1_samuel/30-6 "1 Samuel 30:6 - David Encourages Himself in the Lord")) and, crucially, inquired of the Lord whether he should pursue the raiders. God's unambiguous command, "Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all" ([1 Samuel 30:8](/1_samuel/30-8 "1 Samuel 30:8 - God's Command to Pursue")), sets the stage for the ensuing victory. Verses [1 Samuel 30:18-19](/1_samuel/30-18 "1 Samuel 30:18-19 - David Recovers All") confirm the complete recovery of "all that the Amalekites had carried away," making [1 Samuel 30:20](/1_samuel/30-20 "1 Samuel 30:20 - David's Spoil") the tangible evidence and emphatic declaration of this divine promise fulfilled, even exceeding expectations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Amalekites were a nomadic, predatory people, long-standing enemies of Israel, first encountered in [Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Amalek Attacks Israel"). Their practice of raiding and plundering settlements was common in the ancient Near East, particularly against undefended towns like Ziklag, which David and his men had left vulnerable while serving the Philistines. The concept of "spoil" (booty or plunder) was a significant part of ancient warfare, often distributed among the victorious army and sometimes dedicated to deities. David's actions here reflect the cultural norms of military leadership—leading the pursuit, securing the victory, and managing the distribution of the spoils. His declaration "This is David's spoil" asserts his authority and ownership over the recovered and newly acquired assets, which would subsequently be used to strengthen his position and build alliances with the elders of Judah ([1 Samuel 30:26-31](/1_samuel/30-26 "1 Samuel 30:26-31 - David Shares the Spoil")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Restoration and Superabundance**. God not only fulfills His promise to restore what was lost but goes beyond, providing an abundance that far exceeds the original possessions. The addition of "those [other] cattle" signifies God's capacity to turn devastating loss into overflowing gain, a theme echoed in other accounts of divine recompense, such as Job's double portion after his trials ([Job 42:10](/job/42-10 "Job 42:10 - Job's Restoration")). Secondly, it underscores **God's Faithfulness to His Promises**. David's inquiry and God's clear assurance in [1 Samuel 30:8](/1_samuel/30-8 "1 Samuel 30:8 - God's Assurance to David") are directly manifested in the outcome of this battle. This event serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to those who seek Him and obey His commands, even when circumstances seem hopeless. Lastly, it showcases **David's Maturing Leadership**. Despite his initial despair and his men's talk of stoning him ([1 Samuel 30:6](/1_samuel/30-6 "1 Samuel 30:6 - David's Distress")), David's resolve to seek God, lead the pursuit, secure the victory, and then manage the distribution of the spoil demonstrates his growing capacity as a divinely appointed leader, preparing him for his future kingship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Took (Hebrew, _laqach'_):** This verb signifies "to take," "to seize," or "to acquire." In this context, it denotes David's active role in securing the spoil. It's not merely a passive reception but an assertive act of taking possession after a victorious campaign, emphasizing his leadership and the tangible outcome of the battle.
* **Drave (Hebrew, _nahag'_):** Meaning "to drive," "to lead," or "to conduct," this word highlights the movement of the livestock. The phrase "drave before those [other] cattle" suggests that the recovered flocks and herds were so numerous that they formed a vast procession, possibly even incorporating the Amalekites' own previously plundered animals, which were then driven ahead of David's men. This imagery conveys immense quantity and a triumphant procession.
* **Spoil (Hebrew, _shalal'_):** This term refers to "plunder," "booty," or "prey" taken in war. It encompasses all the material gains from a military victory. David's declaration, "This is David's spoil," is a public assertion of ownership and a recognition of the material blessing derived from God's intervention, distinguishing it as a legitimate acquisition under his authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David took all the flocks and the herds,"**: This clause immediately establishes David's direct involvement and the vast quantity of the recovered assets. "Flocks and herds" represent significant wealth in an agrarian society, indicating not just recovery but substantial gain. The use of "all" emphasizes the completeness of the recovery, a direct fulfillment of God's promise to "recover all" ([1 Samuel 30:8](/1_samuel/30-8 "1 Samuel 30:8 - God's Promise of Recovery")).
* **"[which] they drave before those [other] cattle,"**: This phrase is critical for understanding the magnitude of the spoil. The "other cattle" likely refers to the Amalekites' own existing livestock or previous plunder they had gathered from other raids. David's men didn't just recover their own; they seized the Amalekites' accumulated wealth as well. This detail signifies a superabundant blessing, where the victory yielded far more than what was initially lost, turning a devastating defeat into an overwhelming triumph.
* **"and said, This [is] David's spoil."**: This is a powerful, authoritative declaration. David is not merely observing; he is asserting ownership and attributing the success. This statement serves multiple purposes: it publicly claims the victory and its fruits, solidifies his leadership among his men, and likely served as an acknowledgment of divine provision, as this spoil was a direct result of God's command and blessing. It marks the definitive end of the campaign and the beginning of the distribution of the immense wealth.

#### Literary Devices
1 Samuel 30:20 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The phrase "drave before those [other] cattle" functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extraordinary abundance of the spoil beyond what was merely recovered from Ziklag. It suggests a quantity so vast that it included not only David's original possessions but also the Amalekites' own accumulated wealth, creating an image of overwhelming blessing. The entire event serves as **Symbolism** for divine restoration and recompense; the physical recovery and surplus of livestock symbolize God's ability to turn loss into gain and despair into hope. David's concluding statement, "This is David's spoil," is an act of **Assertion** and **Declaration**, a powerful verbal act that publicly claims ownership and authority over the immense wealth. This declaration also carries an implicit **Irony**, as the very enemies who sought to impoverish David and his men ultimately became the source of their unprecedented enrichment, highlighting God's sovereign control over even the actions of adversaries.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 30:20 stands as a powerful testament to God's character as a God of restoration, abundance, and faithfulness. It illustrates that when His people seek Him in their deepest despair and obey His commands, He is not only capable of recovering what was lost but also of providing a surplus that far exceeds their original possessions. This narrative underscores the principle that God can redeem even the most devastating circumstances, turning moments of profound loss into opportunities for greater blessing and a clearer revelation of His power and provision. It teaches that divine intervention often results in a "more than" outcome, where God's generosity surpasses human expectation and calculation, transforming sorrow into joy and scarcity into overflowing abundance.

* [Joel 2:25](/joel/2-25 "Joel 2:25 - God Restores the Years the Locusts Have Eaten")
* [Proverbs 24:16](/proverbs/24-16 "Proverbs 24:16 - The Righteous Fall Seven Times and Rise Again")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work Together for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of David at Ziklag, culminating in the overflowing spoil of 1 Samuel 30:20, offers profound encouragement and practical lessons for believers today. In a world fraught with loss, disappointment, and unexpected setbacks, this passage reminds us that our God is sovereign over all circumstances, even those that seem utterly hopeless. Like David, we are called to bring our deepest distress and grief before the Lord, to "encourage ourselves in the Lord" when all human strength fails. The promise of restoration and superabundance is not merely a historical anecdote but a timeless truth about God's character. It challenges us to trust that God can not only heal our wounds and return what was taken but also use our trials to bring about a greater blessing, a deeper faith, and a more profound testimony of His faithfulness. It encourages perseverance in prayer and obedience, knowing that our God delights in turning our ashes into beauty and our mourning into dancing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life have you experienced significant loss or disappointment, and how might the story of David's spoil encourage you to seek God's restoration?**
* **How does David's act of "encouraging himself in the Lord" before pursuing the Amalekites relate to your own practices of seeking God's direction in times of crisis?**
* **What does the "superabundance" of the spoil (beyond mere recovery) teach you about God's generosity and His desire to bless His children?**
* **How can you apply the principle of "recovering all" and gaining a surplus to spiritual battles and personal growth in your life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of David's declaration, "This is David's spoil"?**

Answer: David's declaration, "This is David's spoil," is highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it asserts his rightful claim and ownership over the recovered and newly acquired plunder, solidifying his authority as a leader who successfully led his men to victory. In ancient cultures, the distribution and claim of spoil were crucial for a leader's legitimacy and the morale of his troops. Secondly, it serves as a public acknowledgment of the immense blessing and provision that came directly from God's hand, fulfilling His promise in [1 Samuel 30:8](/1_samuel/30-8 "1 Samuel 30:8 - God's Promise to David"). It's a statement of triumph and a testament to divine faithfulness. Lastly, it sets the stage for David's subsequent actions of distributing the spoil, not just among his men but also to the elders of Judah, which was a strategic move to build alliances and support for his future kingship ([1 Samuel 30:26-31](/1_samuel/30-26 "1 Samuel 30:26-31 - David Shares the Spoil")).

**How does the phrase "drave before those [other] cattle" enhance the meaning of the verse?**

Answer: The phrase "drave before those [other] cattle" is crucial because it indicates that David's men recovered not only their own families and possessions but also seized additional flocks and herds that the Amalekites had previously plundered from other places. This detail elevates the victory from a mere recovery to a superabundant gain. It signifies that God's restoration was not just a return to the status quo but an overflowing blessing, where the enemy's accumulated wealth was added to David's own. This emphasizes God's capacity to turn a situation of devastating loss into one of unprecedented prosperity, demonstrating His power to provide "more than" what was lost, transforming a moment of despair into a testimony of divine generosity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The triumphant recovery and superabundant spoil of 1 Samuel 30:20 find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's victory over the Amalekites, who had plundered and taken captives, foreshadows Christ's decisive victory over sin, death, and the spiritual enemies that hold humanity captive. Just as David recovered "all" and gained a surplus, Christ, through His death and resurrection, has "spoiled principalities and powers" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")) and led "captivity captive," bestowing gifts on men ([Ephesians 4:8](/ephesians/4-8 "Ephesians 4:8 - Christ's Ascent and Gifts")). The "spoil" Christ took from His enemies is not material wealth but the redeemed souls of humanity, whom He liberates from spiritual bondage and brings into His kingdom. He is the Good Shepherd who not only restores our souls but also gives us "life, and that more abundantly" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life in Christ")). In Christ, we experience a restoration far greater than any earthly possession—the restoration of our relationship with God, eternal life, and an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). Through Him, we are more than conquerors ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ")), receiving not just what was lost to sin, but an immeasurable spiritual richness that far surpasses all our earthly losses.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 30:26

And when David came to Ziklag, he sent of the spoil unto the elders of Judah, [even] to his friends, saying, Behold a present for you of the spoil of the enemies of the LORD;

Romans 8:37

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Numbers 31:9

And the children of Israel took [all] the women of Midian captives, and their little ones, and took the spoil of all their cattle, and all their flocks, and all their goods.

Numbers 31:12

And they brought the captives, and the prey, and the spoil, unto Moses, and Eleazar the priest, and unto the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the camp at the plains of Moab, which [are] by Jordan [near] Jericho.

Isaiah 53:12

Therefore will I divide him [a portion] with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

2 Chronicles 20:25

And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.