1 Samuel 30:23

KJV

Then said David, Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the LORD hath given us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us into our hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} David {H1732}, Ye shall not do so {H6213}, my brethren {H251}, with that which the LORD {H3068} hath given {H5414} us, who hath preserved {H8104} us, and delivered {H5414} the company {H1416} that came {H935} against us into our hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then David said, "No, my brothers, don't do this with the goods ADONAI has given us. He protected us, and he handed the raiding party over to us.

Berean Standard Bible

But David said, “My brothers, you must not do this with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and delivered into our hands the raiders who came against us.

American Standard Version

Then said David, Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which Jehovah hath given unto us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the troop that came against us into our hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 30:23, David issues a definitive decree, rejecting the proposal to exclude 200 exhausted men from sharing in the recovered spoil from the Amalekites. His pronouncement is rooted in a profound theological conviction: the victory and all its gains are not the product of human strength or merit, but a direct, gracious gift from the LORD, who preserved them and delivered their enemies into their hand. This pivotal declaration establishes a foundational principle of equitable distribution and communal unity for his nascent kingdom, valuing the contributions of all members, regardless of their direct participation in battle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a crucial turning point in David's life, immediately following the devastating Amalekite raid on Ziklag, which resulted in the plunder of David's and his men's families and possessions. After seeking and receiving divine guidance through the ephod ([1 Samuel 30:7-8](/1-samuel/30-7-8 "1 Samuel 30:7-8 - David Inquires of the LORD")), David pursued the raiders. During the arduous pursuit, 200 of his 600 men became too exhausted to cross the Brook Besor and remained behind to guard the baggage ([1 Samuel 30:9-10](/1-samuel/30-9-10 "1 Samuel 30:9-10 - The Men at Besor")). David and the remaining 400 achieved a decisive victory, recovering all that was lost and acquiring additional spoil. The contentious dispute over the distribution of this spoil, specifically regarding the 200 men who did not engage in direct combat, directly precedes David's authoritative pronouncement in this verse, underscoring his decisive leadership in a moment of internal conflict and setting a vital precedent for his future reign as king.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this juncture, David is operating as a semi-independent leader from Ziklag, a city granted to him by the Philistine king Achish, commanding a diverse group of loyalists, outcasts, and individuals disaffected by Saul's rule ([1 Samuel 22:2](/1-samuel/22-2 "1 Samuel 22:2 - David's Followers at Adullam")). The Amalekites, a nomadic people, were a long-standing and divinely condemned enemy of Israel, marked for perpetual conflict due to their attack on Israel during the Exodus ([Exodus 17:16](/exodus/17-16 "Exodus 17:16 - War Against Amalek"), [Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17-19 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Remember Amalek")). While the customary practice of spoil distribution in ancient Near Eastern warfare often heavily favored those who directly participated in combat, David's decree in this verse and its subsequent establishment as a lasting statute for Israel ([1 Samuel 30:25](/1-samuel/30-25 "1 Samuel 30:25 - David's Statute for Israel")) demonstrates a remarkably progressive and just approach to communal responsibility, reflecting the character of a leader chosen by God to shepherd His people with righteousness and equity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several foundational themes central to David's leadership and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Divine Providence and Sovereignty** is paramount; David unequivocally attributes the entire victory and the recovered spoil directly to God's hand, emphasizing that success is a divine gift and not merely a human achievement. This theological grounding shifts the focus from human merit to divine grace. Secondly, **Equitable Distribution and Justice** is established as a foundational principle. David's insistence on equal sharing, even for those who did not participate in direct combat but provided essential logistical support, underscores his commitment to fairness and the valuing of all contributions within the community. This principle would later become a lasting statute in Israel, shaping the ethical framework of his kingdom. Thirdly, **Unity and Community Cohesion** is a vital outcome. By ensuring that all members received an equal share, David proactively prevented internal strife and fostered a strong sense of solidarity among his diverse followers, demonstrating wise leadership that prioritized the well-being of the entire group over the narrow interests of a few.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God (H3068), often rendered "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." David's use of _Yᵉhôvâh_ here emphasizes not merely a generic deity, but the personal, active God of Israel who is intimately involved in their affairs. It underscores the theological foundation of his decree: the victory is not merely a stroke of luck or human prowess, but the direct, intentional act of the covenant-keeping God who is faithful to His people.
* **preserved (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** The Hebrew verb _shâmar_ (H8104) means "to guard, to keep, to protect." David acknowledges God's continuous watchful care over them, not just in the heat of battle but throughout their arduous pursuit and the preceding period of vulnerability. This highlights God's faithfulness as a protector, reinforcing the idea that their very existence and ability to fight were due to divine safeguarding, making the spoil a direct result of God's preservation.
* **delivered (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** The Hebrew verb _nâthan_ (H5414) is a primitive root meaning "to give," but used with great latitude, including "to put, make, bestow, commit, deliver." In this context, combined with "into our hand" (Hebrew, _yâd_ H3027), it forms a common biblical idiom signifying a decisive victory granted by God. David explicitly attributes the military success—the complete subjugation of the Amalekites—to God's direct intervention, removing any doubt that the spoil was anything other than a divinely granted bounty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said David, Ye shall not do so, my brethren,"**: David's opening immediately asserts his authority while simultaneously demonstrating a pastoral, communal heart by addressing his men as "my brethren." This phrase is a firm, unequivocal rejection of the proposal to withhold spoil from the 200 men. It signals David's decisive leadership and his commitment to a higher principle of justice and unity, even when it goes against the immediate desires of a vocal segment of his men.
* **"with that which the LORD hath given us,"**: This clause forms the theological bedrock of David's argument. He fundamentally shifts the perspective from human effort and entitlement to divine grace and provision. The spoil is not merely the fruit of their labor or conquest, but a direct gift from YHWH. This declaration immediately elevates the discussion from a squabble over material goods to a profound recognition of God's sovereignty over all things.
* **"who hath preserved us,"**: David further elaborates on God's active role, emphasizing divine protection. This acknowledges that their very survival throughout the dangerous pursuit and engagement with the Amalekites was due to God's safeguarding hand. It reminds his men that their ability to fight, and thus to gain spoil, was itself a testament to God's preserving power, not their own invincibility or strategic genius.
* **"and delivered the company that came against us into our hand."**: This final clause explicitly attributes the military victory to God. The "company that came against us" refers to the Amalekite raiders. David makes it clear that the decisive defeat of the enemy was not achieved by their strength alone, but because God "delivered" them into their control. This reiterates the theme of divine sovereignty over battle outcomes, reinforcing the idea that the spoil is a direct consequence of God's intervention and therefore belongs to all whom God has preserved and used in the collective effort.

#### Literary Devices
David's pronouncement in this verse is powerfully shaped by **Direct Speech**, which lends immediate authority, authenticity, and personal conviction to his words, allowing the reader to directly witness his decisive leadership. The core of his statement functions as a profound **Theological Declaration**, explicitly attributing the victory and the recovered spoil to God's direct and active involvement ("the LORD hath given us, who hath preserved us, and delivered...into our hand"). This theological grounding elevates his decree from a mere human command to a divinely informed principle of justice. Furthermore, David's initial phrase, "Ye shall not do so, my brethren," serves as a clear **Rebuke** or strong prohibition, yet it is softened and framed within a context of relational address ("my brethren"), highlighting his unique blend of firm leadership and pastoral care for his followers. The repeated emphasis on God's active role in giving, preserving, and delivering functions as a form of **Anaphora** or emphasizing repetition, driving home the undeniable point of divine sovereignty as the ultimate source of their success and provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's decree in 1 Samuel 30:23 is a profound statement on divine sovereignty, communal responsibility, and justice, echoing and prefiguring broader biblical principles. It establishes that all blessings, including military victories and material gains, ultimately originate from God's hand. This theological foundation underpins a radical principle of equitable distribution: that those who support the mission, even if not directly on the front lines, are equally deserving of the fruits of the collective effort. This not only prevents internal strife but also fosters a sense of unity and mutual dependence within the community, reflecting God's own character of generosity and fairness. David's statute, derived from this moment, sets a precedent for how a righteous king should care for all his people, valuing every contribution and ensuring that no one is left behind or devalued.

* [Numbers 31:27](/numbers/31-27 "Numbers 31:27 - Division of Spoil")
* [Deuteronomy 20:14](/deuteronomy/20-14 "Deuteronomy 20:14 - Taking Spoil in War")
* [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bear One Another's Burdens")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's principled stand in 1 Samuel 30:23 offers timeless lessons for leaders and communities today. It challenges us to cultivate a deep awareness that all our successes, resources, and even our very lives are gifts from the LORD. This perspective fosters humility, gratitude, and a recognition that our achievements are not solely the product of our own efforts but are enabled by divine grace. Furthermore, David's commitment to equitable distribution reminds us to value every member of a team, family, or community, recognizing that contributions come in many forms—not just the most visible or outwardly "heroic." True leadership involves ensuring that those who support, maintain, or simply endure are honored and provided for, just as much as those who are at the forefront. This approach prevents division, builds strong bonds, and creates a just environment where all feel valued and included, reflecting the heart of God for His people and the interconnectedness of the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does attributing our successes to God, as David did, change our perspective on our achievements and possessions and foster humility?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to devalue the contributions of those who serve in "behind-the-scenes" or supportive roles in our own communities, churches, or workplaces?**
* **What practical steps can we take to ensure more equitable distribution of resources, credit, or opportunities within our spheres of influence, reflecting God's justice?**
* **How does David's emphasis on unity and brotherhood challenge us to address internal conflicts or divisions within our own groups, prioritizing communal well-being?**

### FAQ

**Why was David's decision in 1 Samuel 30:23 so significant?**

Answer: David's decision was profoundly significant for several reasons. First, it established a vital theological principle: that all success and provision come from the LORD, not merely human effort. This grounded his leadership in divine sovereignty and gratitude. Second, it set a precedent for equitable justice, ensuring that those who provided essential support (guarding the baggage) were valued equally with those who engaged in direct combat. This prevented internal strife and fostered unity among his men, a crucial element for a nascent kingdom. Finally, this principle was later formalized as a "statute and an ordinance for Israel from that day forward" ([1 Samuel 30:25](/1-samuel/30-25 "1 Samuel 30:25 - David's Statute for Israel")), demonstrating its lasting impact on Israelite law and ethics.

**How does this relate to the 200 men who stayed behind at the Brook Besor?**

Answer: The 200 men were too exhausted to cross the Brook Besor and continue the pursuit of the Amalekites ([1 Samuel 30:10](/1-samuel/30-10 "1 Samuel 30:10 - The Men at Besor")). They remained behind to guard the camp's provisions and equipment. Some of the "wicked men" among David's followers argued that these 200 men, not having participated in the direct fighting, should not receive any of the recovered spoil ([1 Samuel 30:22](/1-samuel/30-22 "1 Samuel 30:22 - The Wicked Men's Proposal")). David's decree directly refutes this, insisting that their role in guarding the baggage was just as vital to the overall success and that, since the victory was from God, all who were part of the community's effort should share equally in the divine provision.

**Is this a universal principle for all time, or just for David's time?**

Answer: While the specific context of spoil distribution in ancient warfare is unique to David's time, the underlying principles are universal and timeless. David's decree emphasizes: 1) **Divine Providence:** All blessings ultimately come from God, who is the giver of every good and perfect gift ([James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every Good Gift")). 2) **Equitable Justice:** Valuing all contributions within a community, regardless of their visibility or perceived "heroism," recognizing that every part of the body is essential ([1 Corinthians 12:22-24](/1-corinthians/12-22-24 "1 Corinthians 12:22-24 - The Less Honorable Parts")). 3) **Unity and Community Care:** Preventing division by ensuring fair treatment for all members, fostering a spirit of humility and looking out for others' interests ([Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Humility and Unity")). These principles transcend the specific historical context and remain vital for healthy families, churches, and societies today.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David, as a king after God's own heart, serves as a remarkable foreshadowing of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, in his compassionate and just leadership. Just as David ensured that all his men, including the weary and less active, shared equally in the spoil given by God, so too does Christ, our victorious King, ensure that all who are His receive the full "spoil" of His triumph over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. The victory is entirely the LORD's, achieved through Christ's decisive conquest on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), and the grace and salvation are freely given to all who believe, not based on their works or perceived merit, but solely on God's unmerited favor ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Grace Through Faith")). Christ's kingdom is characterized by radical inclusion and equitable distribution of divine favor, where the "least" are often honored and the "last" are made first in His eyes ([Matthew 20:16](/matthew/20-16 "Matthew 20:16 - The Last Shall Be First")). He is the Good Shepherd who cares for every single sheep, ensuring none are left behind or devalued, even those who may feel weak or insignificant ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). In Christ, the principle of unity and valuing every member of the body of believers finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment, as all are made one in Him, sharing in His divine inheritance and the boundless riches of His grace ([1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1-corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")).

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

Deuteronomy 8:18

But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for [it is] he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as [it is] this day.

Psalms 44:2

[How] thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; [how] thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out.

Psalms 44:7

But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us.

Numbers 31:49

And they said unto Moses, Thy servants have taken the sum of the men of war which [are] under our charge, and there lacketh not one man of us.

Numbers 31:54

And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and brought it into the tabernacle of the congregation, [for] a memorial for the children of Israel before the LORD.

Acts 22:1

¶ Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence [which I make] now unto you.

1 Samuel 2:7

The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.