1 Samuel 30:24

KJV

For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part [is] that goeth down to the battle, so [shall] his part [be] that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.

KJV (with Strong's)

For who will hearken {H8085} unto you in this matter {H1697}? but as his part {H2506} is that goeth down {H3381}{H3381} to the battle {H4421}, so shall his part {H2506} be that tarrieth {H3427} by the stuff {H3627}: they shall part {H2505} alike {H3162}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Anyhow, no one agrees with you about this. No, the share of someone who stays with the equipment will be the same as the share of someone who goes out and fights - they will share equally."

Berean Standard Bible

Who will listen to your proposal? The share of the one who went to battle will match the share of the one who stayed with the supplies. They will share alike.”

American Standard Version

And who will hearken unto you in this matter? for as his share is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his share be that tarrieth by the baggage: they shall share alike.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 30:24, David, demonstrating profound wisdom and equitable leadership, establishes a critical principle for the distribution of spoils after his decisive victory over the Amalekites. He firmly rejects the selfish demand of some soldiers who fought, insisting that those who remained behind to guard the essential supplies should receive an equal share with those who went into battle. This declaration underscores the vital importance of every contribution to a collective effort, promoting unity, fairness, and mutual recognition within the community, and setting a precedent for justice that would later become a statute in Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a pivotal moment in David's life, immediately following the devastating Amalekite raid on Ziklag, which resulted in the capture of their families and possessions. After seeking the Lord's guidance and receiving affirmation ([1 Samuel 30:8](/1_samuel/30-8 "1 Samuel 30:8 - 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, while the remaining 400 continued and achieved a decisive victory, recovering all that was lost and capturing significant spoil ([1 Samuel 30:18-20](/1_samuel/30-18 "1 Samuel 30:18-20 - David Recovered All")). Upon their return, a contentious dispute arose among the victorious soldiers, specifically from "all the wicked men and men of Belial" ([1 Samuel 30:22](/1_samuel/30-22 "1 Samuel 30:22 - The Wicked Men's Proposal")), who argued that those who stayed behind should only recover their families but receive no share of the captured spoil. David's pronouncement in this verse, immediately following his acknowledgment of God's hand in the victory ([1 Samuel 30:23](/1_samuel/30-23 "1 Samuel 30:23 - David Credits the Lord")), serves as a definitive and just resolution to this internal conflict, preventing disunity and establishing a lasting legal precedent for Israel ([1 Samuel 30:25](/1_samuel/30-25 "1 Samuel 30:25 - David's Ordinance for Israel")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern warfare, the distribution of spoil (booty) was a significant aspect of military campaigns, often serving as a primary motivation for soldiers and a reward for their valor. However, established customs varied, and disputes over equitable division were common. David's decision here transcends mere custom, reflecting a deeper understanding of communal responsibility and justice. The concept of "tarrieth by the stuff" (guarding the baggage) was a recognized, albeit less glorious, military role. Armies typically had a rear guard or a contingent responsible for protecting the camp, supplies, and non-combatants. This role, though not involving direct engagement in battle, was absolutely crucial for the army's logistical support, security, and overall operational success. David's ruling elevates this often-overlooked contribution to the same level of importance as direct combat, setting a standard of fairness that would have been progressive and unifying for his nascent fighting force, which was composed of diverse individuals, including the distressed and indebted ([1 Samuel 22:2](/1_samuel/22-2 "1 Samuel 22:2 - David's Followers")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of 1 Samuel and beyond. Firstly, it highlights **Wise and Just Leadership**, showcasing David's emerging qualities as a leader who prioritizes equity and unity over personal gain or popular opinion. His judgment here demonstrates discernment and a commitment to God's principles of justice, setting him apart from Saul's often impulsive and self-serving decisions. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Unity and Mutual Support** within a community. By ensuring equal shares, David prevents internal strife and fosters a sense of shared destiny and interdependence among his men, recognizing that all roles, whether on the front lines or in support, are essential for collective success. This aligns with the broader narrative of David building a cohesive fighting force and, eventually, a unified kingdom. Thirdly, it underscores the theme of **Equity and Fair Distribution**, a principle rooted in broader biblical justice, where the vulnerable and those who contribute in less visible ways are not overlooked. This decision establishes a foundational principle for the equitable sharing of blessings and burdens, a theme that resonates throughout the Mosaic Law and prophetic literature, advocating for justice for all members of the covenant community, and foreshadowing later Israelite legal traditions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hearken (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ_):** The Hebrew verb שָׁמַע (_shâmaʻ_) means "to hear intelligently," often implying "to listen," "to obey," or "to heed." In David's rhetorical question, "For who will hearken unto you in this matter?", it signifies "Who will listen to your unjust proposal?" or "Who will agree with your selfish demand?" It underscores the moral authority of David's counter-argument and the unreasonableness of the "wicked men's" position, suggesting their proposal would not find acceptance among those with a sense of justice or communal responsibility.
* **part (Hebrew, _chêleq_):** The Hebrew noun חֵלֶק (_chêleq_) refers to an "allotment," "portion," "share," or "inheritance." It denotes a rightful allocation or division of something. David's repeated use of "his part" emphasizes the equitable distribution of the spoil, asserting that each individual, regardless of their specific role in the recent engagement, is entitled to an equal share of the collective gain. This term highlights the concept of a just and proportionate distribution of resources, ensuring fairness within the group.
* **tarrieth by the stuff (Hebrew, _yâshab al-hakelim_):** This phrase describes the act of remaining (from H3427, _yâshab_, "to sit down, to dwell, to remain") with the essential equipment or "stuff" (from H3627, _kᵉlîy_, "any apparatus, implement, utensil, vessel, or weapon"). The idiom יָשַׁב עַל־הַכֵּלִים (_yâshab al-hakelim_) literally translates to "sat upon the vessels" or "remained with the articles/baggage." It precisely describes the crucial, yet often less celebrated, role of those 200 men who stayed behind to guard the army's vital supplies. David's explicit mention of this role highlights its indispensable nature, equating its contribution to that of direct combat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For who will hearken unto you in this matter?"**: This is a powerful rhetorical question posed by David, immediately challenging the selfish and divisive argument of the "wicked men." It implies that their proposal is so unreasonable and unjust that no one with a right mind or moral compass would agree to it. It also serves to assert David's authority and moral high ground in the dispute, effectively silencing dissent by appealing to a universal sense of fairness.
* **"but as his part [is] that goeth down to the battle,"**: This clause establishes the first half of the comparison, referring to the share of the spoil that is rightfully due to those who directly participated in the combat. It acknowledges their effort, risk, and valor, setting a benchmark for the distribution and recognizing their visible contribution to the victory.
* **"so [shall] his part [be] that tarrieth by the stuff:"**: This is the crucial declaration of equality. David explicitly states that the share of those who remained behind to guard the supplies should be precisely the same as those who fought. This elevates the logistical and support role to the same level of importance as direct engagement, recognizing the collective nature of the victory and the indispensable contribution of every member.
* **"they shall part alike."**: This concluding, emphatic statement reiterates and solidifies the principle of equal distribution. The word "alike" (Hebrew, _yachad_, "unitedly, as one") stresses the unity and shared benefit, leaving no room for ambiguity. It is a clear and decisive ruling that ensures fairness, prevents division, and promotes cohesion within David's company, establishing a precedent for communal equity.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Samuel 30:24 is **Antithesis** or **Contrast**. David sets up a clear opposition between "that goeth down to the battle" and "that tarrieth by the stuff." This stark contrast highlights the two distinct contributions to the overall success, yet the verse immediately resolves this opposition by declaring an equal outcome for both groups ("they shall part alike"). This use of antithesis effectively underscores the core message of equity and the equal value of diverse contributions within a collective endeavor. Additionally, David's opening phrase, "For who will hearken unto you in this matter?", functions as a **Rhetorical Question**. It is not meant to elicit an answer but to emphatically dismiss the opposing argument as unreasonable and unjust, thereby strengthening David's authoritative and wise judgment and appealing to the moral conscience of his men. The verse also carries a **Proverbial** or **Legal** tone, as it establishes a foundational principle that would subsequently become a lasting "statute and an ordinance for Israel" ([1 Samuel 30:25](/1_samuel/30-25 "1 Samuel 30:25 - David's Ordinance for Israel")), demonstrating its enduring significance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's ruling in 1 Samuel 30:24 is not merely a pragmatic decision for military cohesion; it reflects a profound theological principle of divine justice and community. It teaches that God values all contributions within His people, recognizing the indispensable nature of every role, whether prominent or seemingly mundane. The victory itself was attributed to the Lord ([1 Samuel 30:23](/1_samuel/30-23 "1 Samuel 30:23 - David Credits the Lord")), implying that the "spoil" was a divine blessing to be shared justly among all who participated in the collective effort, not just the most visible actors. This principle foreshadows New Testament teachings on the unity of the Body of Christ, where diverse gifts and roles are equally essential and valued by God, and where mutual care and equitable sharing are paramount. It underscores that true success is a collective endeavor, and blessings should foster unity, not division, among God's people, reflecting God's own character of fairness and generosity.

* [Numbers 31:27](/numbers/31-27 "Numbers 31:27 - Division of Spoil in Moses' Law")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")
* [1 Corinthians 12:22-26](/1_corinthians/12-22-26 "1 Corinthians 12:22-26 - The Indispensable Parts of the Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's decision in 1 Samuel 30:24 offers a timeless blueprint for leadership and community dynamics. It challenges us to look beyond immediate visible contributions and recognize the invaluable nature of every supporting role within any collective endeavor—be it a family, a workplace, a church, or a broader community. True equity means valuing the person who prepares the ground as much as the one who plants the seed, or the one who provides logistical support as much as the one on the front lines. This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of generosity and mutual appreciation, resisting the temptation to minimize the efforts of others for our own perceived gain. It reminds leaders to foster unity by ensuring fair treatment and recognition for all, thereby preventing resentment and promoting a shared sense of ownership and success. For individuals, it encourages humility in acknowledging our interdependence and gratitude for those whose less visible contributions enable our collective flourishing, recognizing that all genuine effort contributes to the common good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or community might I be overlooking or devaluing the "tarrieth by the stuff" contributions of others?**
* **How can I actively promote a culture of equity and mutual appreciation in my spheres of influence, ensuring that all efforts are recognized and rewarded fairly?**
* **What selfish tendencies, similar to those of the "wicked men," might I need to identify and challenge within myself or my group?**
* **How does David's wise leadership here inform my understanding of what it means to lead justly and pastorally in my own context?**

### FAQ

**What does "tarrieth by the stuff" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "tarrieth by the stuff" refers to those who remained behind to guard the army's baggage, supplies, and camp. In the specific context of 1 Samuel 30, 200 of David's 600 men were too exhausted to cross the Brook Besor and stayed behind to protect the essential provisions and equipment while the remaining 400 continued the pursuit of the Amalekites ([1 Samuel 30:9-10](/1_samuel/30-9 "1 Samuel 30:9-10 - David's Men at Brook Besor")). This role, though not involving direct combat, was absolutely crucial for the security and logistical support of the entire group. David's ruling in [1 Samuel 30:24](/1_samuel/30-24 "1 Samuel 30:24 - David's Ordinance on Spoil") emphasizes that this seemingly less glamorous task was just as vital to the overall success as fighting in the battle, and thus deserved an equal share of the spoils.

**Why was David's decision so significant?**

Answer: David's decision was highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated his **wise and just leadership** at a critical juncture, preventing a potential schism and fostering unity among his men. He prioritized the well-being and cohesion of his entire company over the selfish demands of a vocal minority. Secondly, it established a foundational **principle of equity and fairness** in the distribution of resources, recognizing that all contributions, whether direct or indirect, are valuable and essential for collective success. This principle would later be formalized as a "statute and an ordinance for Israel" ([1 Samuel 30:25](/1_samuel/30-25 "1 Samuel 30:25 - David's Ordinance for Israel")), indicating its lasting legal and moral impact on the nation. Thirdly, it showcased David's ability to discern what was right in the sight of God, reflecting a leadership style that would ultimately lead him to become a king "after God's own heart" ([1 Samuel 13:14](/1_samuel/13-14 "1 Samuel 13:14 - God Seeks a Man After His Own Heart")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The principle established by David in 1 Samuel 30:24 finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament's understanding of the church as the Body of Christ. Just as David ensured that those who "tarrieth by the stuff" received an equal share with those who "goeth down to the battle," so too does Christ, our ultimate King and Head, value every member of His spiritual body equally, regardless of their visible gifts or roles. The victory over sin and death was won by Christ on the cross, a singular, decisive battle ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Yet, the "spoil" of this victory—salvation, grace, spiritual gifts, and eternal life—is freely and equally distributed to all who believe, not based on their "battle" performance but on Christ's finished work ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). The Apostle Paul eloquently articulates this in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ"), emphasizing that every part of the body, even those seemingly weaker or less honorable, is indispensable and receives equal honor and care from God ([1 Corinthians 12:22-26](/1_corinthians/12-22 "1 Corinthians 12:22-26 - The Indispensable Parts of the Body")). In Christ, there is no hierarchy of worth based on visible contribution; all are "one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - All One in Christ Jesus")), sharing equally in the inheritance secured by the Lamb of God ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Heirs with Christ")). David's earthly decree foreshadows the divine equity and radical inclusivity of God's grace, which unites all believers in a common purpose and a shared inheritance, celebrating every member's unique and vital contribution to the Kingdom of God.

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

Joshua 22:8

And he spake unto them, saying, Return with much riches unto your tents, and with very much cattle, with silver, and with gold, and with brass, and with iron, and with very much raiment: divide the spoil of your enemies with your brethren.

Numbers 31:27

And divide the prey into two parts; between them that took the war upon them, who went out to battle, and between all the congregation:

Psalms 68:12

Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.

1 Samuel 25:13

And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff.