1 Samuel 30:27

KJV

To [them] which [were] in Bethel, and to [them] which [were] in south Ramoth, and to [them] which [were] in Jattir,

KJV (with Strong's)

To them {H834} which were in Bethel {H1008}, and to them which were in south {H5045} Ramoth {H7418}, and to them which were in Jattir {H3492},

Complete Jewish Bible

He sent such gifts to those in Beit-El, to those in Ramot, to those in Yatir,

Berean Standard Bible

He sent gifts to those in Bethel, Ramoth Negev, and Jattir;

American Standard Version

to them that were in Beth-el, and to them that were in Ramoth of the South, and to them that were in Jattir,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 30:27 is a pivotal verse within the account of David's strategic distribution of the spoil recovered from his decisive victory over the Amalekites. It specifically names Bethel, south Ramoth, and Jattir as key recipients of David's gifts, illustrating his prudent leadership in solidifying political alliances and garnering support among the elders of Judah in preparation for his imminent kingship. This act demonstrates both gratitude for divine provision and a shrewd understanding of the socio-political landscape.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a larger narrative arc in [1 Samuel 30](/1_samuel/30 "1 Samuel 30 - David's Victory Over the Amalekites"). The chapter begins with the devastating Amalekite raid on Ziklag, which left the city burned and its inhabitants, including David's wives and children, taken captive ([1 Samuel 30:1-3](/1_samuel/30-1 "1 Samuel 30:1-3 - The Amalekite Raid on Ziklag")). Overwhelmed with grief, David sought the Lord's guidance, receiving assurance to pursue and recover all ([1 Samuel 30:8](/1_samuel/30-8 "1 Samuel 30:8 - David Inquires of the Lord")). After a miraculous pursuit and a decisive victory where "nothing was lacking" ([1 Samuel 30:18-20](/1_samuel/30-18 "1 Samuel 30:18-20 - David's Complete Recovery")), David recovered all the spoil and gained additional plunder. The distribution of this spoil, detailed in verses 26-31, serves as the concluding act of this episode, showcasing David's transition from a fugitive leader to a unifying figure, laying the groundwork for his anointing as king over Judah in [2 Samuel 2:4](/2_samuel/2-4 "2 Samuel 2:4 - David Anointed King Over Judah").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the distribution of spoil after a military victory was a common practice, often reflecting the leader's authority and generosity. David's actions here are particularly significant given his precarious position as a fugitive, albeit one with a growing band of loyal followers. By sending gifts to the elders of various towns in Judah, David was engaging in a culturally understood form of patronage and alliance-building. These towns, located primarily in the Negeb (southern Judah) and the Judean hill country, were strategically important. Many of them had likely provided refuge or support to David and his men during their years of exile from Saul's court. This act of sharing the spoils of war was a powerful political statement, demonstrating David's gratitude, his capacity for leadership, and his intention to unite the tribes under his rule, thereby preparing the populace for his eventual kingship over the southern kingdom of Judah.

* **Key Themes:** David's actions in this chapter, particularly the distribution of spoil, underscore several key themes. First, **Divine Blessing and Provision** are central, as the victory and the abundant spoil were a direct result of God's guidance and intervention ([1 Samuel 30:8](/1_samuel/30-8 "1 Samuel 30:8 - David Inquires of the Lord") and [1 Samuel 30:18-20](/1_samuel/30-18 "1 Samuel 30:18-20 - David's Complete Recovery")). David's decision to share this blessing reflects a recognition that divine provision is often intended for the benefit of the broader community. Second, **Strategic Leadership and Prudence** are evident. This distribution was a politically astute move, designed to secure loyalty and consolidate influence within Judah, preparing the ground for his future kingship over the southern kingdom ([2 Samuel 2:4](/2_samuel/2-4 "2 Samuel 2:4 - David Anointed King Over Judah")). Third, the act highlights **Generosity and Gratitude**, as David acknowledges the wider community that had supported him. Finally, it emphasizes **Community and Connection**, fostering a sense of unity and mutual respect among the people David would soon lead.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bethel (Hebrew, _Bêṯ-’Ēl'_):** Meaning "house of God," this name typically refers to the significant northern sanctuary city. However, the context here strongly suggests a different "Bethel" located in the southern territory of Judah, likely a settlement in the Negeb. David's connection to this southern Bethel would have been through his wanderings and his need for safe havens. Its inclusion signifies David's reach into the southern tribal areas.
* **Ramoth (Hebrew, _Rāmōṯ'_):** Meaning "heights" or "high places." The addition of "south" (_negeb_) specifies its location, distinguishing it from other places named Ramoth. "South Ramoth" would have been a strategically important settlement in the Negeb, a region that provided both refuge and a base of operations for David during his flight from Saul.
* **Jattir (Hebrew, _Yaṭṭîr'_):** A Levitical city in the hill country of Judah, mentioned in [Joshua 15:48](/joshua/15-48 "Joshua 15:48 - Jattir as a City in Judah") and [Joshua 21:14](/joshua/21-14 "Joshua 21:14 - Jattir as a Levitical City"). Its status as a Levitical city suggests a community with established religious and social structures, making David's outreach to it particularly significant for gaining broader support, including from the religious authorities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To [them] which [were] in Bethel":** This phrase initiates the list of recipients, indicating David's deliberate and targeted distribution of the spoil. It highlights his intentionality in extending favor and building relationships with specific communities, likely those who had shown him hospitality or support during his years as a fugitive.
* **"and to [them] which [were] in south Ramoth":** Continuing the pattern, this clause further specifies the geographical reach of David's generosity. The inclusion of "south Ramoth" underscores David's focus on consolidating influence within the southern regions of Judah, where his tribal roots lay and where he would soon be recognized as king.
* **"and to [them] which [were] in Jattir":** The final town listed in this verse completes the immediate geographical scope of David's gifts. Jattir's status as a Levitical city suggests David's desire to secure support not only from tribal elders but also from communities with religious significance, broadening his base of influence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Listing** or **Catalogue**, as it is part of a longer enumeration of towns to which David sent gifts ([1 Samuel 30:26-31](/1_samuel/30-26 "1 Samuel 30:26-31 - David Distributes the Spoil")). This literary device serves to emphasize the widespread nature of David's generosity and the strategic breadth of his political maneuvering. The **Repetition** of the phrase "and to [them] which [were] in..." (implied by the KJV's bracketed words, but clear in the original Hebrew's structure) creates a rhythmic effect, reinforcing the systematic and deliberate nature of David's actions. Furthermore, the entire act of distributing the spoil can be seen as a form of **Symbolism**, where the shared wealth represents David's burgeoning authority, his gratitude for divine blessing, and his commitment to the well-being of his people, thereby solidifying his claim to leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's act of sharing the spoil, particularly with those who had offered him refuge or support, transcends mere political strategy; it embodies a profound theological principle of sharing God's blessings. The victory over the Amalekites was clearly attributed to divine intervention and guidance, making the recovered spoil a tangible manifestation of God's provision and favor. By distributing this wealth, David demonstrated a recognition that divine blessing is not solely for personal accumulation but is intended to flow through individuals to benefit the broader community. This act prefigures the New Testament emphasis on generosity and the stewardship of God-given resources, reminding believers that all we possess is from God and is to be used for His glory and the good of others, fostering unity and mutual support within the body of Christ.

* [Proverbs 11:25](/proverbs/11-25 "Proverbs 11:25 - The Generous Soul")
* [Luke 6:38](/luke/6-38 "Luke 6:38 - Give, and it will be given to you")
* [Romans 13:7](/romans/13-7 "Romans 13:7 - Render to all what is due them")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's strategic generosity in 1 Samuel 30:27 offers profound lessons for believers today. When God blesses us, whether with material resources, unique talents, spiritual gifts, or opportunities, we are called to share those blessings with others, especially those within our community or those who have supported us in our journey. This isn't just about charity; it's about building strong, reciprocal relationships that reflect the love and unity of the body of Christ. David wisely stewarded the spoil God provided, using it not only for immediate needs but also to secure long-term stability and support for his leadership. This encourages us to think prudently and prayerfully about how we can use our resources—our time, talents, and treasures—for the greater good, for building God's kingdom, and for strengthening the bonds of fellowship. Our generosity should be an overflow of gratitude for God's abundant provision, seeking to bless others as we have been blessed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways am I sharing the blessings God has entrusted to me with my community?**
* **How can I strategically invest my resources (time, talent, treasure) to build up and strengthen the relationships within my spiritual community or local church?**
* **What does David's act of remembering and honoring those who supported him teach me about showing appreciation and fostering loyalty in my own relationships?**

### FAQ
**Was David's act of sending gifts purely a political maneuver, or did it have a deeper meaning?**

Answer: While David's distribution of the spoil was undoubtedly a shrewd political maneuver designed to secure alliances and consolidate support for his impending kingship over Judah, it also carried significant spiritual and communal meaning. The spoil itself was a direct result of God's miraculous intervention and blessing in the victory over the Amalekites ([1 Samuel 30:18-20](/1_samuel/30-18 "1 Samuel 30:18-20 - David's Complete Recovery")). Therefore, sharing it was an act of gratitude to God, acknowledging His provision, and a tangible expression of generosity towards the people whom God had called him to lead. It demonstrated David's understanding that divine blessings are meant to flow through His chosen leaders to benefit the entire community, fostering unity and well-being. It was a demonstration of responsible stewardship and a leader's care for his people, laying the foundation for a righteous reign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's strategic generosity in distributing the spoil to secure his earthly kingdom foreshadows the ultimate generosity of Christ, the true King, who secures an eternal kingdom not by distributing material spoil, but by offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice. David's victory over the Amalekites and the subsequent sharing of the plunder points to Christ's decisive victory over sin, death, and the devil on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The "spoil" of Christ's victory is not silver or gold, but spiritual blessings: redemption, forgiveness, eternal life, and the very presence of the Holy Spirit ([Ephesians 1:3-7](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3-7 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Unlike David, who distributed gifts to gain allegiance, Christ, having already secured His kingdom through His self-giving love, freely bestows gifts upon His people to equip them for service and build up His body ([Ephesians 4:7-8](/ephesians/4-7 "Ephesians 4:7-8 - Grace Given to Each One")). David's act, while a testament to his human wisdom and piety, serves as a dim reflection of the King who truly gives all, not for political gain, but out of boundless grace, establishing a kingdom that is not of this world yet transforms it from within ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom is Not of This World")).

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 15:48

And in the mountains, Shamir, and Jattir, and Socoh,

Joshua 19:8

And all the villages that [were] round about these cities to Baalathbeer, Ramath of the south. This [is] the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families.

Joshua 21:14

And Jattir with her suburbs, and Eshtemoa with her suburbs,

Genesis 28:19

And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city [was called] Luz at the first.

Judges 1:22

And the house of Joseph, they also went up against Bethel: and the LORD [was] with them.

Judges 1:23

And the house of Joseph sent to descry Bethel. (Now the name of the city before [was] Luz.)

Joshua 16:2

And goeth out from Bethel to Luz, and passeth along unto the borders of Archi to Ataroth,