1 Samuel 30:28

KJV

And to [them] which [were] in Aroer, and to [them] which [were] in Siphmoth, and to [them] which [were] in Eshtemoa,

KJV (with Strong's)

And to them which were in Aroer {H6177}, and to them which were in Siphmoth {H8224}, and to them which were in Eshtemoa {H851},

Complete Jewish Bible

to those in 'Aro'er, to those in Sifmot, to those in Esht'moa,

Berean Standard Bible

to those in Aroer, Siphmoth, and Eshtemoa;

American Standard Version

and to them that were in Aroer, and to them that were in Siphmoth, and to them that were in Eshtemoa,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse meticulously records David's strategic and generous distribution of the recovered spoils from the Amalekites to specific towns in Judah. Following his decisive victory at Ziklag, this act served not only as an expression of profound gratitude to those who had supported him but also as a shrewd exercise in political foresight, building crucial goodwill and alliances among the elders of Judah. It powerfully demonstrates David's burgeoning leadership and his faithful stewardship over the abundant resources divinely provided, marking a significant transition from a fugitive leader to a unifying figure, thereby laying essential groundwork for his eventual kingship over all Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the immediate aftermath of David's triumphant recovery of everything the Amalekites had plundered from Ziklag, including his wives and the families of his men. After returning to a devastated [Ziklag](/1_samuel/30-1 "1 Samuel 30:1 - Ziklag's Destruction"), David, having [inquired of the Lord](/1_samuel/30-8 "1 Samuel 30:8 - David Inquires of the Lord"), pursued the raiders and, by divine grace, [recovered all that was taken](/1_samuel/30-18 "1 Samuel 30:18 - Recovery of All"). The narrative then shifts dramatically from the intensity of pursuit and battle to the deliberate and strategic distribution of the vast spoil. Before this verse, David had already established a foundational principle of shared reward, declaring that those who guarded the supplies should receive an equal share with those who went to battle ([1 Samuel 30:24](/1_samuel/30-24 "1 Samuel 30:24 - David's Decree on Sharing Spoil")). Verses 26-31 then meticulously list the specific towns to which David sent a portion of the spoil, highlighting his widespread generosity and astute political acumen.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this point in the narrative, David was still operating as a fugitive from King Saul, albeit with a rapidly growing band of loyal followers and an established reputation as a mighty warrior. His residence in Ziklag, granted by the Philistine king Achish, placed him in a precarious but strategically useful position, allowing him to operate on the fringes of Judah. In the ancient Near East, the distribution of war spoils was far more than a mere act of reward; it was a significant political and social gesture. It unequivocally demonstrated a leader's power, generosity, and, crucially, his ability to provide for and protect his people. Sending gifts to elders and key towns was a common and effective practice to secure loyalty, build vital alliances, and solidify a burgeoning power base. The towns listed—Aroer, Siphmoth, and Eshtemoa—were likely located in the southern part of Judah, possibly within the Negev or the southern hill country. These areas may have offered refuge, supplies, or at least safe passage to David and his men during their arduous years as fugitives, making them natural and strategic recipients of his gratitude and outreach. As Saul's tumultuous reign was nearing its prophesied end, David's calculated actions here were instrumental in paving the way for his eventual acceptance and anointing as king by the tribes of Judah.
* **Key Themes:** David's actions in this chapter, particularly the systematic distribution of spoil, powerfully underscore several major themes. First, **Gratitude and Generosity** are profoundly prominent, as David acknowledges God's direct hand in the miraculous victory and extends blessing to others. This reflects a spirit of open-handedness, rooted in the understanding that all provision and success ultimately come from God. Second, **Strategic Leadership and Political Wisdom** are abundantly evident; David was not merely being altruistic but was also shrewdly building goodwill and strengthening crucial alliances within Judah. By sending gifts to these specific towns, he was demonstrating his capacity for unifying leadership and securing a broad support base among the elders of Judah, which would prove absolutely vital for his future kingship. This was a calculated and forward-thinking move to solidify his position as Saul's reign waned, as explicitly seen in his sending gifts "to the elders of Judah, even to his friends" ([1 Samuel 30:26](/1_samuel/30-26 "1 Samuel 30:26 - David Sends Gifts to Elders")). Third, the theme of **Divine Provision and Stewardship** is highlighted with striking clarity. The recovered spoil was a direct and undeniable result of God's intervention and blessing in battle, and David, as a wise and faithful leader, understood he was a steward of these resources, called to use them to bless others and further God's overarching purposes, which inherently included the establishment of his own righteous rule. Finally, the principle of **Community and Shared Blessing** is reinforced, as David extended the blessing of victory beyond just the warriors who fought, reflecting a broader, inclusive principle of shared reward within the community, including even those who stayed behind to guard the supplies ([1 Samuel 30:24](/1_samuel/30-24 "1 Samuel 30:24 - David's Decree on Sharing Spoil")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Aroer (Hebrew, _‘Ărôw‘êr_):** This name, derived from a root possibly meaning "nudity of situation" or "juniper tree," refers to one of several places in biblical geography. In this context, it most likely designates a town in the Negev region of southern Judah. Its inclusion suggests David's extensive reach to communities on the southern fringes of the tribal territory, acknowledging those who may have provided him with safe passage or supplies during his fugitive years, and solidifying their allegiance.
* **Siphmoth (Hebrew, _Siphmôwth_):** This feminine plural name, whose precise meaning is obscure, refers to a place in Palestine, generally believed to be located in the southern hill country of Judah. Its mention here underscores the breadth of David's strategic outreach, ensuring that his generosity and influence touched various parts of the region, not solely the most prominent centers, thereby cultivating widespread support.
* **Eshtemoa (Hebrew, _ʼEshtᵉmôaʻ_):** Meaning "obedience" or "I will make myself heard," Eshtemoa was a significant Levitical city located in the hill country of Judah, explicitly listed among the cities designated for the sons of Aaron in [Joshua 21:14](/joshua/21-14 "Joshua 21:14 - Levitical Cities"). As a center of religious and potentially judicial authority, David's decision to send gifts to such a city was particularly strategic, securing the favor of influential religious leaders and communities, thereby bolstering his legitimacy and support base.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And to [them] which [were] in Aroer":** This phrase initiates a deliberate and widespread distribution of the recovered spoil, highlighting David's intention to extend his gratitude and influence broadly. The inclusion of Aroer, a town likely situated in the southern Negev, underscores David's concern for communities on the periphery of Judah, perhaps those who had offered him refuge or sustenance during his years as a fugitive. This act signifies his emerging role as a leader who acknowledges and rewards loyalty across his sphere of influence.
* **"and to [them] which [were] in Siphmoth":** Continuing the methodical pattern, David's gift to Siphmoth further emphasizes the extensive reach of his generosity. Although its exact location is debated, its inclusion signifies David's meticulous approach to building a robust network of support. By ensuring that various regions within Judah felt his favor, he was actively cultivating allegiance and acknowledging their potential role in his future kingship.
* **"and to [them] which [were] in Eshtemoa":** The final town listed in this specific verse, Eshtemoa, held particular significance as a Levitical city, indicating its religious and intellectual prominence. David's decision to send gifts to such a vital center underscores his profound political acumen. By blessing this community, he would have gained favor not only with its inhabitants but potentially with the wider religious establishment, thereby solidifying his standing and legitimacy among influential groups within Judah in preparation for his eventual reign.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Samuel 30:28, and indeed throughout the broader passage of [1 Samuel 30:26-31](/1_samuel/30-26 "1 Samuel 30:26-31 - David's Distribution of Spoil"), is **Listing** or **Cataloguing**. This technique involves the systematic enumeration of a series of items, in this case, the specific towns that received a portion of the spoil. The cumulative effect of this detailed list is to powerfully emphasize the extensive, deliberate, and comprehensive nature of David's generosity and strategic outreach. It underscores the breadth of his burgeoning influence and the meticulousness with which he cultivated crucial alliances across Judah. Furthermore, the subtle **Repetition** of the phrase "and to them which were in" (or similar constructions in the broader list of towns) creates a rhythmic emphasis, reinforcing the systematic and widespread distribution. This repetition highlights David's comprehensive effort to acknowledge and reward those who had supported him, demonstrating his emerging and unifying role as a leader. Finally, the **Strategic Naming** of these particular towns, ranging from the geographical fringes of the territory to significant Levitical centers, subtly communicates David's profound political wisdom and foresight, showcasing his ability to build a broad and diverse base of support essential for his imminent kingship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's act of distributing the spoil is deeply rooted in profound theological principles of divine provision, faithful stewardship, and the very nature of blessing. The overwhelming victory over the Amalekites was clearly and unequivocally attributed to God's direct intervention and miraculous power, making the recovered spoil a tangible manifestation of God's boundless generosity and unwavering faithfulness to David. David, in turn, acts as a wise and exemplary steward, understanding implicitly that these abundant resources are not solely for his personal gain or the exclusive benefit of his immediate fighting force, but are rather to be used to bless others and further God's overarching purposes. This echoes the timeless biblical truth that all we possess is, in fact, a gracious gift from God, and we are therefore called to manage it in a way that profoundly honors Him and genuinely benefits His people. David's open-handed generosity also beautifully reflects God's own character as the ultimate and most generous giver, who blesses His children abundantly beyond measure. By sharing the spoil, David extends the blessing of victory and demonstrates a foundational kingdom principle of shared prosperity, mutual support, and collective well-being, thereby laying the groundwork for a righteous rule founded on justice, equity, and generosity.

* [Proverbs 11:25](/proverbs/11-25 "The Generous Soul")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "God Loves a Cheerful Giver")
* [Luke 6:38](/luke/6-38 "Give, and It Shall Be Given to You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's post-victory actions in 1 Samuel 30:28 offer profound and actionable lessons for contemporary believers seeking to live out their faith in practical ways. First, they serve as a powerful reminder to always acknowledge God's sovereign hand in our successes, victories, and blessings. Just as David recognized that the recovered spoil was a direct result of divine intervention, we too must cultivate a deep and abiding spirit of gratitude, remembering that "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above" ([James 1:17](/james/1-17 "Every Good Gift")). Second, David's exemplary conduct calls us to practice radical and intentional generosity with the resources, talents, and opportunities God has graciously entrusted to us. Our blessings are never solely for personal consumption or accumulation but are fundamentally meant to be shared, especially with those who have supported us, are in need, or can benefit from our faithful stewardship. This open-handed generosity actively builds community, strengthens vital relationships, and powerfully extends God's kingdom influence. Third, David's strategic wisdom in building alliances teaches us the enduring importance of investing deeply in relationships and fostering genuine goodwill within our families, communities, churches, and even professionally. Simple acts of kindness, thoughtful support, and sincere gratitude can forge lasting bonds and create a robust network of mutual encouragement and shared purpose. Finally, we are called to be wise and faithful stewards of all that God provides—not merely financial resources, but also our time, abilities, influence, and spiritual gifts—using them not just for personal gain, but for the profound benefit of others and for purposes that align directly with God's divine will and the advancement of His eternal kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life have you recently experienced God's tangible provision or a significant victory? How have you intentionally acknowledged His hand in these blessings?**
* **How can you practically apply David's principle of open-handed generosity in your own life this week, whether with your finances, your precious time, your unique talents, or your sphere of influence?**
* **Are there particular relationships in your life—personal, communal, or professional—that could be significantly strengthened through a thoughtful act of kindness or a clear demonstration of gratitude, mirroring David's strategic outreach?**
* **Beyond personal gain, how can you better steward the resources God has entrusted to you to genuinely bless others and effectively further His purposes in the world?**

### FAQ
**Why did David send gifts to these specific towns, and not others?**

Answer: David's decision to send gifts to specific towns like Aroer, Siphmoth, and Eshtemoa was a multifaceted act rooted in profound gratitude, astute strategic political wisdom, and the practical realities of his situation. These towns were likely located in southern Judah, possibly within the Negev or the southern hill country, regions where David and his men had probably found crucial refuge, essential supplies, or at least safe passage during their arduous years as fugitives from King Saul. Sending gifts was thus an act of profound gratitude for any past support or kindness they had rendered. More significantly, it was a shrewd and calculated political maneuver. In the ancient Near East, distributing spoils to key cities and their influential elders was a recognized and highly effective way to build vital alliances, secure unwavering loyalty, and powerfully demonstrate a leader's ability to provide for and protect his people. As King Saul's tumultuous reign was nearing its end, David was actively and intelligently laying the groundwork for his future kingship over Judah. By blessing these specific communities, especially a prominent Levitical city like Eshtemoa, David was strategically solidifying his support base among the elders and influential figures of Judah, thereby paving the way for his eventual anointing as king in Hebron ([2 Samuel 2:4](/2_samuel/2-4 "2 Samuel 2:4 - David Anointed King of Judah")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's act of distributing the spoils in 1 Samuel 30:28, born out of a divinely granted victory and exercised with remarkable strategic generosity, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate generosity and unparalleled strategic wisdom of Jesus Christ. David, as a type of Christ, received a material spoil from his earthly victory and distributed it to build an earthly kingdom and secure human loyalty. Christ, the true and infinitely greater David, achieved the ultimate, cosmic victory over sin, death, and the devil through His sacrificial crucifixion and glorious resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). From this unparalleled triumph, He did not distribute mere earthly spoils but poured out an abundance of spiritual blessings and divine gifts upon His people. Just as David shared his victory's benefits with those who supported him and those in need, Christ, upon His ascension to heaven, "led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men" ([Ephesians 4:8](/ephesians/4-8 "Ephesians 4:8 - Christ Gives Gifts to Men")). He sovereignly distributes the indwelling Holy Spirit, diverse spiritual gifts, and the very righteousness of God to all who believe, not based on their merit, but solely on His boundless grace and immeasurable love ([Romans 5:17](/romans/5-17 "Romans 5:17 - Reigning in Life Through Christ")). David's generosity was limited to physical resources and a specific geographical region; Christ's generosity is infinite, providing eternal life and inexhaustible spiritual riches to all nations, building an eternal kingdom where every believer is a grateful recipient of His immeasurable grace ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Giving")). He is the ultimate and perfect steward, who, though eternally rich, for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might become spiritually rich beyond measure ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-8 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")).

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 15:50

And Anab, and Eshtemoh, and Anim,

Joshua 13:16

And their coast was from Aroer, that [is] on the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that [is] in the midst of the river, and all the plain by Medeba;

Joshua 21:14

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