1 Samuel 30:30

KJV

And to [them] which [were] in Hormah, and to [them] which [were] in Chorashan, and to [them] which [were] in Athach,

KJV (with Strong's)

And to them which were in Hormah {H2767}, and to them which were in Chorashan {H3565}, and to them which were in Athach {H6269},

Complete Jewish Bible

to those in Hormah, to those in Kor-'Ashan, to those in 'Atakh,

Berean Standard Bible

to those in Hormah, Bor-ashan, and Athach;

American Standard Version

and to them that were in Hormah, and to them that were in Bor-ashan, and to them that were in Athach,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Samuel 30:30 details specific towns—Hormah, Chorashan, and Athach—to which David sent portions of the spoil recovered from the Amalekites. This act of distribution followed David's decisive victory and the recovery of all that had been plundered from Ziklag, along with additional spoil taken from the Amalekites. It highlights David's strategic generosity, his recognition of God's provision, and his intentional effort to cultivate goodwill and consolidate support among the elders and communities of Judah, laying groundwork for his future kingship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of the concluding section of 1 Samuel 30, which describes David's actions immediately following his triumphant return to Ziklag after pursuing and defeating the Amalekites. The chapter begins with the devastating raid on Ziklag, where David and his men found their homes burned and families captured ([1 Samuel 30:1-3](/1_samuel/30-1 "1 Samuel 30:1-3 - The Raid on Ziklag")). David, after seeking the Lord's guidance ([1 Samuel 30:8](/1_samuel/30-8 "1 Samuel 30:8 - David Inquires of the Lord")), pursued the raiders, recovered everything lost, and captured a vast amount of additional plunder ([1 Samuel 30:18-20](/1_samuel/30-18 "1 Samuel 30:18-20 - David Recovers All and Takes Spoil")). Verses 26-31 provide a detailed list of the towns and elders in Judah to whom David sent gifts from this spoil. This act of distribution is framed by David's principle of sharing the blessings God had provided, even with those who did not directly participate in the battle, as articulated in [1 Samuel 30:24-25](/1_samuel/30-24 "1 Samuel 30:24-25 - David's Principle of Sharing Spoil"). The listing of these specific towns underscores the personal and strategic nature of David's outreach, demonstrating his care for the people and his foresight in building a unified base of support.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this point in his life, David was still a fugitive from King Saul, operating from Ziklag in Philistine territory. However, his actions in [1 Samuel 30](/1_samuel/30 "1 Samuel 30 - David's Victory Over the Amalekites") demonstrate a transition from mere survival to active, strategic leadership. The practice of distributing war spoil was common in the ancient Near East, often serving to reward warriors, appease allies, or consolidate power. David's particular method, sending gifts to elders in various towns of Judah, was a shrewd political move. These towns were likely places where David and his men had previously found refuge, traded, or established friendly relations during their years as outlaws. By sending gifts, David was strengthening existing loyalties and creating new ones, effectively preparing the ground for his eventual ascension to the throne of Judah, a process that would begin shortly after Saul's death, as recorded in [2 Samuel 2](/2_samuel/2 "2 Samuel 2 - David Becomes King of Judah"). This act also reflects the tribal structure of Israel, where elders held significant authority and influence within their communities.

* **Key Themes:** The distribution of spoil in [1 Samuel 30](/1_samuel/30 "1 Samuel 30 - David's Victory Over the Amalekites") highlights several key themes. Firstly, **Divine Provision and Stewardship**: The immense spoil was a direct result of God's blessing and intervention in David's pursuit of the Amalekites. David's decision to distribute it widely demonstrates his recognition that the blessings received from God should be stewarded wisely and shared for the benefit of the community, rather than hoarded for personal gain. Secondly, **Generosity and Gratitude**: David's act of sharing was a profound expression of gratitude, not only to God for the victory but also to the people of Judah who had provided him support and refuge during his years as a fugitive. This generosity extended even to those who did not fight, reflecting a broader principle of communal sharing and responsibility. Thirdly, **Wise Leadership and Community Building**: By sending gifts to these elders and towns, David was strategically consolidating his support base and fostering goodwill within Judah. This thoughtful and generous act helped prepare the way for his eventual kingship over the unified nation, demonstrating his care for the people and strengthening tribal loyalties. It foreshadows the kind of unifying leadership he would later display as king, as seen in his efforts to bring the ark to Jerusalem in [2 Samuel 6](/2_samuel/6 "2 Samuel 6 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hormah (Hebrew, _Ḥormah'_):** This name means "devotion," "destruction," or "a devoted thing," often referring to a place utterly destroyed or set apart for destruction, as seen in [Numbers 21:3](/numbers/21-3 "Numbers 21:3 - Hormah's Destruction") and [Judges 1:17](/judges/1-17 "Judges 1:17 - Hormah's Capture"). Its inclusion suggests a significant historical or strategic location within or near Judah, possibly a place where David's men had previously engaged in conflict or found refuge.
* **Chorashan (Hebrew, _Kor-`ashan'_):** While the exact location is debated, the name likely means "furnace of smoke" or "smoking furnace." This evocative name might suggest a place known for its industrial activity (e.g., smelting) or a site that had experienced fire or destruction, perhaps a stronghold. Its mention indicates David's network extended to various types of communities.
* **Athach (Hebrew, _`Athakh'_):** The meaning of this name is uncertain, possibly related to "fixed time" or "appointed." It is only mentioned here in the biblical text, making its precise identification difficult. However, its inclusion in this list further emphasizes the breadth of David's connections and his deliberate effort to reach out to a wide array of communities within Judah, ensuring no significant group felt overlooked.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And to [them] which [were] in Hormah":** This phrase indicates David's intentional distribution of spoil to the inhabitants or elders of the town of Hormah. By specifying this location, David demonstrates his awareness of and gratitude towards specific communities that had likely offered him support or refuge during his years as a fugitive. This act was not a random handout but a targeted investment in relationships.
* **"and to [them] which [were] in Chorashan":** Similar to Hormah, the inclusion of Chorashan underscores David's comprehensive approach to building alliances. This town, though its exact location is debated, was clearly part of David's sphere of influence or a place where he had established a connection. The act of sending gifts served to solidify these bonds and ensure loyalty.
* **"and to [them] which [were] in Athach":** The mention of Athach, a town otherwise unknown in the biblical narrative, reinforces the meticulous and widespread nature of David's generosity. It suggests that David's network of support was extensive and that he remembered even the less prominent communities or individuals who had shown him favor. This detailed listing highlights David's strategic foresight in cultivating goodwill across Judah, preparing the ground for his future reign.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Samuel 30:30, and indeed in verses 26-31, is **Enumeration** or **Listing**. This technique involves presenting a catalog of items, in this case, specific towns, to convey a sense of thoroughness, scope, and detail. The **Repetition** of the phrase "and to [them] which [were] in" before each town name creates a rhythmic pattern that emphasizes the systematic and deliberate nature of David's distribution. This **Geographical Listing** serves to illustrate the breadth of David's influence and the extent of his network within Judah, reinforcing his emerging role as a leader who cares for and connects with diverse communities across the land. It also subtly highlights David's strategic political acumen, as he carefully cultivated relationships in preparation for his eventual kingship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's act of distributing the spoil in 1 Samuel 30:30, and throughout verses 26-31, transcends a mere political maneuver; it embodies profound theological principles of stewardship, generosity, and community building under God's blessing. Having received an overwhelming victory and abundance directly from the Lord, David recognized that these blessings were not solely for his personal enrichment or for his immediate fighting force. Instead, he saw them as resources to be shared, to strengthen the bonds of community, and to acknowledge the wider network of support that had sustained him. This act reflects a deep understanding that all blessings come from God and are to be used for His purposes, which often involve blessing others and fostering unity among His people. It foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on sharing resources and building up the body of Christ.

* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with your wealth")
* [Luke 6:38](/luke/6-38 "Luke 6:38 - Give, and it will be given to you")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God loves a cheerful giver")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's actions in 1 Samuel 30:30 offer a powerful model for contemporary believers regarding the stewardship of God's blessings and the importance of intentional community engagement. When God blesses us, whether with material resources, talents, opportunities, or spiritual victories, the natural inclination might be to hoard or to use them solely for personal gain. However, David demonstrates a higher principle: that divine provision is often given not just for our benefit, but for the benefit of others and for the building up of the wider community. His strategic generosity teaches us to be mindful of those who have supported us, to invest wisely in relationships, and to use our blessings to foster unity and goodwill. This is particularly relevant in leadership, where true influence is built not on power alone, but on genuine care, service, and a willingness to share. We are called to be channels of God's grace, extending generosity and building bridges, just as David did in preparation for his kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's act of distributing spoil challenge my own understanding of stewardship and generosity with the resources God has entrusted to me?**
* **In what ways can I intentionally invest in relationships and build up my community, recognizing those who have supported me or are in need?**
* **What lessons can I draw from David's leadership in this passage regarding the importance of foresight, gratitude, and unity in my own spheres of influence?**

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

Answer: David likely sent gifts to Hormah, Chorashan, Athach, and the other towns listed in [1 Samuel 30:26-31](/1_samuel/30-26 "1 Samuel 30:26-31 - David's Distribution of Spoil") because these were places where he and his men had previously found refuge, established friendly relations, or traded during their years as fugitives from King Saul. These communities, or their elders, would have provided varying degrees of support or at least tolerance to David's band. By sending them a portion of the Amalekite spoil, David was expressing gratitude for their past support, consolidating his present influence, and strategically building a strong base of goodwill for his future. This was a wise political move, demonstrating his care for the people of Judah and laying the groundwork for his eventual kingship over them, as would soon unfold in [2 Samuel 2](/2_samuel/2 "2 Samuel 2 - David Becomes King of Judah").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's strategic generosity in distributing the spoil from the Amalekites to the towns of Judah, including Hormah, Chorashan, and Athach, serves as a compelling foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate and perfect generosity. David, as a type of king, shares the spoils of his victory with those who did not directly participate in the battle, demonstrating a principle of inclusion and communal blessing. This finds its supreme fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true and greater Davidic King. Through His decisive victory over sin and death on the cross, Christ won an infinitely greater spoil—eternal life, righteousness, and reconciliation with God. He does not hoard this victory but generously distributes its benefits to all who believe, inviting them into His inheritance, as described in [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ"). Just as David built a kingdom by sharing blessings and fostering unity, Christ builds His church, His spiritual kingdom, by freely giving His life and inviting all into the fellowship of His sufferings and the glory that follows ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Knowing Christ and the Power of His Resurrection")). His selfless act on the cross, a far greater act of generosity than any earthly distribution of spoil, secures our eternal well-being and unites us as one body, making us co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with 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

Judges 1:17

And Judah went with Simeon his brother, and they slew the Canaanites that inhabited Zephath, and utterly destroyed it. And the name of the city was called Hormah.

Joshua 19:4

And Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah,

Numbers 14:45

Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, [even] unto Hormah.

Joshua 15:42

Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan,