1 Samuel 30:29

And to [them] which [were] in Rachal, and to [them] which [were] in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, and to [them] which [were] in the cities of the Kenites,

And to them which were in Rachal {H7403}, and to them which were in the cities {H5892} of the Jerahmeelites {H3397}, and to them which were in the cities {H5892} of the Kenites {H7017},

to those in Rakhal, to those in Yerachme'eli, to those in the cities of the Keni,

to those in Racal and in the cities of the Jerahmeelites and Kenites;

and to them that were in Racal, and to them that were in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, and to them that were in the cities of the Kenites,

Commentary

1 Samuel 30:29 continues the list of cities and elders to whom David sent portions of the spoil recovered from the Amalekites. This act followed his decisive victory over the Amalekites who had raided Ziklag, taking captive David's family and all their possessions.

Context

After finding Ziklag burned and its inhabitants taken, David and his men were greatly distressed. However, David strengthened himself in the LORD his God, sought divine guidance, and pursued the raiding Amalekites. Through God's help, David achieved a complete victory, recovering everything that had been taken. Following the recovery, David established a precedent for sharing the spoil fairly among those who fought and those who guarded the supplies (1 Samuel 30:24-25). This verse, along with 1 Samuel 30:26-31, details David's strategic distribution of these gifts to various elders and cities in Judah, including Rachal, the cities of the Jerahmeelites, and the cities of the Kenites.

Key Themes

  • Wise Leadership and Political Foresight: David's actions here demonstrate his astute political acumen. By sharing the spoil with various towns and clans in Judah, he was building goodwill and support among the southern tribes, anticipating his eventual rise to kingship over all Israel. This act solidified his relationships and acknowledged their potential future allegiance.
  • Generosity and Gratitude: David's distribution of the spoil was an act of generosity, acknowledging God's hand in their victory and sharing the blessings with those who were part of his broader community or potential allies. It reflects a principle of sharing abundance.
  • Community Building and Unity: The act of sending gifts fostered a sense of unity and shared benefit, bridging gaps and strengthening bonds between David's immediate followers and the wider population of Judah.

Linguistic Insights

The names mentioned—Rachal, the Jerahmeelites, and the Kenites—refer to specific geographical locations and tribal groups within or closely associated with the territory of Judah. The Jerahmeelites were a prominent clan of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:9), indicating David was strengthening ties within his own tribe. The Kenites were a nomadic people, often allied with Israel, who had settled in the southern parts of Judah (e.g., Judges 1:16). David's inclusion of these diverse groups highlights his broad outreach and strategic networking.

Practical Application

This passage offers several insights for believers today:

  • Sharing Our Blessings: When God blesses us, whether materially or otherwise, we are called to be generous and share those blessings with others, especially those who have supported us or are in need. This reflects God's own generosity.
  • Strategic Giving: Like David, we can use our resources wisely to build positive relationships and support those who are aligned with good causes or are part of our spiritual community.
  • Cultivating Relationships: David understood the importance of nurturing relationships and building a strong support network. In our own lives, investing in relationships through acts of kindness and generosity can strengthen our communities and personal influence.
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Cross-References

  • Judges 1:16 (5 votes)

    And the children of the Kenite, Moses' father in law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which [lieth] in the south of Arad; and they went and dwelt among the people.

  • 1 Samuel 27:10 (5 votes)

    And Achish said, Whither have ye made a road to day? And David said, Against the south of Judah, and against the south of the Jerahmeelites, and against the south of the Kenites.

  • 1 Samuel 15:6 (2 votes)

    And Saul said unto the Kenites, Go, depart, get you down from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them: for ye shewed kindness to all the children of Israel, when they came up out of Egypt. So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites.

  • 1 Samuel 23:19 (2 votes)

    ¶ Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which [is] on the south of Jeshimon?