1 Samuel 30:30

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

1 Samuel 30:30 is part of a detailed account of David's distribution of the vast spoil recovered from the Amalekites. After the devastating raid on Ziklag, where David and his men found their homes burned and families captured (1 Samuel 30:1-3), David pursued the raiders with God's guidance and explicit permission (1 Samuel 30:8). He recovered everything that was taken and also captured a large amount of additional plunder from the Amalekites themselves (1 Samuel 30:18-20).

This verse, along with others in the chapter (verses 26-31), lists the specific towns and elders in Judah to which David sent portions of this spoil. This act was a demonstration of his gratitude, a strategic move to build goodwill, and a practical application of the principle of sharing the blessings God had provided, even with those who did not directly participate in the battle (1 Samuel 30:24-25).

Key Themes

  • Generosity and Gratitude: David's act of sharing the spoil 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 from King Saul.
  • 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.
  • 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 shows a recognition that the blessings received from God should be stewarded wisely and shared for the benefit of the community.

Linguistic Insights

The names Hormah, Chorashan, and Athach refer to specific towns or regions within the territory of Judah, or bordering it. These were likely places where David and his men had previously found refuge, traded, or established friendly relations during their time as fugitives. While the names themselves do not offer deep linguistic insights beyond their geographical identification, their inclusion highlights the specific and personal nature of David's outreach to these communities, underscoring his deep connection to the people he would soon lead.

Practical Application

This passage offers timeless lessons for believers today. It encourages us to practice generosity and to remember those who have supported us, especially when we experience blessings or victories. David's example teaches the importance of wise stewardship of resources God entrusts to us, using them not just for personal gain but to build up community, foster relationships, and acknowledge God's provision. It reminds us that good leadership involves serving others and strategically investing in the well-being and unity of those we lead or influence.

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Cross-References

  • Judges 1:17 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    And Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah,

  • Numbers 14:45 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan,