1 Samuel 30:28
to those in Aroer, Siphmoth, and Eshtemoa;
to those in Aroer
Aroer is a location mentioned several times in the Old Testament, often associated with the territory of Reuben or Gad, east of the Jordan River. It was a city on the edge of the Arnon Gorge, marking the boundary of Moab. This city was significant in the conquest narratives of Israel, as seen in Deuteronomy 2:36 and Joshua 13:9. The mention of Aroer here indicates David's outreach to the Transjordan tribes, reflecting his political acumen in securing alliances and support. This act of sending spoils to Aroer demonstrates David's recognition of the importance of maintaining strong ties with these regions, which were crucial for the security and expansion of his future kingdom.

Siphmoth
Siphmoth is a less well-known location, with limited references in the biblical text. It is believed to be a town in the southern part of Judah, possibly near Ziklag, where David and his men had been residing. The inclusion of Siphmoth in the list of places receiving gifts from David suggests its strategic or familial importance. This act of generosity would have helped solidify David's support among the local populations, ensuring loyalty and favor as he prepared to ascend to the throne. The distribution of spoils to Siphmoth reflects the broader theme of David's leadership style, characterized by generosity and strategic alliances.

and Eshtemoa
Eshtemoa was a Levitical city in the hill country of Judah, as noted in Joshua 21:14. It was also a city of refuge, providing sanctuary and justice, which aligns with the biblical theme of God's provision and protection for His people. By sending spoils to Eshtemoa, David acknowledges the city's religious significance and its role in the spiritual life of Israel. This act can be seen as a gesture of respect and support for the Levitical priesthood, which played a crucial role in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel. David's actions here prefigure the messianic role of Christ, who fulfills the law and the prophets, providing ultimate refuge and salvation for humanity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The anointed future king of Israel, who at this time is leading his men in battle and distributing the spoils of war.

2. Aroer
A city located in the territory of Reuben, east of the Jordan River. It is one of the places where David sent gifts from the spoils.

3. Siphmoth
A location in Judah, possibly a village or town, where David also sent gifts.

4. Eshtemoa
A town in the hill country of Judah, known for its association with the Levites. David sent part of the spoils here as well.

5. The Spoils of War
The goods and resources taken by David and his men after defeating the Amalekites, which he distributed among various towns in Judah.
Teaching Points
Generosity as a Leadership Quality
David's distribution of the spoils demonstrates that true leadership involves generosity and care for others. Leaders should seek to bless those they lead.

Building Alliances through Kindness
By sending gifts to various towns, David strengthens alliances and fosters goodwill. Christians are encouraged to build relationships through acts of kindness and generosity.

Stewardship of Resources
David's actions remind us of the importance of being good stewards of the resources God provides. We should use our blessings to support and uplift others.

Recognition of God's Provision
David's sharing of the spoils acknowledges that victory and resources come from God. Believers should recognize and give thanks for God's provision in their lives.

Community and Fellowship
The distribution of gifts to different towns highlights the importance of community and fellowship among God's people. Christians are called to support and encourage one another.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's distribution of the spoils reflect his character and leadership qualities?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of generosity in our own lives, especially in our communities?

3. How does David's action of sending gifts to various towns relate to the New Testament teaching on giving and generosity?

4. What can we learn from David about building and maintaining relationships through acts of kindness?

5. How does recognizing God's provision in our lives influence the way we use our resources?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 30:26-31
This passage provides context for verse 28, detailing how David sent portions of the spoils to various towns in Judah, emphasizing his leadership and generosity.

1 Samuel 25:13
This earlier passage shows David's ability to gather and lead men, which is relevant to his actions in chapter 30.

2 Samuel 8:11-12
These verses describe how David dedicated spoils from his victories to the Lord, showing a pattern of using resources for God's purposes.

Proverbs 11:25
This verse speaks to the principle of generosity, which is exemplified by David's actions in sharing the spoils.

Acts 20:35
The New Testament teaching that it is more blessed to give than to receive, which aligns with David's distribution of the spoils.
David in Three SituationsC. Bradley, M. A.1 Samuel 30:1-31
The Fruits of VictoryB. Dale 1 Samuel 30:21-31
People
Abiathar, Abigail, Ahimelech, Ahinoam, Amalekites, Caleb, Cherethites, David, Eshtemoa, Jerahmeelites, Jezreel, Jezreelitess, Jizreelitess, Kenites, Kerethites, Nabal
Places
Besor, Bethel, Bor-ashan, Carmel, Egypt, Eshtemoa, Hebron, Hormah, Jattir, Negeb, Negev, Racal, Ramoth, Siphmoth, Ziklag
Topics
Arara, Aroer, Aro'er, Eshtemoa, Eshtemo'a, Siphmoth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 30:26-31

     7719   elders, as leaders

Library
At the Front or the Base
'As his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff.'--1 Samuel xxx. 24. David's city of Ziklag had been captured by the Amalekites, while he and all his men who could carry arms were absent, serving in the army of Achish, the Philistine king of Gath. On their return they found ruin, their homes harried, their wives, children, and property carried off. Wearied already with their long march, they set off at once in pursuit of the spoilers, who had had a
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Secret of Courage
'But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.'--1 Samuel xxx. 6. David was at perhaps the very lowest ebb of his fortunes. He had long been a wandering outlaw, and had finally been driven, by Saul's persistent hostility, to take refuge in the Philistines' country. He had gathered around himself a band of desperate men, and was living very much like a freebooter. He had found refuge in a little city of the Philistines, far down in the South, from which he and his men had marched as a contingent
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Statute of David for the Sharing of the Spoil
THOSE WHO ASSOCIATE themselves with a leader must share his fortunes. Six hundred men had quitted their abodes in Judaea; unable to endure the tyranny of Saul they had linked themselves with David, and made him to be a captain over them. They were, some of them, the best of men, and some of them were the worst: in this, resembling our congregations. Some of them were choice spirits, whom David would have sought, but others were undesirable persons, from whom he might gladly have been free. However,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

Thirdly, for Thy Actions.
1. Do no evil, though thou mightest; for God will not suffer the least sin, without bitter repentance, to escape unpunished. Leave not undone any good that thou canst. But do nothing without a calling, nor anything in thy calling, till thou hast first taken counsel at God's word (1 Sam. xxx. 8) of its lawfulness, and pray for his blessings upon thy endeavour; and then do it in the name of God, with cheerfulness of heart, committing the success to him, in whose power it is to bless with his grace
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Bright Dawn of a Reign
'And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the Lord said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And He said, Unto Hebron. 2. So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail, Nabal's wife, the Carmelite. 3. And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron. 4. And the men of Judah came, and there
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Canaan
Canaan was the inheritance which the Israelites won for themselves by the sword. Their ancestors had already settled in it in patriarchal days. Abraham "the Hebrew" from Babylonia had bought in it a burying-place near Hebron; Jacob had purchased a field near Shechem, where he could water his flocks from his own spring. It was the "Promised Land" to which the serfs of the Pharaoh in Goshen looked forward when they should again become free men and find a new home for themselves. Canaan had ever been
Archibald Sayce—Early Israel and the Surrounding Nations

Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
1 Samuel 30:28 NIV
1 Samuel 30:28 NLT
1 Samuel 30:28 ESV
1 Samuel 30:28 NASB
1 Samuel 30:28 KJV

1 Samuel 30:28 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Samuel 30:27
Top of Page
Top of Page