1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ

114 Dr. Constable's Notes on 1 Samuel 2007 EditionDavid returned to his 200 exhausted followers at the Besor brook and greeted them (cf.17:22; 25:5-6). 315 Some of the soldiers who had participated in combat with theAmalekites did not want to share the booty with those who had guarded the baggage (cf.v. 24). 316 David, however, took a different view of things. He saw that God had giventhem the victory; this spoil was not essentially what the combat soldiers had won butwhat the Lord had given His people, along with protection (cf. 1 Cor. 3:8; Matt. 20:12-15). Yahweh was the real deliverer of Israel (cf. 17:46-47). Again, this illustrates David'sperception of God's relation to Israel and to himself, which was so different from Saul'sview. His generous policy of dividing the spoils of war so the non-combatants wouldreceive a portion (vv. 24-31) was in harmony with the Mosaic Law (Num. 31:27). Thispolicy further prepared the way for the Judahites' acceptance of David as Saul'ssuccessor.Sharing spoil with the Judahites 30:26-31David also distributed some of the war plunder to the elders of Judah. 317 He evidently didso because he viewed the booty as coming from the enemies of all Judah, even theenemies of the Lord (v. 26). He may have also done this to curry favor with the elders.They later anointed David king over the house of Judah (2 Sam. 2:4; 5:1-3). David'spropensity to give made his new kingdom possible."Many victorious kings have used surplus plunder to enrich themselvesand to build grandiose palaces; David used these first spoils to show hisgratitude to the citizens of those areas and towns in Judah where he andhis men had wandered when being pursued by Saul." 318This chapter presents many qualities that mark strong, effective leadership. These includeempathy (v. 4), faith (vv. 6, 8, 23, 26), decisiveness (v. 10), kindness (v. 12), persistence(v. 17), integrity (v. 23), fairness (v. 24), and generosity (vv. 21-31), to name a few. Wecan also see development in David's restraint compared to his dealings with Nabal (cf. ch.25). David's effectiveness also contrasts with Saul's ineffectiveness as a leader."Saul, disobeying God's prophet, defeated the Amalekites but lost hiskingdom (ch. 15); David, seeking God's will, defeats the Amalekites andembarks on his reign (ch. 30)." 319One of the strongest emphases in this chapter is David's generosity. When God givesblessings, His people should view them as His gifts to us. We should share them with ourfellow spiritual warriors and with our fellow spiritual citizens (cf. Heb. 13:16; Rom.12:13; 1 Cor. 12:14-26; Gal. 6:10).315 David was a greeter who saw the importance of initiating friendly contact with others. The NewTestament frequently exhorts believers to greet one another.316 Saul had had his critics too (cf. 10:27).317 See Youngblood, "1, 2 Samuel," p. 795, for the locations of the sites named in verses 27-30.318 David Payne, p. 153.319 Youngblood, "1, 2 Samuel," p. 791.