First Samuel

First Samuel was taught by Dr. James Modlish

 

Chapter Thirty

 

OUTLINE OF THE CHAPTER:

I. THE AMALEKITES PILLAGE, SPOIL AND BURN ZIKLAG - (1-10)

II. DAVID OVERTAKES THE AMALEKITES - (11-20)
III. DAVID DIVIDES THE SPOIL - (21-31)

 

I. THE AMALEKITES PILLAGE, SPOIL AND BURN ZIKLAG - (1-10)

It is certainly true that one's failures often return to haunt him later in life. The Bible principle is called sowing and reaping. Unfortunately, others often reap along with the guilty offender. The Amalekites attack Ziklag while the men are away. It was this very group that Saul failed to destroy when commanded of the Lord. "Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not..." (1 Sam. 15:3). If Saul would have been obedient to the Lord's command, the Amalekites would have been but a part of history. Here David and his people pay for Saul's blunder. Yet, in (2 Sam. 1:8,13), we see that it is an Amalekite that takes the credit for striking the death blow to Saul the king. Sin and disobedience require a "payday" someday.

Verse six teaches us the seriousness of the leadership position. We all know that a leader receives much credit for things that are accomplished with which he has little or nothing to do with. On the other hand, the leader often is the "goat" when things are going poorly. It is not at all unusual to see the professional athletic coach in the unemployment line following a losing season. The people considered stoning David; from the penthouse to the outhouse, oh, now quickly one can make the journey!

"David encouraged himself in the Lord" (vs. 6). "In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me." - (Psa. 56:4). There are times in our lives when we cannot go to any other human being for comfort and encouragement - no one else really understands. The Lord brings all of us to places like this, under many, many different sets of circumstances, so that we will turn to and trust him.

David calls for Abiathar and the ephod. He inquires at the Lord (see notes on 1 Sam. 23), God answers telling him to "Pursue." The Lord assures David that he will recover all that has been taken. The six hundred begin their advance on the enemy, but the pace is much too arduous for all. Some of the troops cannot keep up and must stay behind as they approach the brook Besor (vs. 10).

 

II. DAVID OVERTAKES THE AMALEKITES - (11-20)

As David pursues the Amalekites, he comes across some of their refuse. A sickly Egyptian servant is found, who had been abandoned by the main body, after all, he was expendable. David seeking information and direction, feeds the young man. ... His spirit came again to him..."? (vs. 12) (Gen. 45:27; Judg. 15:19); the man is revived and interested in cooperating with David to repay his former employer.

The Amalekites have been very successful in their raids and are caught "partying" late Friday afternoon, after a long weeks work.

(The scene is very common in these United States.) If Russia ever attacks the U.S. they would be wise to pick one of three advantageous times: Monday morning when no one wants to do anything; Friday afternoon, when half the country is 'schnokered' (old German for "bombed"); or Sunday morning when everyone is sleeping. (Check with Pearl Harbor, the 'Japs' were not uninformed of American sleeping habits). David's band of men sings 500 verses of "The party's over, for the battle went on for nearly 24 hours (vs. 17). Four hundred Amalekites escape. As God promised David and his people they recovered all (vss. 18,19).

 

III. DAVID DIVIDES THE SPOIL - (21-31)

David decides to divide the spoils evenly amongst all of his people. A select group of wicked men, men of Belial (Deut. 13:13; 1 Sam. 2:12), are enraged when they learn that the two hundred, who did not go to battle (vs. 10) are going to receive a share of the booty. David is a very wise man. First of all, he realizes that all that they have procured is a gift from God (23). Secondly, David understands and invokes the biblical principle of division of the spoils. See (Num. 31:27 and Psa. 68:11,12). Those that "tarry by the stuff" deserve equal portion with those that have actually entered into combat. The principle serves as a great lesson to us today. Not all Christians are pastors, evangelists, missionaries, etc. Not all serve on "the front lines." Yet, many a prayer warrior and those that have supported those on the front lines over the years, will receive a portion of the results. Many wives of the "champions of the faith" are unknown to this day and will remain unknown. They are known to God. Their contributions will be rewarded as they take part an equal share of their husband's ministry.

The word "wont" of (vs. 31) means "accustomed to." David displays his generosity as he "spreads the blessings" around in (vs. 26-31)

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