David Defeats the Amalekites (1 Samuel 30)

2022-10-14

David being dismissed by Achish king of Gath truly was from the Lord. Because of this, David (1) would not have to fight against his brethren the Israelites (or would he have?) and (2) discovered that Ziklag was sacked by the Amalekites and that everyone’s property and families were taken.

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. (1 Samuel 30:6)

There are a lot of little things to glean from this story. First, after consulting the Lord, David recovered everything. Nothing was lost, whether in lives or property. Second, David ensured that everyone got their property and families back, even if they did not fight. Everyone received of the plunder also. Finally, the elders of Judah and those who harbored him during his time fleeing from Saul received of the spoil. He would have done this because of gratitude, though those connections he made also ensured him the kingdom. All of this would have been done through David by the power of the Lord.

In our case, we can see that David was valiant to recover what was lost. He fought for others. He was also gracious to others. Those who could not fight because of fatigue still shared in the recovery and the plunder, for they still guarded the supplies while the battle raged. He also provided for people who had provided for him when he was in need. This “present” showed his gratitude. This also shows the profitability of making good connections, especially for the sake of the kingdom. Though David gained an earthly kingdom, we can expand the reach of Jesus’ kingdom through connections.