King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 30:26 Mean?

1 Samuel 30:26 in the King James Version says “And when David came to Ziklag, he sent of the spoil unto the elders of Judah, even to his friends, saying, Behold a pres...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when David came to Ziklag, he sent of the spoil unto the elders of Judah, even to his friends, saying, Behold a present for you of the spoil of the enemies of the LORD; present: Heb. blessing”

1 Samuel 30:26 · KJV

Context

24

For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.

25

And it was so from that day forward, that he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel unto this day. forward: Heb. and forward

26

And when David came to Ziklag, he sent of the spoil unto the elders of Judah, even to his friends, saying, Behold a present for you of the spoil of the enemies of the LORD; present: Heb. blessing

27

To them which were in Bethel, and to them which were in south Ramoth, and to them which were in Jattir,

28

And to them which were in Aroer, and to them which were in Siphmoth, and to them which were in Eshtemoa,

Read 1 Samuel 30 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's distribution of spoil to 'the elders of Judah' reveals strategic thinking during national transition. The phrase 'even to his friends' (Hebrew: 'lere'ehu') indicates these were allies who had supported him during his wilderness years. The framing, 'a present for you of the spoil of the enemies of the LORD,' connects the gift to Israel's ancient conflict with Amalek. David positions himself as the one completing what Saul failed to do, subtly preparing for kingship while Saul still reigns.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The gift distribution occurred while Saul still lived but anticipated the transition David knew was coming. The locations mentioned in verses 27-31 correspond to areas that had sheltered David during his wilderness period.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you honor those who supported you before success came?
  2. What strategic thinking shapes your generosity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיָּבֹ֤א1 of 16

“came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

דָוִד֙2 of 16

“And when David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶל3 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

צִ֣קְלַ֔ג4 of 16

“to Ziklag”

H6860

tsiklag or tsikelag, a place in palestine

וַיְשַׁלַּ֧ח5 of 16

“he sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

מִשְּׁלַ֖ל6 of 16

“for you of the spoil”

H7998

booty

לְזִקְנֵ֥י7 of 16

“unto the elders”

H2205

old

יְהוּדָ֖ה8 of 16

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

לְרֵעֵ֣הוּ9 of 16

“even to his friends”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

לֵאמֹ֑ר10 of 16

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנֵּ֤ה11 of 16
H2009

lo!

לָכֶם֙12 of 16
H0
בְּרָכָ֔ה13 of 16

“Behold a present”

H1293

benediction; by implication prosperity

מִשְּׁלַ֖ל14 of 16

“for you of the spoil”

H7998

booty

אֹֽיְבֵ֥י15 of 16

“of the enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

יְהוָֽה׃16 of 16

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 30:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 30:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 25:272 Corinthians 9:5Proverbs 18:16-24Genesis 33:111 Chronicles 12:1-15Psalms 68:18

Places in This Verse

ZiklagSettlement · Modern: Tell esh Sharia · 31.39°N, 34.68°E13 verses across 5 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 30 →

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