Contemplative Bible Reading

1 Samuel 30:23-25 (New International Version)

²³ David replied, “No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and handed over to us the forces that came against us. ²⁴ Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike.” ²⁵ David made this a statute and ordinance for Israel from that day to this.

These verses record David’s words after a battle. Part of his army was exhausted and stopped to recover – they stayed with the supplies. The rest of the army pursued the enemy to the final battle and gathered the spoils of war. They brought these goods back to where the first part of the army was resting.

How do we now divide the goods? It seems that the men who fought the final battle would receive more than those who stopped and rested with the supplies.

Wrong.

David sets the policy:

The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike.

That is silly, short-sighted; it will never work. It won’t be long before soldiers would stop short of the final battle and take it easy. They know they will have an equal share. Why risk death and suffering when every one has an equal share?

David’s policy worked. It worked because he knew the men involved. They were all good men serving the Lord’s army. They would not “slack off” and wait for an equal share while their fellow soldiers fought. Those who needed rest needed rest. They were true to their word. Their hearts were right with God.

God, we have much to learn from these men and their dedication to service. Help us to learn.