1 Samuel 30:26-31 – Be a generous giver

David had shown himself a remarkable man. Troubles could not keep him down. He had learned to take the bull by the horn and bounce back quickly each time. We saw how he was treated by Saul, but he got up and get on with life. Then he had to face the rejection by the Philistine commanders and lords and returned home to see his wives taken and his town razed by fire. After some lamenting, he also got up and moved on. We also saw how his own people threatened to stone him. Yet he was able to inspire them to go after the raiders and got back everything and more. When some in his camp behaved in a way that threatened the unity and harmony among his people, he took control and dealt with it swiftly.

In this passage before us, we see another aspect of David, his winsome generosity. He distributed some of the spoils he got from the Amalekites to his friends. He was not only gaining their friendship but was proving himself to be a generous person. He was also showing himself to ultimately become a king who would not just take from the people as the Prophet Samuel instructed in 1 Samuel 8:10-18. Instead, he was here proving himself to be a  generous person who would give. Many of them were friends such as the elders of Judah. So from 1 Samuel 30 and all that had happened to David, we saw in him the kind of person who was destined for the throne. A man of great strength who would bounce back from his problems quickly. One who would seek God, listen to Him and then act as instructed. Not only that, but he also showed how decisive he was to take steps to save his people. Furthermore, he was also magnanimous and would treat all, even the unacceptable among them, equally. And now in sending some spoils to his friends, he showed himself as one who cherished old friends and acquaintances and had them at heart.

No one can deny that David had great depth and was fit to be the king. His success did not make him a proud person but instead made him dependent on God even more. He was able to astutely read situations and make the right decisions. He was truly fit for the throne. We learn from him what we need to do if we are to be people whom God can use. We need to stay focused on the call of God and stay true to the mission. We must cultivate selflessness and be the generous person as David was.