1 Samuel 30:20
And David took all the flocks and the herds, which they drave before those other cattle, and said, This is David's spoil.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַצֹּ֖אן
all the flocks
H6629
הַצֹּ֖אן
all the flocks
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
5 of 14
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
וְהַבָּקָ֑ר
and the herds
H1241
וְהַבָּקָ֑ר
and the herds
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
6 of 14
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
נָֽהֲג֗וּ
which they drave
H5090
נָֽהֲג֗וּ
which they drave
Strong's:
H5090
Word #:
7 of 14
to drive forth (a person, an animal or chariot), also (from the panting induced by effort), to sigh
לִפְנֵי֙
before
H6440
לִפְנֵי֙
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
8 of 14
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
הַמִּקְנֶ֣ה
other cattle
H4735
הַמִּקְנֶ֣ה
other cattle
Strong's:
H4735
Word #:
9 of 14
something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition
הַה֔וּא
those
H1931
הַה֔וּא
those
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
10 of 14
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Cross References
1 Samuel 30:26And 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;Isaiah 53:12Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.Romans 8:37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.2 Chronicles 20:25And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.
Historical Context
Warriors traditionally received spoil proportional to their participation in victory. David's personal portion would have been substantial as commander, providing resources for the political gifts described in verses 26-31.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God turned your losses into unexpected gains?
- What resources have come through overcoming adversity that you would not have had otherwise?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The additional spoil beyond what the Amalekites had stolen represents the increase from David's victory. The phrase 'This is David's spoil' may indicate his men's acclaim or an official distribution designation. This surplus, plundered from the Amalekites themselves, provided resources David would strategically distribute. What began as devastating loss concludes with net gain. God's restoration not only recovers what was lost but adds blessing beyond the original state.