1 Samuel 30:24
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.
Original Language Analysis
וּמִי֙
H4310
וּמִי֙
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
1 of 15
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יִשְׁמַ֣ע
For who will hearken
H8085
יִשְׁמַ֣ע
For who will hearken
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
2 of 15
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
לַדָּבָ֖ר
unto you in this matter
H1697
לַדָּבָ֖ר
unto you in this matter
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
4 of 15
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
כִּ֞י
H3588
כִּ֞י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הַיֹּרֵ֣ד
is that goeth down
H3381
הַיֹּרֵ֣ד
is that goeth down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
8 of 15
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
בַּמִּלְחָמָ֗ה
to the battle
H4421
בַּמִּלְחָמָ֗ה
to the battle
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
9 of 15
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
הַיֹּשֵׁ֥ב
be that tarrieth
H3427
הַיֹּשֵׁ֥ב
be that tarrieth
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַכֵּלִ֖ים
by the stuff
H3627
הַכֵּלִ֖ים
by the stuff
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
13 of 15
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
Cross References
Joshua 22:8And he spake unto them, saying, Return with much riches unto your tents, and with very much cattle, with silver, and with gold, and with brass, and with iron, and with very much raiment: divide the spoil of your enemies with your brethren.Numbers 31:27And divide the prey into two parts; between them that took the war upon them, who went out to battle, and between all the congregation:Psalms 68:12Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.
Historical Context
The principle established here continued as policy in Israel. Numbers 31:27 shows similar distribution after the Midianite campaign. This statute recognized that support roles were essential to military success.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you value those whose contribution happens behind the scenes?
- What principle of equal sharing applies to your community's distribution of resources?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
David establishes an enduring principle: 'as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff.' The Hebrew uses identical terminology ('chelqo... kechelqo') to emphasize equality. Those who guard supplies serve the same cause as those who fight. This statute recognizes that complex operations require varied roles, all essential to success. David's ruling becomes precedent ('unto this day'), shaping Israelite practice for generations.