1 Samuel 30:23
Then said David, Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the LORD hath given us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us into our hand.
Original Language Analysis
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַעֲשׂ֥וּ
Ye shall not do so
H6213
תַעֲשׂ֥וּ
Ye shall not do so
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 19
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כֵ֖ן
H3651
כֵ֖ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
5 of 19
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
אֶחָ֑י
my brethren
H251
אֶחָ֑י
my brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
6 of 19
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
אֵ֠ת
H854
אֵ֠ת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
7 of 19
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וַיִּתֵּ֗ן
hath given
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֗ן
hath given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
9 of 19
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
יְהוָ֥ה
with that which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
with that which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיִּשְׁמֹ֣ר
us who hath preserved
H8104
וַיִּשְׁמֹ֣ר
us who hath preserved
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
אֹתָ֔נוּ
H853
אֹתָ֔נוּ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיִּתֵּ֗ן
hath given
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֗ן
hath given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
14 of 19
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
David's theological reasoning reflects covenant understanding that all Israel shared in divine promises. His argument anticipates his later psalms attributing victory to God rather than military prowess.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God as the source of success change how you distribute rewards?
- What happens when grace rather than merit governs community economics?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
David's correction grounds spoil distribution in theology, not merit: 'that which the LORD hath given us.' The Hebrew 'asher natan YHWH lanu' (which the LORD gave to us) reframes the victory as divine gift, not human achievement. By invoking God's preservation and deliverance, David reminds the warriors that they are recipients, not earners, of victory. This theological foundation removes grounds for boasting and establishes grace-based sharing. What God gives freely should be distributed generously.