1 Samuel 30:23

Then said Dauid, Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the Lord hath giuen vs, who hath preserued vs, and deliuered the companie that came against vs, into our hand. 1 Samuel 30:23 (KJV)

In the narrative of 1 Samuel 30, David and his men returned to Ziklag only to discover that the Amalekites had raided the city, carrying off their families and possessions, including David’s own wives. Determined to recover what had been lost, David pursued the raiders. With the Lord’s help the Israelites defeated the Amalekites and brought back every item and person taken.

At the conclusion of this account David addresses his companions, calling them “brethren” to stress their unity. He exhorts them not to act selfishly with the blessings the Lord has provided. As he says, “Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the LORD hath given us…,” reminding them that the victory and the recovered spoil are gifts of God, not the result of personal merit.

David also acknowledges that it was the Lord who “preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us into our hand.” This acknowledgment underscores the importance of recognizing God’s hand in every triumph, even after the distress of loss.

A related statement recorded in another rendering says, “The LORD hath delivered the army that came against us into our hand, and also the spoil of the people that went out and smote them, which we have taken for ourselves, and the cattle also.” Both passages convey the same truth: the enemy was handed over to Israel, and the spoils belong to the Lord’s people.

Finally, David stresses fairness in sharing the spoils. He declares that those who fought in battle and those who guarded the supplies alike are entitled to an equal share, promoting harmony and unity within the community. This principle of equitable distribution reflects the broader biblical call to love one another and to honor God’s provision in all circumstances.