Today’s passage: 1 Samuel 30:16-31
Helpful thoughts:
- God’s promises are true. David’s army defeated the Amalekites and everyone was rescued.
- The spoil was to be shared among those who stayed with the supplies because (Verses 23-24):
- God was the one who gave them the spoil in the first place.
- The victory over the Amalekites and the preservation of their lives by God were greater gifts than the spoil.
- Every aspect of the battle, including the care of what must be left behind, is important.
- David’s gift to the leaders in Judah would have served as an announcement. The Israelites were used to people being used by God to save them from their enemies. Those people would then judge Israel.
- A transition in leadership was about to take place.
Questions to consider:
- What promises has God given us through Christ? Why can we be completely confident they will come to pass?
- Why should someone who stays home with the kids so that their spouse can go serve be encouraged by this passage? What are some different ways we work together to accomplish ministry? What are some ways we still “stay with the baggage” today?
- What was the greatest reward for David in this passage? How would it compare to Paul’s reward in 1 Corinthians 9:18? What is more important than the “spoil”?