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1 Samuel 30:26

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Samuel 30:26 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And 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 Jehovah:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And 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 Jehovah:
1 Samuel 30:26 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Samuel 30

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
23Then said David, Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which Jehovah hath given unto us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the troop that came against us into our hand.
24And who will hearken unto you in this matter? for as his share is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his share be that tarrieth by the baggage: they shall share alike.
25And it was so from that day forward, that he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel unto this day.
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 Jehovah:
27To them that were in Beth-el, and to them that were in Ramoth of the South, and to them that were in Jattir,
28and to them that were in Aroer, and to them that were in Siphmoth, and to them that were in Eshtemoa,
29and to them that were in Racal, and to them that were in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, and to them that were in the cities of the Kenites,
← 1 Samuel 30:251 Samuel 30:27 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And when David came to Ziklag, etc.] Perhaps with an intention to rebuild it, and make it still the place of his residence; and it is possible there might be some houses that escaped flames, and if not, tents might be pitched until the city was rebuilt, and it appears that he continued there some time: he sent of the spoil to the elders of Judah: of that part of it which belonged to himself as a general: [even] to his friends; such as had been kind to him when he sojourned among them; so that this was a piece of gratitude, as well as of policy in him, to make his way to the throne the easier, he perceiving the time drawing on for the expiration of the kingdom in the family of Saul; and…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“when David came to Ziklag, he sent of the spoil to the elders of Judah--This was intended as an acknowledgment to the leading men in those towns and villages of Judah which had ministered to his necessities in the course of his various wanderings. It was the dictate of an amiable and grateful heart; and the effect of this well-timed liberality was to bring a large accession of numbers to his camp (Ch1 12:22). The enumeration of these places shows what a numerous and influential party of adherents to his cause he could count within his own tribe [Sa1 30:27-31]. Next: 1 Samuel Chapter 31”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Elders of Judah - Partly in gratitude for their former favours to him: and partly, in policy, to engage their affections to him. Next: 1 Kings (1 Samuel) Chapter 31”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“30:26 elders of Judah . . . his friends: David extended his generosity to influential people throughout his own tribal area, possibly to secure their support for him as king.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“to his friends: Ch1 12:1-15; Psa 35:27, Psa 68:18; Pro 18:16-24; Isa 32:8 present: Heb. blessing, Sa1 25:27; Gen 33:11; Kg2 5:15; Co2 9:5 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 30:27”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification