1 Samuel 30:23
New International Version
David replied, “No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and delivered into our hands the raiding party that came against us.

New Living Translation
But David said, “No, my brothers! Don’t be selfish with what the LORD has given us. He has kept us safe and helped us defeat the band of raiders that attacked us.

English Standard Version
But David said, “You shall not do so, my brothers, with what the LORD has given us. He has preserved us and given into our hand the band that came against us.

Berean Standard Bible
But David said, “My brothers, you must not do this with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and delivered into our hands the raiders who came against us.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
But David said, “My brethren, you shall not do so with what the LORD has given us, who has preserved us and delivered into our hand the troop that came against us.

New American Standard Bible
But David said, “You must not do so, my brothers, with what the LORD has given us, for He has protected us and handed over to us the band of raiders that came against us.

NASB 1995
Then David said, “You must not do so, my brothers, with what the LORD has given us, who has kept us and delivered into our hand the band that came against us.

NASB 1977
Then David said, “You must not do so, my brothers, with what the LORD has given us, who has kept us and delivered into our hand the band that came against us.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then David said, “You must not do so, my brothers, with what Yahweh has given us, who has kept us and given into our hand the band that came against us.

Amplified Bible
David said, “You must not do so, my brothers, with what the LORD has given us. He has kept us safe and has handed over to us the band [of Amalekites] that came against us.

Christian Standard Bible
But David said, “My brothers, you must not do this with what the LORD has given us. He protected us and handed over to us the raiders who came against us.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But David said, “My brothers, you must not do this with what the LORD has given us. He protected us and handed over to us the raiders who came against us.

American Standard Version
Then 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.

Contemporary English Version
But David said: My friends, don't be so greedy with what the LORD has given us! The LORD protected us and gave us victory over the people who attacked.

English Revised Version
Then said David, Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the LORD hath given unto us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the troop that came against us into our hand.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But David said, "My brothers, don't do that with the things which the LORD has given us. He has protected us and handed the troops that attacked us over to us.

Good News Translation
But David answered, "My brothers, you can't do this with what the LORD has given us! He kept us safe and gave us victory over the raiders.

International Standard Version
David said, "No, you won't do this, my brothers, with what the LORD has given us. He guarded us and gave the raiding party that came against us into our hand.

Majority Standard Bible
But David said, ?My brothers, you must not do this with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and delivered into our hands the raiders who came against us.

NET Bible
But David said, "No! You shouldn't do this, my brothers. Look at what the LORD has given us! He has protected us and has delivered into our hands the raiding party that came against us.

New Heart English Bible
Then David said, "You shall not do so after what the LORD has given to us, who has preserved us, and delivered into our hand the raiding party that came against us.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
Then David said, “Do not do so, my brothers, with that which Yahweh has given to us, who has preserved us, and delivered the troop that came against us into our hand.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And David says, “You do not do so, my brothers, with that which YHWH has given to us, and He preserves us, and gives the troop which comes against us into our hand;

Young's Literal Translation
And David saith, 'Ye do not do so, my brethren, with that which Jehovah hath given to us, and He doth preserve us, and doth give the troop which cometh against us into our hand;

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will say, Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with what Jehovah gave to us, and he will watch us and give the troop coming against us into our hand.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But David said: You shall not do so, my brethren, with these things, which the Lord hath given us, who hath kept us, and hath delivered the robbers that invaded us into our hands.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But David said: “You shall not do this, my brothers, with these things that the Lord has delivered to us, for he has preserved us, and he has given into our hands the robbers who broke out among us.

New American Bible
But David said: “You must not do this, my brothers, after what the LORD has given us. The LORD has protected us and delivered into our hands the raiders that came against us.

New Revised Standard Version
But David said, “You shall not do so, my brothers, with what the LORD has given us; he has preserved us and handed over to us the raiding party that attacked us.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But David said, You shall not do thus, my brethren, with that which the LORD has given us, he who has preserved us and delivered into our hands the raiders that came against us.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David said: “You will not do so brethren, for LORD JEHOVAH gave to us and he kept us and delivered into our hands the band of robbers that came upon us!
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then said David: 'Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the LORD hath given unto us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the troop that came against us into our hand.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David said, Ye shall not do so, after the Lord has delivered the enemy to us, and guarded us, and the Lord has delivered into our hands the troop that came against u.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Spoils are Divided
22but all the wicked and worthless men among those who had gone with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered, except for each man’s wife and children. They may take them and go.” 23But David said, “My brothers, you must not do this with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and delivered into our hands the raiders who came against us. 24Who will listen to your proposal? The share of the one who went to battle will match the share of the one who stayed with the supplies. They will share alike.”…

Cross References
Numbers 31:27
Then divide the captives between the troops who went out to battle and the rest of the congregation.

Joshua 22:8
saying, “Return to your homes with your great wealth, with immense herds of livestock, with silver, gold, bronze, iron, and very many clothes. Divide with your brothers the spoil of your enemies.”

Acts 2:44-45
All the believers were together and had everything in common. / Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need.

2 Corinthians 8:14-15
At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. This way there will be equality. / As it is written: “He who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little had no shortfall.”

Matthew 20:15
Do I not have the right to do as I please with what is mine? Or are you envious because I am generous?’

Luke 3:11
John replied, “Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.”

2 Kings 7:9
Finally, they said to one another, “We are not doing what is right. Today is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until morning light, our sin will overtake us. Now, therefore, let us go and tell the king’s household.”

Nehemiah 8:10
Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Romans 12:13
Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.

1 Timothy 6:17-18
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,

Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

Philippians 4:18
I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.

Hebrews 13:16
And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Deuteronomy 20:4
For the LORD your God goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.”

1 Chronicles 29:14
But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and from Your own hand we have given to You.


Treasury of Scripture

Then said David, You shall not do so, my brothers, with that which the LORD has given us, who has preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us into our hand.

my brethren

Genesis 19:7
And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.

Judges 19:23
And the man, the master of the house, went out unto them, and said unto them, Nay, my brethren, nay, I pray you, do not so wickedly; seeing that this man is come into mine house, do not this folly.

Acts 7:2
And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,

which the Lord

1 Samuel 30:8
And David inquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.

1 Samuel 2:7
The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

Numbers 31:49-54
And they said unto Moses, Thy servants have taken the sum of the men of war which are under our charge, and there lacketh not one man of us…

who hath

Psalm 44:2-7
How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; how thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out…

Psalm 121:7,8
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul…

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Band Company David Delivered Hand Handed Hands Kept Preserve Preserved Protected Safe Troop
1 Samuel 30
1. The Amalekites raid Ziklag
4. David asking counsel, is encouraged by God to pursue them
11. By the means of a received Egyptian he is brought to the enemies,
18. and recovers all the spoil
22. David's law to divide the spoil equally
26. He sends presents to his friends














But David said
This phrase introduces David as the speaker, highlighting his role as a leader and a man after God's own heart. In the Hebrew text, the name "David" (דָּוִד) is significant, meaning "beloved." David's leadership is characterized by his reliance on God and his ability to unify and guide his people through challenging circumstances. His words often reflect wisdom and a deep understanding of God's will.

My brothers
David addresses his men as "brothers," emphasizing unity and equality among them. This term fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. In the context of ancient Israel, the concept of brotherhood was crucial for maintaining social cohesion and mutual support, especially in times of conflict and recovery.

you must not do this
David's directive is firm, indicating a moral and ethical stance. The Hebrew verb used here implies a prohibition, underscoring the importance of acting justly and righteously. David is guiding his men away from selfishness and towards a more equitable distribution of the spoils, reflecting God's justice.

with what the LORD has given us
This phrase acknowledges God's sovereignty and provision. The Hebrew name for "LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh) is the covenant name of God, reminding the Israelites of His faithfulness and promises. David recognizes that their victory and the spoils are gifts from God, not merely the result of their own efforts.

He has protected us
David attributes their safety and success to God's protection. The Hebrew root for "protected" (שָׁמַר, shamar) conveys the idea of guarding or keeping safe. This reflects a recurring biblical theme where God is seen as a shield and protector of His people, reinforcing their trust in His divine care.

and delivered into our hands
The phrase "delivered into our hands" signifies God's active involvement in granting them victory. The Hebrew verb for "delivered" (נָתַן, natan) means to give or bestow, indicating that their triumph was a divine gift. This underscores the belief that God orchestrates events for the benefit of His people.

the raiding party that came against us
This refers to the Amalekite raiders who attacked Ziklag. Historically, the Amalekites were long-standing enemies of Israel, often representing opposition to God's people. David's victory over them is not just a military success but a spiritual triumph, symbolizing God's power to overcome evil and protect His covenant community.

(23) Ye shall not do so my brethren.--Translate "Do not so my brethren with that which the Lord hath given us," that is, "in respect to that which the Lord," &c. Ewald prefers to render the phrase as an ejaculatory oath, "By that which the Lord," &c. Some commentators here quote a passage from Polybius, where a similar scene is depicted as having taken place after the capture of Nova Carthago, where Publius Scipio decided that the spoil then taken should be divided equally among the troops that had been actually engaged, and the reserves and the sick among the soldiery, and those in the army who had been detached from the main body on special service.

Verse 23, 24. - Ye shall not do so, my brethren. David rejects their unjust proposal kindly, but firmly. With that which. i.e. in respect of that which, etc. Who will hearken unto you in this matter? Literally, "this word," this proposal of yours. David then enacts that those left to guard the baggage are to share in the booty equally with the combatants. Patrick in his commentary quotes a similar rule enacted by Publius Scipio after the capture of New Carthage (Polybius, 10, 15:5).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But David
דָּוִ֔ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

said,
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“My brothers,
אֶחָ֑י (’e·ḥāy)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

you must not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

do
תַעֲשׂ֥וּ (ṯa·‘ă·śū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 6213: To do, make

this
כֵ֖ן (ḵên)
Adverb
Strong's 3651: So -- thus

with what
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the LORD
יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

has given us.
נָתַ֨ן (nā·ṯan)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

He has protected
וַיִּשְׁמֹ֣ר (way·yiš·mōr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

us
אֹתָ֔נוּ (’ō·ṯā·nū)
Direct object marker | first person common plural
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

and delivered
וַיִּתֵּ֗ן (way·yit·tên)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

into our hands
בְּיָדֵֽנוּ׃ (bə·yā·ḏê·nū)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 3027: A hand

the raiders
הַגְּד֛וּד (hag·gə·ḏūḏ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1416: A band, troop

who came
הַבָּ֥א (hab·bā)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

against us.
עָלֵ֖ינוּ (‘ā·lê·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against


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OT History: 1 Samuel 30:23 Then said David You shall not do (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 30:22
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