1 Samuel 30:24
New International Version
Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike.”

New Living Translation
Who will listen when you talk like this? We share and share alike—those who go to battle and those who guard the equipment.”

English Standard Version
Who would listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage. They shall share alike.”

Berean Standard Bible
Who 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.”

King James Bible
For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.

New King James Version
For who will heed you in this matter? But as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike.”

New American Standard Bible
And who will listen to you in this matter? For as is the share of the one who goes down into the battle, so shall be the share of the one who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike.”

NASB 1995
“And who will listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike.”

NASB 1977
“And who will listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And who will listen to you in this matter? For as is the portion of the one who goes down to the battle, so shall the portion be of the one who remains by the baggage; they shall be apportioned together.”

Amplified Bible
And who will listen to you in regard to this matter? For as is the share of him who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the provisions and supplies; they shall share alike.”

Christian Standard Bible
Who can agree to your proposal? The share of the one who goes into battle is to be the same as the share of the one who remains with the supplies. They will share equally.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Who can agree to your proposal? The share of the one who goes into battle is to be the same as the share of the one who remains with the supplies. They will share equally.”

American Standard Version
And 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.

Contemporary English Version
Who would pay attention to you, anyway? Soldiers who stay behind to guard the camp get as much as those who go into battle.

English Revised Version
And 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 stuff: they shall share alike.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Besides, who is going to pay attention to what you have to say in this matter? Certainly, the share of those who go into battle must be like the share of those who stay with the supplies. They will all share alike."

Good News Translation
No one can agree with what you say! All must share alike: whoever stays behind with the supplies gets the same share as the one who goes into battle."

International Standard Version
Who will listen to you in this matter? Indeed, the share of those who went down into battle and the share of those who stayed with the supplies will be the same. They'll share alike."

Majority Standard Bible
Who 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.?

NET Bible
Who will listen to you in this matter? The portion of the one who went down into the battle will be the same as the portion of the one who remained with the equipment! Let their portions be the same!"

New Heart English Bible
And who will listen to you in this matter? For they are not inferior to you. For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so will his share be who remains with the supplies; they will share alike."

Webster's Bible Translation
For who will hearken to you in this matter? but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the goods: they shall part alike.

World English Bible
Who will listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who stays with the baggage. They shall share alike.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and who listens to you in this thing? For as the portion of him who was brought down into battle, so also [is] the portion of him who is abiding by the vessels—they share alike.”

Young's Literal Translation
and who doth hearken to you in this thing? for as the portion of him who was brought down into battle, so also is the portion of him who is abiding by the vessels -- alike they share.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And who will hear to you for this word? for as the part of him going clown in the war, and so the part of him sitting by the vessels: together shall they divide.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And no man shall hearken to you in this matter. But equal shall be the portion of him that went down to battle and of him that abode at the baggage, and they shall divide alike.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, let no one heed you over these words. But equal shall be the portion of him who descended to the battle, and of him who remained with the supplies, and they will divide it alike.”

New American Bible
Who could agree with this proposal of yours? Rather, the share of the one who goes down to battle shall be the same as that of the one who remains with the baggage—they share alike.”

New Revised Standard Version
Who would listen to you in this matter? For the share of the one who goes down into the battle shall be the same as the share of the one who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For who will hearken to you in this matter? For as his portion is who goes down to battle, so shall his portion be who tarries by the baggage: they shall divide alike.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Who will hear this your word, because the portion of whoever went down to battle is like the portion of him who stayed by the side of the equipment, and they divide as one!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And who will hearken unto you in this matter? for as is the share of him that goeth down to the battle, so shall be the share of him that tarrieth by the baggage; they shall share alike.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And who will hearken to these your words? for they are not inferior to us; for according to the portion of him that went down to the battle, so shall be the portion of him that abides with the baggage; they shall share alike.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Spoils are Divided
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.” 25And so it has been from that day forward. David established this statute as an ordinance for Israel to this very day.…

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.

Acts 4:32-35
The multitude of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned. / With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And abundant grace was upon them all. / There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, ...

Matthew 20:12-15
‘These men who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the scorching heat of the day.’ / But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Did you not agree with me on one denarius? / Take your pay and go. I want to give this last man the same as I gave you. ...

2 Corinthians 8:13-15
It is not our intention that others may be relieved while you are burdened, but that there may be equality. / 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.”

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.”

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

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

Galatians 6:6
Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.

Philippians 4:15-17
And as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving. / For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again. / Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account.

1 Timothy 6:18
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,

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

1 Peter 4:10
As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.


Treasury of Scripture

For who will listen to you in this matter? but as his part is that goes down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarries by the stuff: they shall part alike.

Numbers 31:27
And divide the prey into two parts; between them that took the war upon them, who went out to battle, and between all the congregation:

Joshua 22:8
And he spake unto them, saying, Return with much riches unto your tents, and with very much cattle, with silver, and with gold, and with brass, and with iron, and with very much raiment: divide the spoil of your enemies with your brethren.

Psalm 68:12
Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.

tarrieth

1 Samuel 25:13
And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff.

Jump to Previous
Abiding Alike Attention Baggage Battle Fight Goes Goods Hearken Matter Part Portion Question Share Stays Stuff Supplies Tarries Tarrieth Vessels
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Abiding Alike Attention Baggage Battle Fight Goes Goods Hearken Matter Part Portion Question Share Stays Stuff Supplies Tarries Tarrieth Vessels
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














Who will listen to your proposal?
This rhetorical question highlights David's leadership and authority. In the context of 1 Samuel 30, David addresses his men after a victorious battle against the Amalekites. Some of his men, described as "wicked and worthless," proposed that those who did not fight should not share in the spoils. David's question challenges this selfish mindset, emphasizing unity and fairness. This reflects the biblical principle of equality and justice, as seen in other scriptures like Acts 10:34, where God shows no partiality.

The share of the one who went to battle
This phrase underscores the importance of those who actively participate in the mission. In ancient warfare, those who fought were often rewarded with the spoils of victory. This practice is seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in Numbers 31:27, where the spoils of war are divided among those who fought and the community. David acknowledges the bravery and effort of the warriors, aligning with the biblical theme of rewarding diligence and courage.

will match the share of the one who stayed with the supplies.
David's decision to give equal shares to those who stayed with the supplies reflects a principle of shared responsibility and community. In the ancient Near Eastern context, guarding supplies was a crucial task, ensuring the army's sustenance and security. This decision promotes unity and prevents division among the people. It echoes the New Testament teaching in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, where Paul describes the body of Christ as having many parts, each with its own role and importance.

They will share alike.”
This final statement establishes a precedent for equitable distribution among the people of God. It highlights the value of every role within the community, whether visible or behind the scenes. This principle is seen in the early church, where believers shared everything in common (Acts 4:32-35). David's decree foreshadows the inclusive nature of the kingdom of God, where all contributions are valued, and everyone shares in the blessings, much like the parable of the workers in the vineyard in Matthew 20:1-16.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The anointed future king of Israel, who demonstrates leadership and fairness in distributing the spoils of battle.

2. The Amalekites
A nomadic tribe that raided Ziklag, taking captives and spoils, prompting David's pursuit.

3. Ziklag
The town given to David by the Philistine king Achish, which was attacked and burned by the Amalekites.

4. The 400 Warriors
The men who went with David to recover their families and possessions from the Amalekites.

5. The 200 Men
Those who stayed behind with the supplies due to exhaustion, yet were included in the distribution of the spoils.
Teaching Points
Principle of Fairness
David's decision underscores the importance of fairness and equality in the community of believers. Everyone's contribution, whether visible or behind the scenes, is valuable.

Leadership and Justice
As a leader, David exemplifies justice by ensuring that all who are part of the mission, regardless of their role, receive their due share. This teaches us about the importance of just leadership in our communities.

Unity and Community
The decision to share the spoils equally fosters unity and prevents division. In the body of Christ, unity is crucial, and we should strive to maintain it by valuing each member's contribution.

Encouragement for the Weary
The inclusion of the 200 men who stayed with the supplies serves as an encouragement to those who may feel weary or sidelined. God sees and values their role.

God's Economy
God's way of rewarding is not based on human standards of merit but on His grace and justice. This challenges us to align our perspectives with God's economy.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Who
וּמִי֙ (ū·mî)
Conjunctive waw | Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

will listen
יִשְׁמַ֣ע (yiš·ma‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

to your proposal?
לַדָּבָ֖ר (lad·dā·ḇār)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

The share
כְּחֵ֣לֶק ׀ (kə·ḥê·leq)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2506: Portion, tract, territory

of the one who went
הַיֹּרֵ֣ד (hay·yō·rêḏ)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

to battle
בַּמִּלְחָמָ֗ה (bam·mil·ḥā·māh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war

{will match} the share
וּֽכְחֵ֛לֶק (ū·ḵə·ḥê·leq)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2506: Portion, tract, territory

of the one who stayed
הַיֹּשֵׁ֥ב (hay·yō·šêḇ)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

with
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the supplies.
הַכֵּלִ֖ים (hak·kê·lîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3627: Something prepared, any apparatus

They will share
יַחֲלֹֽקוּ׃ (ya·ḥă·lō·qū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2505: To be smooth, to apportion, separate

alike.”
יַחְדָּ֥ו (yaḥ·dāw)
Adverb
Strong's 3162: A unit, unitedly


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OT History: 1 Samuel 30:24 Who will listen to you in this (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 30:23
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