What can we learn about sharing blessings from 1 Samuel 30:30? Setting the Scene • After rescuing their families and recovering plunder from the Amalekites, David’s men return to Ziklag (1 Samuel 30:1–20). • He first shares the spoil equally with the 200 weary soldiers who stayed behind (1 Samuel 30:24). • Then he sends gifts to elders of Judah in a wide circle of towns—including Hormah, Bor-ashan, and Athach—“all the places David and his men had roamed” (1 Samuel 30:26–31). • 1 Samuel 30:30 records three of those towns: “to those in Hormah, in Bor-ashan, and in Athach.” What We Learn from 1 Samuel 30:30 • Blessings were not hoarded; they were distributed. David “remembered” communities that had previously sheltered or supported him. • The sharing was deliberate and organized. Each town was named; no one was forgotten. • The gifts acknowledged partnership. The elders had not fought in the battle, yet they received the same victory spoils. Principles for Sharing Blessings Today • Gratitude looks outward. When God gives increase, we look for people who helped us along the way and bless them (cf. Philippians 1:3–5). • Generosity travels. David sent gifts beyond his immediate circle; likewise, our stewardship can reach beyond local surroundings (Acts 11:29–30). • Community matters. Victories achieved by a few belong to the whole covenant family (Romans 12:15; 1 Corinthians 12:26). Echoes in the Rest of Scripture • Abraham shared with Lot after God expanded their possessions (Genesis 13:5–9). • Joseph provided for his brothers during famine, even those who had wronged him (Genesis 45:10–11). • The early church sold property and “distributed to anyone who had need” (Acts 4:34–35). • Paul gathered an offering for saints in Jerusalem—believers Gentile and Jewish sharing the same blessing (2 Corinthians 8–9). Putting It into Practice • List those who nurtured or protected you during hard seasons; send a tangible thank-you. • Tithe and give offerings promptly after a “victory”—salary raise, inheritance, business gain. • Involve your family or small group: decide together where gifts will go so everyone owns the generosity. • Keep records of God’s provisions and your giving, fostering a lifestyle—not merely moments—of shared blessing. |
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