Background and Context:
The account of David's attack on the Amalekites is found in 1 Samuel 30. This event occurs during a tumultuous period in David's life, as he was fleeing from King Saul and living among the Philistines. David and his men had been residing in Ziklag, a town given to him by Achish, the Philistine king of Gath. While David and his men were away, the Amalekites raided Ziklag, capturing the women and children and burning the town.

Biblical Account:
Upon returning to Ziklag, David and his men discovered the devastation. The Bible records their deep distress: "So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep" (1 Samuel 30:4). In their grief, David's men spoke of stoning him, blaming him for the calamity. However, David "found strength in the LORD his God" (1 Samuel 30:6).

Seeking divine guidance, David called for the ephod and inquired of the LORD, asking whether he should pursue the raiding party. The LORD responded affirmatively, promising David success: "Pursue them, for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives" (1 Samuel 30:8).

The Pursuit and Battle:
David set out with 600 men, but 200 stayed behind at the Besor Valley due to exhaustion. Continuing with 400 men, David encountered an Egyptian servant abandoned by the Amalekites. After providing him with food and water, the servant agreed to lead David to the Amalekite camp.

Upon reaching the camp, David launched a surprise attack. The Bible describes the battle: "David struck them down from twilight until the evening of the next day, and not a man escaped, except four hundred young men who rode off on camels and fled" (1 Samuel 30:17). David successfully recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives, and "nothing was missing, young or old, son or daughter, or any of the plunder the Amalekites had taken" (1 Samuel 30:19).

Aftermath and Distribution of Spoils:
Following the victory, David returned to the 200 men who had stayed behind. Some of the men who fought in the battle argued that those who did not fight should not share in the spoils. However, David insisted on a fair distribution, establishing a principle that "the share of the one who goes into battle is the same as the share of the one who remains with the supplies" (1 Samuel 30:24). This became a statute and ordinance for Israel.

David also sent portions of the plunder to the elders of Judah, acknowledging their support and fostering goodwill among the tribes. This act of generosity and leadership further solidified David's reputation and influence as he moved closer to becoming king of Israel.

Theological Significance:
David's attack on the Amalekites highlights several key themes in biblical theology. It underscores the importance of seeking God's guidance in times of distress and the power of divine providence in delivering His people. David's reliance on the LORD for strength and direction serves as a model of faith and leadership. Additionally, the equitable distribution of the spoils reflects principles of justice and community, emphasizing the unity and shared responsibility among God's people.