Chapter Summary
Chapter 30 of 1 Samuel describes a pivotal moment for David. While David and his men are away serving the Philistines, their home city of Ziklag is attacked and burned by the Amalekites. Their wives, children, and possessions are all taken captive. David and his men are overcome with grief, and the men even consider stoning David. David, however, seeks guidance from God through the priest Abiathar, and God assures him that he will successfully pursue the raiders and recover everything. David sets out with his 600 men, but 200 are too exhausted to continue and remain behind. Along the way, they find a sick Egyptian, an abandoned servant of the Amalekites, who agrees to lead them to the enemy camp after David promises not to kill him or return him to his master. David and his men launch a surprise attack on the Amalekites, who are celebrating their plunder. They fight for nearly two days, recovering all the captured people and possessions. Upon their return, a dispute arises among David's men about sharing the recovered goods with the 200 who stayed behind. David makes a wise ruling, establishing that those who guard the supplies share equally with those who go into battle. He then distributes some of the plunder to the elders of Judah, strengthening his relationships and preparing for his future as king.