Fridays with David

Read 1 Samuel 30:21-25 – Now David came to the two hundred men who had been so weary that they could not follow David, whom they also had made to stay at the Brook Besor. So they went out to meet David and to meet the people who were with him. And when David came near the people, he greeted them. Then all the wicked and worthless men of those who went with David answered and said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except for every man’s wife and children, that they may lead them away and depart.” 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. 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.” So it was, from that day forward; he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel to this day. (NKJV)

During the pursuit, 200 of David’s men became too exhausted to go forward. When those who completed the victory returned, some wanted to keep those who stayed from receiving any of the bounty. But David has learned a lesson. It was abandoning home that had made this battle necessary. Had he left some with the “stuff” his wives and children could have been spared the current trauma. David validates those who stayed behind as of equal importance to those who went forward. Those who guard what we have make a major contribution to our efforts. Had David agreed with his frustrated warriors, who would have been willing to stay behind and guard the camp in the future? We should never forget that the victory doesn’t just belong to those on the front lines, but to everyone who has supported the battle and contributed to the effort.

– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.