Then answered all the wicked men and men of Belial, of those that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them ought of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away, and depart.
Then all the troublemakers and worthless men among those who had gone with David spoke up and said, 'Since these men didn't go with us into battle, we won't give them any of the treasure we recovered. They can only have their wives and children back, so they can take them and leave.'
The writer is showing how some of David's men selfishly wanted to keep all the battle spoils for themselves and exclude those who hadn't fought alongside them.
📚 Historical Context
This occurred after David and his men successfully rescued their families and possessions from Amalekite raiders who had attacked their town of Ziklag. About 400 men had pursued the raiders, while 200 stayed behind because they were too exhausted to continue. Now the question arose of how to divide the recovered goods.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.