A Culture of Sharing

 I Samuel 30:22 Then all the wicked and worthless fellows among the men who had gone with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except that each man may lead away his wife and children, and depart.” 23 But David said, “You shall not do so, my brothers, with what the Lord has given us. He has preserved us and given into our hand the band that came against us. 24 Who would listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage. They shall share alike.” 25 And he made it a statute and a rule for Israel from that day forward to this day. 26 When David came to Ziklag, he sent part of the spoil to his friends, the elders of Judah, saying, “Here is a present for you from the spoil of the enemies of the Lord.”

We have begun to see the stark contrast in character between Saul and David. This chapter begins with David's wives being captured by none other than the pesky Amalekites, always a thorn in the flesh for Israel. David gathers troops to help rescue them, and as a way to thank those who helped, he divides the spoil among all who assisted in any way.  This was both generous and wise.  David demonstrated that he knew it was not all about him, by him, and for him.  This was much different than Saul. David's act of sharing helped unite the people behind them so that when his time as king did come, they would stand together. Sharing helps create an atmosphere of unity.