SCRIPTURE: 1 SAMUEL 30
DAVID DESTROYS THE AMALEKITES (vs. 1-31)
The Amalekites attacked Ziklag and burned it. They had taken all the people captive and carried them off. When David arrived at Ziklag, he found out that his two wives – Ahinoam and Abigail had been captured. David was greatly distressed but he found strength in the Lord.
Then David told Abiathar the priest to bring the ephod and inquired whether he should pursue them Amalekites. God responded: “Purse them. You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue” (vs. 7-8). David and his 600 men went to Besa. 400 men continue the pursue with David while 200 men stayed behind because they were too exhausted to cross the ravine. while on the way, they found an Egyptian in the field who had not eaten or drunk any water for 3 days and 3 nights. David gave him found and water and he was revied. That Egyptian was a slave of an Amalekite. His master abandoned him when he became ill. He told David that they raided the Negev of the Keretites and the territory belonging to Judah and the Negev of Caleb. And they burned Ziklag. David asked him to lead him the way to the raiding party. So, he led David down. They Philistines were eating and drinking on the plunder they had taken from the land of the Philistines and Judah. David and the 400 men fought with them and recovered everything the Amalekites had taken including his two wives. He took everything, all the flocks and herds. When they returned, David shared with the 200 men who remained even though some of the 400 men objected. He also sent some of the plunders to the elders of Judah and to the places where they had roamed.
THOUGHTS:
The Amalekites cruelly abandoned a slave and left him to die. But God used him to lead David and his men to the Amalekites. David and his men treated him kindly and he returned their kindness by leading them to the enemy. We must treat people with respect and dignity no matter how insignificant they may seem. You never know how God will use them to help you.
The 400 men of David who went to the battle refused to share the plunder with those 200 men who remained to guard their belongings. But David made a law that those who guarded the equipment were to be treated equally with those who fought in the battle. In the church, we treat those who provide support services equally with those in front lines. Realize that position which may be less glamorous or exciting is vital to the work of the entire group.