I Samuel 30:22-26
“But all the mean-spirited men who had marched with David, the rabble element, objected: ‘They didn’t help in the rescue, they don’t get any of the plunder we recovered. Each man can have his wife and children, but that’s it. Take them and go!’ ‘Families don’t do this sort of thing! Oh no, my brothers!’ said David as he broke up the argument. ‘You can’t act this way with what GOD gave us! God kept us safe. He handed over the raiders who attacked us. Who would ever listen to this kind of talk? The share of the one who stays with the gear is the share of the one who fights—equal shares. Share and share alike!’ From that day on, David made that the rule in Israel—and it still is. On returning to Ziklag, David sent portions of the plunder to the elders of Judah, his neighbors, with a note saying, ‘A gift from the plunder of GOD’s enemies!’”
“But some evil troublemakers among David’s men said, ‘They didn’t go with us, so they can’t have any of the plunder we recovered. Give them their wives and children, and tell them to be gone.’ But David said, ‘No, my brothers! Don’t be selfish with what the LORD has given us. He has kept us safe and helped us defeat the band of raiders that attacked us. Who will listen when you talk like this? We share and share alike—those who go to battle and those who guard the equipment.’ From then on David made this a decree and regulation for Israel, and it is still followed today. When he arrived at Ziklag, David sent part of the plunder to the elders of Judah, who were his friends. ‘Here is a present for you, taken from the LORD’s enemies.’”
David is a type of Christ. His character and life point forward to that of Jesus. Here we see David as judge, holding to a standard of righteousness. Earlier we saw David as administrator and warrior. The Messiah, when he comes again, will be all of these too, but perfectly so. Imagine the peace and joy of living under a perfect King, everything always put right. I can’t wait!
Lord Jesus, please come quickly. We are spiraling down up to our own destruction. You are our only hope.