WHOSE STUFF IS IT?

There is an event in the Book of 1 Samuel that may give insight as to why our enemies are not defeated and why they seem so persistent and victorious in their harassment. It is an event in David's life that had an impact on the entire nation of Israel. David's decision on that fate full day is said to be a custom to this day, according to Scripture.


David and his men had gone to fight a battle with another king. While they were gone, another enemy came into David's camp and totally destroyed it; even taking the women, wives and children hostage. David's men were ready to stone him! It cannot get any worse than that, can it?


Under direction from God, David was given permission to pursue their enemy and with the help of the Almighty, David's army was victorious in battle. Everything David and his men had lost was recovered and the spoil of the enemy camp was of great magnitude.


Upon returning, many of David's men wanted to keep the spoil of battle for themselves and not share it with the men who had stayed behind to guard their original encampment. David strongly disagreed with this thought. It is recorded in 1 Samuel in this way:


" Then answered all the wicked men and men of Belial, and of those that were with David, and said, " Because they went not with us, we will not give them aught of the spoil that we have recovered, (notice, they said they recovered the spoil, no mention of God)...


" then said David, ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the LORD hath given us, (notice to whom David gave credit for victory)...the LORD who has preserved us, delivered us, and delivered the company that came against us into our hand. For who will hearken unto you in this manner?"



" but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff. And it was that day forward, that he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel unto this day..."


Here is to whom David distributed the spoil from the victories:


* to the elders of Judah

* to his friends

* to those in Bethel

* to those in South Ramoth

* to those in Jattir

* to those in Aroer

* to those in Simphmoth

* to those in Eshtemoa

* to those in Rachal

* and to those which were in the cities of the Kenites

* And to them which were in Hormah and those in Chorashan and in Athach

* And to those in Hebron and to all the places David himself and his men were wont to haunt.



Quite an extensive gift of charity! David freely received of the LORD and he freely gave. Should this not also be our mindset, especially in these troubled days?


What is really interesting is the very next chapter, 1 Samuel 31, the wicked King Saul who had pursued David for years was killed in battle. Did David have to come to this place in his character, to freely receive, and then freely give before he was able to ascend to the throne he was anointed to? Do we not talk about ruling and reigning with Christ?


Is this a test we have to pass before we achieve great victory from the ones who pursue us? Do we have the mindset of David that our success in our battle was all the LORD'S doing anyway? Do we give as freely as we receive?


Difficult questions for difficult times. Unlike David, I have not had to flee for my life yet and live in caves! I want to pass this test with flying colors!