30:6 Faced with the tragedy of losing their families, David’s soldiers began to turn against him and even talked about killing him. Instead of planning a rescue, they looked for someone to blame. But David found his strength in God and began looking for a solution instead of a scapegoat. When facing problems, remember that it is useless to look for someone to blame or criticize. Instead, consider how you can help find a solution.
30:7 David couldn’t go to the Tabernacle to ask the Lord for guidance because it was in Saul’s territory. Therefore, he called for the ephod, the only Tabernacle-related object he possessed. In the presence of the priest and this priestly garment, he asked God for direction. When David called for the ephod, he was really asking the priest to bring him the Urim and Thummim, which were kept in a pouch attached to the ephod. (For more information on the ephod and its contents, see the note on Exodus 39:1-21.)
30:11-15 The Amalekites cruelly left this slave to die, but God used him to lead David and his men to the Amalekite camp. David and his men treated the young man kindly, and he returned the kindness by leading them to the enemy. Treat those you meet with respect and dignity no matter how insignificant they may seem. You never know how God will use them to help you or haunt you, depending upon your response to them.
30:24, 25 David made a law that those who guarded the equipment were to be treated equally with those who fought in battle. Today it takes several people to provide the support services needed for every soldier in battle. In the church and other organizations, we need to treat those who provide support services equally with those on the front lines. Without bookkeepers, secretaries, trainers, and administrators, those with a public ministry would be unable to do their jobs. Are you on the front lines? Don’t forget those who are backing you up. Are you in the support group? Realize that your position, although it may be less glamorous or exciting, is vital to the work of the entire group.
30:26 Why did David send part of the battle spoils to the tribe of Judah? (1) David was from the tribe of Judah. (2) David was recognizing Judah as the largest tribe of Israel representing the greatest authority. (3) After Saul’s death, the tribe of Judah split off from the rest of the tribes (2 Samuel 2:4) because they refused to recognize Saul’s son as king. David may have anticipated this split. If so, he was preparing the leaders of Judah to accept him as their king.