Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 30:28
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
Aroer is a place name in the Bible, referring to three different locations in or near Palestine. The name means ruins, and it is mentioned in the book of Joshua. This place was significant in biblical times.
Definition: § Aroer = "ruins" a town in southern Judah
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Aroer. See also: Numbers 32:34; Judges 11:26; Isaiah 17:2.
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
Siphmoth was a place in southern Judah, described as fruitful. It is mentioned in the Bible as part of the Nekeb region.
Definition: § Siphmoth = "fruitful" a place in the Nekeb in southern Judah
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Siphmoth. See also: 1 Samuel 30:28.
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
Eshtemoa was a city in Judah, given to the Levites. Its name means I will make myself heard, and it was an important place in ancient Israel.
Definition: § Eshtemoa = "I will make myself heard" Eshtemoh = "I shall cause my own ruin: fire of astonishment: I shall soar aloft" a Levitical city in Judah
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Eshtemoa, Eshtemoh. See also: Joshua 15:50; 1 Chronicles 4:17; 1 Chronicles 6:42.
Context — The Spoils Are Divided
26When David arrived in Ziklag, he sent some of the plunder to his friends, the elders of Judah, saying, “Here is a gift for you from the plunder of the LORD’s enemies.”
27He sent gifts to those in Bethel, Ramoth Negev, and Jattir;
28to those in Aroer, Siphmoth, and Eshtemoa;
29to those in Racal and in the cities of the Jerahmeelites and Kenites;
30to those in Hormah, Bor-ashan, and Athach;
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Joshua 13:16 |
The territory from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the middle of the valley, to the whole plateau beyond Medeba, |
| 2 |
Joshua 15:50 |
Anab, Eshtemoh, Anim, |
| 3 |
Joshua 21:14 |
Jattir, Eshtemoa, |
1 Samuel 30:28 Summary
In 1 Samuel 30:28, David is sharing the plunder with his friends and allies in various cities, such as Aroer, Siphmoth, and Eshtemoa. This shows that David valued his relationships and wanted to build strong alliances with the people around him. Just like David, we can build strong relationships by showing appreciation and gratitude to those who support us, as seen in Psalm 100:4-5 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18. By doing so, we can create a network of love and support that brings joy and blessing to everyone involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the cities mentioned in 1 Samuel 30:28?
The cities mentioned, such as Aroer, Siphmoth, and Eshtemoa, were likely locations where David had alliances or friendships, and he was sharing the plunder with them as a gesture of goodwill and appreciation, as seen in 1 Samuel 30:26-31 and Psalm 119:121.
Why did David send gifts to these specific cities?
David sent gifts to these cities as a way to build relationships and show gratitude, demonstrating his character as a leader who valued community and partnership, as also seen in 2 Samuel 2:4 and 2 Samuel 5:1-5.
How does this verse relate to David's overall mission and purpose?
This verse highlights David's efforts to build alliances and secure support from various cities and tribes, which was crucial for his future role as king of Israel, as prophesied in 1 Samuel 16:13 and fulfilled in 2 Samuel 5:12.
What can we learn from David's example in this verse?
We can learn the importance of building relationships, showing gratitude, and being a good steward of the resources God has given us, as taught in Matthew 25:14-30 and 1 Corinthians 4:2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can build relationships and show appreciation to those around me, just like David did in this verse?
- How can I use the resources God has given me to bless and support others, as David did with the plunder?
- What are some alliances or partnerships in my life that I can nurture and invest in, just like David did with the cities mentioned in this verse?
- How can I demonstrate gratitude and goodwill to those who have supported me, just like David did in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 30:28
And to [them] which [were] in Aroer,.... Not Aroer in the tribe of Gad beyond Jordan, where David is never said to be, but some city of this name in the tribe of Judah; the Greek version of Jos
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 30:28
And to them which were in Aroer, and to them which were in Siphmoth, and to them which were in Eshtemoa, Aroer - the modern 'Ar'ar'ah, situated somewhere in Wady Ar'ar'ah, which was not far from Beer-sheba.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:28
Aroer; not that beyond Jordan, , as many think, which was too remote from David; but another place of that name in Judah, where the rest of the places here named were; this being one of those places where David and his men were wont to haunt, as is expressed, .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:28
1 Samuel 30:28 And to [them] which [were] in Aroer, and to [them] which [were] in Siphmoth, and to [them] which [were] in Eshtemoa,Ver. 28. In Siphmoth.] Alias Shephum.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:28
(28) Aroer . . . Siphmoth and . . . Eshtemoa.—Aroer, a city, with colossal ruins of foundation walls, south of Hebron. Of Siphmoth nothing is known. Zabdi, the Shiphmite (1 Chronicles 27:27), who was over King David’s cellars, clearly comes from Siphmoth. Bishop Hervey well calls attention to a remarkable proof of the grateful nature of David and his fidelity to his early friendships, “that we find among those employed by David in offices of trust in the height of his power so many inhabitants of these obscure places, where he found friends in the days of his early difficulties. Ezri, the son of Shemei the Ramathite, Zabdi the Shiphmite, and many others, were among the friends of his youth.” Eshtemoa, a priestly city, still survives, with ruins still visible, in the village of Semna.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:28
Verse 28. In Aroer] Situated beyond Jordan, on the banks of the river Arnon, in the tribe of God. Siphmoth] Supposed to be the same with Shepham, Numbers 34:10, on the eastern border of the promised land. Eshtemoa] Another city in the tribe of Judah. See Joshua 15:50.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 30:28
28. Aroer] Obviously not the famous city on the R. Arnon. Perhaps the name survives in the Wady Arârah, some 20 miles south of Hebron, where Robinson found evident traces of an ancient village or town (II. 199). “Shama and Jehiel the sons of Hothan the Aroerite” are mentioned in the catalogue of David’s valiant men (1 Chronicles 11:44). Siphmoth] mentioned nowhere else, unless it was the home of Zabdi the Shiphmite, the steward of David’s wine-cellars (1 Chronicles 27:27). Eshtemoa] A priestly city (Joshua 15:50; Joshua 21:14); now Es Semûa, nine miles S.S.W. of Hebron, “a considerable village, situated on a low hill, with broad valleys round about, fall of flocks and herds. In several places there are remains of walls built of very large stones, marking the site of an extensive ancient town.” Robinson, Bibl. Res. II. 204.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 30:28
Aroer - Not Aroer on the Arnon, but (if rightly written) some town in Judah, not elsewhere named.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:28
28. Aroer — By Dr. Robinson identified with the ruins of an ancient town in a valley twenty miles south of Hebron, called Wady Ar’arah. Siphmoth — This place is never mentioned again, and its site is unknown.