QT 2 Dec 13, We need to be generous to those around us

1 Sam 30:26-31 (ESV) When David came to Ziklag, he sent part of the spoil to his friends, the elders of Judah, saying, "Here is a present for you from the spoil of the enemies of the Lord." 27 It was for those in Bethel, in Ramoth of the Negeb, in Jattir, 28 in Aroer, in Siphmoth, in Eshtemoa, 29 in Racal, in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, in the cities of the Kenites, 30 in Hormah, in Bor-ashan, in Athach, 31 in Hebron, for all the places where David and his men had roamed.

NOTE: There are a lot of ways to interpret this, but good hermeneutics would remind us of a few things. One, this is a historically accurate account of what happened, that is, what one individual did. There is no moral commentary on the verse, nor is there any teaching that this is a good biblical principle. It is what it is. Secondly, which reiterates part of the first point, there is no commentary to suggest that what David did was wrong. In fact there are two different ways to view David's motives. In one case, he deceitfully was trying to gain influence in Judah through financial gifts. In another case, David was a generous man who shared the spoil with many who had helped him over the years. At this point, it is not clear that he has received word of what happened in the battle between the Philistines and the Israelites, or even if the battle had yet engaged. His week-long foray does not imply any sort of knowledge. Also, at other times, the two armies would sit facing each other for days on end--with the best example being the 40 days with Goliath. Another case is when Jonathan individually started a rout. Still, I'm sure the gifts were useful and helped to make the people of Judah even more fond of David, but were not an example of David seizing a moment to life himself up.

Jesus himself tells us to use our wealth to make friends in the world. Jesus' purpose is for the spread of the gospel. Generosity is a Christian trait. It is seen in the world but it ought to be most evident in believers. As I start a new job, I must remember to take advantages of opportunities to be generous as part of my witness to others.