To them which were in Bethel, and to them which were in south Ramoth, and to them which were in Jattir,

1 SAMUEL 30:27KJV
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1 Samuel 30:27 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 30:27 mean?

1 Samuel 30:27 lists some of the towns—Bethel, south Ramoth, and Jattir—to which David sent portions of the spoils after his victory over the Amalekites. This verse shows David sharing the recovered goods with leaders in these places, likely as a gesture of goodwill and gratitude for their support or hospitality during his time as a fugitive.

David is the one sending these gifts, and the context is right after he and his men have reclaimed what the Amalekites had taken from them. By distributing part of the plunder to these towns, David is strengthening alliances and acknowledging those who may have helped him while he was on the run from King Saul. The verse is part of a longer list that names several towns in Judah.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 30:27

  • בֵּית־אֵל (Bethel, transliteration: Beit-El): This name means "house of God." Bethel was a significant town in Israel's history, and its mention here shows David's connection to important locations.
  • נֶגֶב (south, transliteration: negev): This word means "south" or "southern region." It clarifies that the Ramoth mentioned is the one in the southern part of Judah, not another location with the same name.
  • רָאמֹת (Ramoth, transliteration: Ramot): This is the name of a town. The specification of "south Ramoth" helps identify which Ramoth is meant, as there were several towns by this name.
  • יַתִּר (Jattir, transliteration: Yattir): Another town in Judah, Jattir was a Levitical city. Its inclusion shows David's concern for a range of communities.

Why 1 Samuel 30:27 matters

  • This verse highlights David's leadership style, showing his generosity and political wisdom in building relationships with key towns in Judah.
  • The mention of specific places connects the story to real locations, grounding the narrative in the geography of ancient Israel and showing the breadth of David's influence.
  • By sharing the spoils, David sets a precedent for fairness and gratitude, which becomes a theme in his rise to kingship and helps explain why he gained such strong support among the people of Judah.

Where else these words appear

“Jattir” Hebrew H3492 · used in 4 verses

  • Joshua 15:48 And in the mountains, Shamir, and Jattir, and Socoh,
  • Joshua 21:14 And Jattir with her suburbs, and Eshtemoa with her suburbs,
  • 1 Chronicles 6:57 And to the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of Judah, namely, Hebron, the city of refuge, and Libnah with her suburbs, and Jattir, and Eshtemoa, with their suburbs,

“Bethel” Hebrew H1008 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 12:8 And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.
  • Judges 1:22 And the house of Joseph, they also went up against Bethel: and the LORD was with them.
  • 2 Kings 2:23 And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.

“south” Hebrew H5045 · used in 98 verses

  • Genesis 12:9 And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south.
  • Joshua 15:19 Who answered, Give me a blessing; for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And he gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs.
  • Isaiah 30:6 The burden of the beasts of the south: into the land of trouble and anguish, from whence come the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they will carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures upon the bunches of camels, to a people that shall not profit them.

“them” Hebrew H834 · used in 105 verses

  • Genesis 1:7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
  • Genesis 31:49 And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.
  • Deuteronomy 11:8 Therefore shall ye keep all the commandments which I command you this day, that ye may be strong, and go in and possess the land, whither ye go to possess it;