20. David took all the sheep and cattle. His men made these animals go in front. They said, “They are David’s prize.”
21. Then David came to the 200 men who had been too tired and weak to follow him. He had made them stay at the Besor Ravine. They came out to meet David and the army with him. When he came near, the men at the ravine greeted David and his army.
22. But there were evil men and troublemakers in the group that followed David. They said, “These 200 men didn’t go with us. So we won’t give them any of the things we took. But each man may take his wife and children and go.”
23. David answered, “No, my brothers. Don’t do that after what the Lord has given us. He has given us the enemy who attacked us.
24. Who will listen to what you say? The share will be the same for the man who stayed with the supplies as for the man who went into battle. All will share alike.”
25. David made this an order and rule for Israel. This order and rule continues even today.
26. David arrived in Ziklag. Then he sent some of the things he had taken from the Amalekites to his friends, the leaders of Judah. He said, “Here is a present for you from the things we took from the Lord’s enemies.”
27. David sent some things from the Amalekites to the leaders in Bethel, Ramoth in the southern part of Judah, Jattir,
28. Aroer, Siphmoth, Eshtemoa
29. and Racal. He also sent some to the leaders of the cities of the Jerahmeelites and the Kenites,
30. to Hormah, Bor Ashan, Athach
31. and Hebron. He sent some things to the people in all the other places where he and his men had been.