22. But some evil troublemakers among David’s men said, “They didn’t go with us, so they can’t have any of the plunder we recovered. Give them their wives and children, and tell them to be gone.”
23. But David said, “No, my brothers! Don’t be selfish with what the lord has given us. He has kept us safe and helped us defeat the band of raiders that attacked us.
24. Who will listen when you talk like this? We share and share alike—those who go to battle and those who guard the equipment.”
25. From then on David made this a decree and regulation for Israel, and it is still followed today.
26. When he arrived at Ziklag, David sent part of the plunder to the elders of Judah, who were his friends. “Here is a present for you, taken from the lord’s enemies,” he said.
27. The gifts were sent to the people of the following towns David had visited: Bethel, Ramoth-negev, Jattir,
28. Aroer, Siphmoth, Eshtemoa,
29. Racal, the towns of the Jerahmeelites, the towns of the Kenites,
30. Hormah, Bor-ashan, Athach,
31. Hebron, and all the other places David and his men had visited.