Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 30:30
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.
Hormah is a town in southern Judah, meaning devotion. It was conquered by Joshua and allotted to the tribe of Judah, also known as Zephath.
Definition: Hormah = "devotion" a town of the Canaanites, conquered by Joshua, allotted to Judah, and located in the south of Judah Another name of tse.phat (צְפַ֑ת "Zephath" H6857)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Hormah. See also: Numbers 14:45; Joshua 15:30; 1 Chronicles 4:30.
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.
Chorashan was a town in Judah, mentioned in the Bible, with a name meaning 'furnace of smoke'. It's likely a place where metals were smelted or fires burned, leaving a lasting smoke. The KJV translates it as 'Chorashan'.
Definition: § Chor-ashan = "furnace of smoke" a town in Judah
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Chorashan. See also: 1 Samuel 30:30.
Chorashan was a town in Judah, mentioned in the Bible, with a name meaning 'furnace of smoke'. It's likely a place where metals were smelted or fires burned, leaving a lasting smoke. The KJV translates it as 'Chorashan'.
Definition: § Chor-ashan = "furnace of smoke" a town in Judah
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Chorashan. See also: 1 Samuel 30:30.
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.
Athach is a place in Palestine, mentioned in the Bible as a town in Judah. Its name means lodging place.
Definition: § Athach = "lodging place" a town in Judah
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Athach. See also: 1 Samuel 30:30.
Context — The Spoils Are Divided
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Judges 1:17 |
Then the men of Judah went with their brothers the Simeonites, attacked the Canaanites living in Zephath, and devoted the city to destruction. So it was called Hormah. |
| 2 |
Joshua 19:4 |
Eltolad, Bethul, Hormah, |
| 3 |
Joshua 15:42 |
Libnah, Ether, Ashan, |
| 4 |
Numbers 14:45 |
Then the Amalekites and Canaanites who lived in that part of the hill country came down, attacked them, and routed them all the way to Hormah. |
1 Samuel 30:30 Summary
This verse lists the places that David sent spoils of war to, showing his kindness and generosity to the people in these cities. Just like David, we can demonstrate God's love and care to those around us by being generous and kind, as encouraged in Galatians 6:2 and also in Proverbs 11:25. By trusting God and using our resources to bless others, we can reflect the heart of God and bring joy and blessing to those around us, as seen in 1 Samuel 30:26-31 and also in Acts 20:35. As we read this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can apply these principles to our own lives and relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of listing the places in 1 Samuel 30:30?
The purpose was to show the extent of David's generosity and influence, as he shared the spoils of war with the people in these locations, demonstrating his leadership and character, as seen in 1 Samuel 30:26-31 and also in Acts 20:35 where it is written that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Who were the people living in Hormah, Bor-ashan, and Athach?
The Bible does not provide detailed information about the specific inhabitants of these cities, but it is likely that they were Israelites or allied tribes, given their proximity to other locations mentioned in 1 Samuel 30:27-31, such as Hebron, which is mentioned in 1 Samuel 30:31 and also in Genesis 37:14.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of a larger narrative about David's victory over the Amalekites and his subsequent distribution of spoils to various cities, as described in 1 Samuel 30:1-31, which showcases David's trust in God and his care for his people, as encouraged in Psalms 37:3-7.
What can we learn from David's actions in this verse?
We can learn about the importance of generosity, leadership, and caring for others, as demonstrated by David's decision to share the spoils with the people in these cities, which reflects the heart of God, as seen in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 and also in Proverbs 19:17.
Reflection Questions
- How can I demonstrate generosity and kindness to those around me, just like David did in this verse?
- What are some ways I can trust God and care for others, even in difficult circumstances, like David did in 1 Samuel 30?
- How can I use my resources and influence to bless others, just as David used the spoils of war to bless the people in these cities?
- What can I learn from David's example about being a good leader and steward of the resources God has given me?
- How can I apply the principles of kindness, generosity, and trust in God to my own life and relationships, as seen in this verse and other scriptures like Matthew 25:40?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 30:30
And to [them] which [were] in Hormah,.... This was a city also in the tribe of Judah; of which see Joshua 15:30; and to [them] which [were] in Chorashan; or the lake of Ashan, which was in the same
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 30:30
And to them which were in Hormah, and to them which were in Chorashan, and to them which were in Athach, Hormah - or Zephath (see the note at 1 Samuel 15:30). Chor-ashan - not identified. Athach - unknown.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:30
1 Samuel 30:30 And to [them] which [were] in Hormah, and to [them] which [were] in Chorashan, and to [them] which [were] in Athach,Ver. 30. Chorashan.] Called also Ashan.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:30
(30) Hormah . . . Chor-ashan . . . Athach.—Hormah, called by the Canaanites Zephath, still exists in the modern village of Zep-ata. Chor-ashan is probably the same as Ashan (Joshua 15:30): it has not been discovered in modern times. Athach is quite unknown.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:30
Verse 30. Hormah] The general name of those cities which belonged to Arad, king of Canaan; and were devoted to destruction by the Hebrews, and thence called Hormah. See Numbers 21:1-3. In Chor-ashan] Probably the same as Ashan in the tribe of Judah: see Joshua 15:42. It was afterwards ceded to Simeon, Joshua 19:7. To them which were in Athach] Probably the same as Ether, Joshua 19:7.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 30:30
30. Hormah] Or Zephath (Judges 1:17), an ancient Canaanite city (Joshua 12:14), assigned to Judah (Joshua 15:30) and transferred to Simeon (Joshua 19:4). Chor-ashan] The true reading is Bor-ashan (= Cistern of Ashan). It was doubtless the same as Ashan, a Simeonite city in the Negeb originally given to Judah (Joshua 15:42; Joshua 19:7). Athach] Nowhere else mentioned. Perhaps a corruption for Ether, the letters of which are very similar, (Joshua 15:42, where the Sept. reads Ithak; 1 Samuel 19:7), another city of Judah transferred to Simeon.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 30:30
Chor-ashan - Perhaps the same as Ashan Joshua 15:42, in the Shephelah of Judah, inhabited by Simeonites, and one of the priests’ cities 1 Chronicles 4:32; 1 Chronicles 6:59.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:30
30. Hormah — A city formerly inhabited by Canaanites and called Zephath. Robinson identified it with the pass es-Sufah, some forty miles south of Hebron, but Professor E.H.