How we cite our quotes:
Quote #10
And David took all the flocks and the herds, which they drave before those other cattle, and said, This is David's spoil. And David came to the two hundred men, which were so faint that they could not follow David, whom they had made also to abide at the brook Besor: and they went forth to meet David, and to meet the people that were with him: and when David came near to the people, he saluted them. {saluted...: or, asked them how they did} Then answered all the wicked men and men of Belial, of those that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them ought of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away, and depart. {those: Heb. men} Then said David, Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the LORD hath given us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us into our hand. For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike. And it was so from that day forward, that he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel unto this day. {forward: Heb. and forward}. (1 Samuel 30:20-25, KJV)
David also captured all the flocks and herds, which were driven ahead of the other cattle; people said, "This is David's spoil." Then David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow David, and who had been left at the Wadi Besor. They went out to meet David and to meet the people who were with him. When David drew near to the people he saluted them. Then all the corrupt and worthless fellows among the men who had gone with David said, "Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except that each man may take his wife and children, and leave." But David said, "You shall not do so, my brothers, with what the LORD has given us; he has preserved us and handed over to us the raiding party that attacked us. Who would listen to you in this matter? For the share of the one who goes down into the battle shall be the same as the share of the one who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike." From that day forward he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel; it continues to the present day. (1 Samuel 30:20-25, NRSV)
After some Israelite booty is stolen from the army, David and some of his men go and retrieve it while some stay behind. The extra winnings brought back are to be divided amongst the troops whether they were there or not. Some of the dudes who went to the fight feel like those who stayed behind don't deserve anything, but David disagrees. He says that they will have a share in the army's earnings. The rule that he makes up on the spot becomes a custom in ancient Israel. Sometimes being the king means you can do whatever you like—including create new traditions and customs. At least this one is fair.