There are two reasons that the spoil had to be shared. It belonged to the Lord and he wanted to provide for all his people.1 Also, it is only fair that those who watched over the baggage should also be rewarded for their service. In his conduct, David followed the practice of Moses (Numbers 31:25–31) and Joshua (Joshua 22:8).2
23 But David said, “You shall not do so, my brothers, with what the LORD has given us. He has preserved us and given into our hand the band that came against us.