And when David came to Ziklag, he sent of the spoil unto the elders of Judah, [even] to his friends, saying, Behold a present for you of the spoil of the enemies of the LORD;
Ver. 26. He sent of the spoil unto the elders of Judah.] Thereby to show his liberalitas muneraria, and so to make them his friends; for "a gift maketh room for a man"; Pro 18:16 it "is as a precious stone," Pro 17:8 and hath a marvellous conciliating property; it is a very loadstone. Much about this time were Saul and his sons slain, and thereby way made for David to the crown; whereunto these presents would not a little conduce. The Roman emperors were wont to insinuate into their soldiers and subjects by gifts and congiaries. a
a [Lenire multitudinem imperitam congiariis. - Cic., apud Ainsw.]