1 Samuel 29:10

KJV

Wherefore now rise up early in the morning with thy master's servants that are come with thee: and as soon as ye be up early in the morning, and have light, depart.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore now rise up early {H7925} in the morning {H1242} with thy master's {H113} servants {H5650} that are come {H935} with thee: and as soon as ye be up early {H7925} in the morning {H1242}, and have light {H215}, depart {H3212}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So get up early in the morning with the servants of your lord who came with you; and as soon as you are up and it gets light, leave."

Berean Standard Bible

Now then, get up early in the morning, along with your master’s servants who came with you, and go as soon as it is light.”

American Standard Version

Wherefore now rise up early in the morning with the servants of thy lord that are come with thee; and as soon as ye are up early in the morning, and have light, depart.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Samuel 29:10 captures a pivotal moment in David's life, where King Achish of Gath, under pressure from his fellow Philistine lords, reluctantly dismisses David from participating in the impending battle against Israel. This verse is a direct command for David and his men to depart promptly at dawn, preventing David from being forced into the morally compromising position of fighting against his own people. It highlights God's sovereign hand in orchestrating circumstances to protect His anointed, even when David's choices have led him into a precarious alliance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of David's flight from King Saul. Chapters [1 Samuel 27](/1_samuel/27 "1 Samuel 27 - David's Refuge in Philistia") and [1 Samuel 28](/1_samuel/28 "1 Samuel 28 - Saul and the Medium of Endor") describe David's decision to seek refuge with Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, and his subsequent residence in Ziklag for over a year. During this time, David engaged in raids, deceiving Achish into believing he was attacking Israelite or allied territories, when in fact he was attacking enemies of Israel ([1 Samuel 27:8-12](/1_samuel/27-8 "1 Samuel 27:8-12 - David's Deception of Achish")). As the Philistines gather their forces for a major confrontation with Israel at Aphek, Achish invites David and his men to join the Philistine army, expressing full trust in David ([1 Samuel 28:1-2](/1_samuel/28-1 "1 Samuel 28:1-2 - Achish Invites David to Battle")). However, the other Philistine commanders vehemently oppose David's presence, fearing he will turn against them in battle and reconcile with Saul ([1 Samuel 29:1-5](/1_samuel/29-1 "1 Samuel 29:1-5 - Philistine Lords Distrust David")). Achish, caught between his trust in David and the demands of his lords, reluctantly agrees to David's dismissal. Verse 10 is Achish's final instruction to David, reiterating the command to leave promptly and quietly to avoid further contention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a formidable enemy of Israel, occupying the coastal plain and frequently clashing with the Israelite tribes. Their military organization was advanced, often superior to that of early Israel. Kings like Achish maintained their own contingents of warriors, and alliances were often pragmatic, based on mutual benefit or the need for refuge. David's presence among them, even as a mercenary, was highly unusual and fraught with danger, both for his physical safety and his spiritual integrity. The Philistine lords' suspicion of David was culturally understandable; a warrior of David's renown, an Israelite, fighting against his own people was highly improbable, and the risk of defection was too great to ignore. This context underscores the precariousness of David's situation and the divine intervention required to extricate him from a morally impossible dilemma. The practice of "rising early" was common in ancient Near Eastern societies for travel, military movements, and important departures, signifying efficiency and urgency.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence**, showcasing God's unseen hand guiding events to protect His chosen one, David, from a compromising situation. Despite David's pragmatic but morally ambiguous alliance with the Philistines, God orchestrates the distrust of the Philistine commanders to prevent David from fighting against Israel, his own people and the people of God. This highlights God's commitment to His covenant and His plan for David as the future king, ensuring he remains untainted by direct conflict with his nation. Another crucial theme is **God's Sovereignty over Human Plans**, as the Philistine lords' decision, intended to secure their own military advantage, inadvertently serves God's greater purpose for David and Israel. The narrative also touches on the **Complexities of Compromise**, demonstrating the potential pitfalls and moral dilemmas that arise when one seeks refuge or advantage in unholy alliances, ultimately requiring divine intervention for resolution. This situation forces David to confront the consequences of his choices, even as God mercifully delivers him from an impossible ethical bind.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rise up early (Hebrew, _shakam_):** This verb signifies "to rise early," "to get up promptly," or "to be diligent." In this context, it conveys urgency and the expectation of immediate action. Achish is not merely suggesting a departure but commanding a swift and decisive one, emphasizing the need for David and his men to be gone before any further complications arise or the Philistine lords can change their minds or cause trouble. It implies a non-negotiable and timely exit.
* **Master's servants (Hebrew, _avdei adoneikha_):** This phrase literally means "servants of your lord." In this specific context, "your lord" refers to King Achish himself. The phrase could imply that David and his men are to depart with some of Achish's own retinue who perhaps accompanied David to the muster, or it could be a subtle way of referring to David's men as being under Achish's nominal authority, thus making their dismissal an official act of the Philistine king. It underscores the formal nature of the dismissal and Achish's authority in the matter, even if he is acting under duress from his fellow lords.
* **Depart (Hebrew, _halak_):** This is a common verb meaning "to go," "to walk," or "to leave." Here, it is a direct imperative, a command to exit. Its simplicity belies the profound significance of the action: David is being sent away from a battle that would have placed him in an irreconcilable conflict of loyalties. The command to "depart" is the culmination of the Philistine lords' distrust and Achish's reluctant compliance, serving as a divine deliverance for David.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore now rise up early in the morning with thy master's servants that are come with thee:"** King Achish issues a direct, urgent command to David. The phrase "Wherefore now" indicates the conclusion of the discussion and the immediate necessity of the action. David is instructed to prepare for departure at the first light of day, accompanied by the servants of Achish who were presumably with him at the Philistine muster point. This detail emphasizes the official nature of the dismissal and perhaps ensures David's peaceful escort away from the Philistine camp, preventing any further confrontation or delay.
* **"and as soon as ye be up early in the morning, and have light, depart."** This clause reiterates and reinforces the previous instruction, emphasizing both the timing and the finality of the command. The repetition of "early in the morning" alongside "and have light" (meaning at dawn, as soon as it is bright enough to travel) underscores the absolute urgency and non-negotiable nature of their departure. The final imperative "depart" leaves no room for argument or delay, marking the definitive end of David's involvement with the Philistine army in this campaign. It is a clear, concise, and immediate order for David and his men to leave the Philistine encampment.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in [1 Samuel 29](/1_samuel/29 "1 Samuel 29 - David Dismissed by Philistines") and specifically verse 10 employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "early in the morning," which is used twice within this short verse, emphasizing the urgency and non-negotiable nature of David's dismissal. This underscores the Philistine lords' desire for David's swift removal. A significant element of **Irony** pervades the entire chapter: David, a renowned warrior and future king of Israel, is eager to fight, but is ironically prevented from doing so by the very enemies of Israel. This unexpected turn of events, orchestrated by the Philistine lords' distrust, serves as a divine deliverance for David, preventing him from engaging in a morally compromising battle against his own people. This divine orchestration can also be seen as **Divine Providence** acting as a narrative device, where God's unseen hand subtly directs the actions of human characters (in this case, the Philistine lords and Achish) to fulfill His greater purposes, without direct miraculous intervention. The narrative also builds **Suspense** leading up to this verse, as the reader wonders how David will navigate the impossible choice of fighting for the Philistines against Israel, only for the tension to be resolved by his unexpected dismissal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Samuel 29:10 is a profound testament to God's sovereign control over seemingly random or even hostile human events. It demonstrates that even when His servants make questionable choices or find themselves in morally ambiguous situations, God's providential hand can intervene to protect them and advance His divine purposes. David's alliance with the Philistines was a pragmatic decision born of desperation, yet it placed him on the brink of an unthinkable act: fighting against his own nation, Israel, and potentially against Saul, God's anointed king (even if fallen). God, through the very distrust of Israel's enemies, mercifully extricated David from this impossible dilemma, preserving his integrity and ensuring his suitability for the future kingship. This episode underscores that God's plans are not thwarted by human folly or sin, but can even incorporate and redirect them for His glory and the good of His people. It is a powerful reminder that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His wisdom often operates through unexpected means to achieve His perfect will.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Words on God's Providence")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The dismissal of David in 1 Samuel 29:10 offers profound insights for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's providence is active in our lives, even when we find ourselves in difficult or compromising circumstances of our own making. What may appear to be a setback, a rejection, or a closed door can, in fact, be God's merciful intervention, saving us from a path that would lead to greater harm or compromise our integrity. Just as God prevented David from fighting against his own people, He often works to steer us away from choices that would dishonor Him or hinder His purposes for us. This passage encourages us to trust God's overarching plan, even when our immediate circumstances are confusing or disappointing. It challenges us to discern God's hand in unexpected dismissals or redirections, recognizing them as potential acts of divine protection and guidance. Ultimately, it calls us to greater reliance on God's wisdom in all our decisions, especially those that might place us in morally ambiguous territory, knowing that He is faithful to deliver us and fulfill His good purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be making pragmatic choices that could lead to moral compromise?**
* **How can I better discern God's providential hand at work, even in seemingly negative or disappointing circumstances?**
* **What "closed doors" in my past might have actually been God's protection or redirection?**
* **How does David's situation encourage me to trust God's sovereignty, even when my own plans are frustrated?**

### FAQ
**Why was David with the Philistines in the first place, and wasn't this a compromise?**

Answer: David sought refuge with the Philistines, specifically King Achish of Gath, because he was relentlessly pursued by King Saul and felt there was "nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines" ([1 Samuel 27:1](/1_samuel/27-1 "1 Samuel 27:1 - David Flees to Gath")). This was a pragmatic decision born of desperation, as all other avenues of safety within Israel seemed closed. While it provided immediate safety, it was indeed a significant compromise. David, the anointed future king of Israel, was living among Israel's enemies, even pretending to raid Israelite allies to maintain Achish's trust ([1 Samuel 27:8-12](/1_samuel/27-8 "1 Samuel 27:8-12 - David's Deception")). This alliance placed him in a morally precarious position, highlighting the complexities and dangers of seeking security outside of God's direct guidance or in unholy alliances.

**Why did Achish trust David, but the other Philistine lords didn't?**

Answer: King Achish genuinely trusted David, believing David had fully defected from Saul and Israel. Achish likely saw David as a valuable asset, a skilled warrior who could bolster his own forces and weaken his enemy, Israel. He expressed this trust explicitly, stating, "I know that you are good in my sight, as an angel of God" ([1 Samuel 29:6](/1_samuel/29-6 "1 Samuel 29:6 - Achish's Trust in David")). The other Philistine lords, however, were more shrewd and suspicious. They recognized David's history as a formidable warrior for Israel and feared that he would betray them in battle to regain favor with Saul, turning against them to "reconcile himself to his master Saul with the heads of these men" ([1 Samuel 29:4](/1_samuel/29-4 "1 Samuel 29:4 - Philistine Lords' Distrust")). Their distrust, though rooted in self-interest, ultimately served as God's instrument to deliver David from an impossible moral dilemma.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's dismissal from the Philistine army in 1 Samuel 29:10, while seemingly a minor historical detail, powerfully foreshadows aspects of Christ's perfect life and God's sovereign plan of salvation. David, God's anointed, is providentially delivered from a morally compromising situation, preventing him from fighting against his own people. This divine protection over His chosen one points to God's ultimate safeguarding of His Son, Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled God's will without compromise. Unlike David, who found himself in a precarious alliance due to pragmatic choices, Jesus lived a life of absolute obedience, never needing divine intervention to extricate Him from a self-imposed moral bind. Instead, Jesus willingly entered the ultimate "impossible situation" – bearing the sin of the world – not through compromise, but through sacrificial love ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). God's sovereign hand, which orchestrated David's dismissal, is supremely evident in the cross of Christ, where human sin and divine purpose converged to achieve redemption ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan")). Just as David was preserved for his kingly role, Jesus, the true King, was preserved through resurrection to reign eternally, having perfectly accomplished the Father's mission ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). This passage ultimately reminds us that God's plan for salvation, centered on Christ, is unshakeable, working through all circumstances, even the unexpected decisions of His enemies, to bring about His glorious purposes for His people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 12:19

And there fell [some] of Manasseh to David, when he came with the Philistines against Saul to battle: but they helped them not: for the lords of the Philistines upon advisement sent him away, saying, He will fall to his master Saul to [the jeopardy of] our heads.

1 Samuel 30:1

¶ And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;

1 Samuel 30:2

And had taken the women captives, that [were] therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried [them] away, and went on their way.

2 Peter 2:9

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

Genesis 22:14

And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said [to] this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.

1 Corinthians 10:13

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].

1 Chronicles 12:22

For at [that] time day by day there came to David to help him, until [it was] a great host, like the host of God.