1 Samuel 29:2

KJV

And the lords of the Philistines passed on by hundreds, and by thousands: but David and his men passed on in the rereward with Achish.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the lords {H5633} of the Philistines {H6430} passed on {H5674} by hundreds {H3967}, and by thousands {H505}: but David {H1732} and his men {H582} passed on {H5674} in the rereward {H314} with Achish {H397}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The leaders of the P'lishtim were passing by with their hundreds and thousands; David and his men were bringing up the rear with Akhish.

Berean Standard Bible

As the Philistine leaders marched out their units of hundreds and thousands, David and his men marched behind them with Achish.

American Standard Version

And the lords of the Philistines passed on by hundreds, and by thousands; and David and his men passed on in the rearward with Achish.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 29:2 places David in a profoundly complex and morally ambiguous situation as the Philistine armies assemble for a decisive battle against Israel. Having sought refuge with Achish, king of Gath, David finds himself seemingly aligned with the enemies of his own people, marching in the rear guard of Achish's contingent. This verse vividly portrays the formidable military might of the Philistines and underscores the precariousness of David's position, highlighting the deep ethical dilemma he faced as a future king of Israel seemingly preparing to fight against his own nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a critical turning point in David's life and the broader narrative of 1 Samuel. Following his desperate flight from King Saul's relentless persecution, David had sought asylum with Achish, king of Gath, and resided in the Philistine city of Ziklag for over a year ([1 Samuel 27:1-7](/1_samuel/27-1 "1 Samuel 27:1-7 - David Flees to Gath")). During this period, David engaged in deceptive raids against non-Israelite peoples, convincing Achish that he was attacking Judah, thereby maintaining his trust and position ([1 Samuel 27:8-12](/1_samuel/27-8 "1 Samuel 27:8-12 - David Deceives Achish")). Chapter 29 opens with the Philistines gathering their forces at Aphek for a major confrontation with Israel, a battle that will tragically culminate in the death of King Saul and his sons on Mount Gilboa ([1 Samuel 28:1](/1_samuel/28-1 "1 Samuel 28:1 - Philistines Gather for Battle"); [1 Samuel 31:1-6](/1_samuel/31-1 "1 Samuel 31:1-6 - The Death of Saul and His Sons")). Verse 2 specifically describes the review of the Philistine army, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation between David and the other Philistine lords in the subsequent verses ([1 Samuel 29:3-5](/1_samuel/29-3 "1 Samuel 29:3-5 - The Philistine Lords Distrust David")), which providentially leads to David's dismissal from the Philistine ranks.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a formidable military power in the ancient Near East, renowned for their advanced iron technology and highly organized army. Their military structure, as indicated by the "hundreds, and by thousands," reflects a disciplined and efficient fighting force, capable of posing a significant threat to Israel. Gath was one of the five major Philistine city-states, and Achish, as its king, held significant regional authority. David's relationship with Achish was that of a vassal to an overlord, a common political arrangement in the ancient world. As a vassal, David was expected to provide military service to his patron. This cultural expectation placed David in an extremely difficult position, as his loyalty was ostensibly pledged to a foreign king who was an enemy of his own people and God. The Philistine-Israelite conflict was a long-standing and existential struggle for control of the land, making David's presence among the Philistine ranks a profound anomaly.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of 1 Samuel and David's narrative. Firstly, it highlights **David's compromised position** and the ethical dilemmas he faced during his period of exile. His alliance with Achish, while providing safety from Saul, forced him into a situation where his identity as an Israelite and future king was severely tested. Secondly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **divine providence**. Although God's direct intervention is not explicit in this verse, the subsequent events reveal that God was orchestrating circumstances to protect David from having to fight against Israel, thus preserving his integrity and future kingship ([1 Samuel 29:6-11](/1_samuel/29-6 "1 Samuel 29:6-11 - Achish Sends David Away")). This demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises, even when His chosen servant is in a morally challenging situation. Finally, the description of the Philistine army emphasizes the **magnitude of the threat** they posed to Israel, underscoring the severity of the impending battle and the desperate state of Saul's kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lords (Hebrew, _sarne'_):** This term refers to the five "lords" or "princes" of the Philistine confederacy (Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron). These were powerful, independent rulers who collectively led the Philistine military and political affairs. Their passing "by hundreds, and by thousands" signifies their review of the troops, emphasizing their authority and the vastness of their assembled forces.
* **rereward (Hebrew, _ma'aseph'_):** This word literally means "rear guard" or "gathering place." In a military context, it refers to the contingent of an army that brings up the rear. David's position in the "rereward" with Achish could imply several things: a less prominent or trusted position for a foreign vassal, a strategic position to protect the main body, or simply the place where Achish's personal contingent was positioned. Given the Philistine lords' subsequent distrust, it likely suggests a position of less honor or a place where David could be observed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the lords of the Philistines passed on by hundreds, and by thousands":** This clause describes the formal review or parade of the Philistine army. The phrase "by hundreds, and by thousands" is a merism, indicating the vast, organized, and formidable nature of their military might. It conveys the impression of a meticulously arranged and powerful fighting force, ready for battle. The "lords" are the supreme commanders, inspecting their various contingents.
* **"but David and his men passed on in the rereward with Achish":** This clause introduces the stark contrast and the central tension of the verse. "But" highlights the anomaly of David's presence. David, the future king of Israel and the one who famously defeated the Philistine champion Goliath, is now marching alongside the very enemies of his people. His position "in the rereward with Achish" places him at the back of Achish's personal contingent, underscoring his vassal status and his precarious alignment with the Philistines as they prepare to attack Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its meaning and heighten the dramatic tension. **Juxtaposition** is central, as it places David, the divinely appointed king of Israel, in the ranks of Israel's most formidable enemies. This stark contrast immediately highlights David's morally compromised and ethically perilous situation. There is also a strong sense of **Irony**, given David's past as the slayer of Goliath and a champion against the Philistines; now he appears to be fighting for them. The detailed description of the Philistine army passing "by hundreds, and by thousands" utilizes **Military Imagery** to emphasize their overwhelming power and organization, creating a sense of impending doom for Israel. Furthermore, the verse subtly employs **Foreshadowing**, as David's anomalous position among the Philistines, though seemingly a dire predicament, will soon lead to his providential dismissal by the other Philistine lords, sparing him from the impossible choice of fighting against his own people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a profound theological statement on God's sovereignty and providential care, even amidst human error and compromise. David's presence among the Philistines was a consequence of his flight from Saul, a choice born of fear and self-preservation, which led him into a morally ambiguous alliance. Yet, even in this deeply compromised position, God's unseen hand was at work, orchestrating events to protect His chosen one and preserve His divine plan for Israel's kingship. The situation highlights that God can work through, and even redeem, difficult circumstances and human failings to achieve His purposes. It underscores the truth that God's faithfulness is not contingent upon our perfect obedience, but rather His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises.

* [Psalm 37:23-24](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23-24 - The Lord Directs the Steps of the Godly")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good in All Things")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 29:2 challenges us to consider the complexities of navigating life when our choices, even those made for self-preservation, lead us into morally ambiguous or compromising situations. David's predicament reminds us that even believers can find themselves in places where their loyalties are divided or their integrity is tested. This passage encourages us to trust in God's overarching sovereignty, recognizing that His hand is at work even when circumstances seem dire or our own actions have led us astray. It's a powerful reminder that God's plan for us is often preserved not just by our perfect choices, but by His faithful intervention and protection. We are called to discern our associations carefully, ensuring that our alliances and pursuits do not ultimately compromise our faith, our calling, or our witness for God. Ultimately, it reassures us that God's grace is sufficient, and He can deliver us from situations we cannot escape on our own, preserving us for His greater purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing a "compromised position" where my loyalties or values are being tested?**
* **How does David's situation encourage me to trust in God's unseen hand, even when my circumstances seem out of control or morally ambiguous?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure my associations and decisions align more fully with my faith and God's calling on my life?**

### FAQ
**Why was David with the Philistines, the enemies of Israel?**

Answer: David was with the Philistines because he had fled from King Saul, who was relentlessly pursuing him to kill him ([1 Samuel 27:1](/1_samuel/27-1 "1 Samuel 27:1 - David Flees from Saul")). In desperation, David sought refuge with Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, becoming his vassal. Achish granted David and his men the city of Ziklag as their dwelling place. This arrangement provided David with safety from Saul but placed him in a deeply compromising position, as he was now obligated to serve a foreign king who was an enemy of his own people.

**What does "rereward" mean in the context of this verse?**

Answer: The term "rereward" (KJV) or "rear guard" refers to the contingent of an army that marches at the very back. In 1 Samuel 29:2, it signifies David and his men's position at the end of Achish's division as the Philistine army was being reviewed. This position could imply a few things: it might have been a less prominent or trusted role for a foreign vassal, a strategic position for protection, or simply the designated place for Achish's personal contingent. Given the subsequent events where the other Philistine lords express their distrust of David, it suggests a position where he was under observation or not fully integrated into the main fighting force.

**Did David intend to fight against Israel in this battle?**

Answer: The biblical text does not explicitly state David's intention to fight against Israel. His presence in the Philistine ranks certainly put him in an impossible and morally compromising situation. However, God's providential hand intervened through the other Philistine lords, who expressed strong distrust of David and insisted that Achish send him away ([1 Samuel 29:3-5](/1_samuel/29-3 "1 Samuel 29:3-5 - The Philistine Lords Distrust David")). This divine intervention spared David from having to make the terrible choice of fighting against his own countrymen, thus preserving his integrity and ensuring he remained unstained by direct conflict with Israel, which would have jeopardized his future kingship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 29:2, with David's precarious and compromised position, powerfully foreshadows the perfect integrity and ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ. David, though chosen by God, found himself in a situation born of human fear and compromise, seemingly allied with the enemies of his people. Yet, God's sovereign hand providentially intervened to protect David from having to fight against Israel, preserving his purity for his future kingship. This points to Christ, the true King, who never once compromised His divine mission or His obedience to the Father, even when tempted in every way, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest, Tempted as We Are")). While David was delivered from a moral dilemma by external intervention, Christ willingly entered the ultimate "compromised position" by taking on human flesh and bearing the sin of the world, becoming sin for us though He knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")). His perfect life and sacrificial death accomplished what no human, not even David, could: a complete and unblemished victory over sin and death. The divine providence that protected David for his earthly throne finds its ultimate fulfillment in God's sovereign plan for Christ's eternal kingdom, a kingdom established not by human maneuvering but by divine love and perfect obedience ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Son of David's Throne")).

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.