1 Samuel 29:3

KJV

Then said the princes of the Philistines, What [do] these Hebrews [here]? And Achish said unto the princes of the Philistines, [Is] not this David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, which hath been with me these days, or these years, and I have found no fault in him since he fell [unto me] unto this day?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} the princes {H8269} of the Philistines {H6430}, What do these Hebrews {H5680} here? And Achish {H397} said {H559} unto the princes {H8269} of the Philistines {H6430}, Is not this David {H1732}, the servant {H5650} of Saul {H7586} the king {H4428} of Israel {H3478}, which hath been with me these days {H3117}, or these years {H8141}, and I have found {H4672} no fault {H3972} in him since {H3117} he fell {H5307} unto me unto this day {H3117}?

Complete Jewish Bible

The chiefs of the P'lishtim asked, "What are these Hebrews doing here?"Akhish answered the chiefs of the P'lishtim, "This is David, who was a servant of Sha'ul, king of Isra'el. He's been with me now for well over a year, and I haven't found anything wrong with him between the time he deserted to me and now."

Berean Standard Bible

Then the commanders of the Philistines asked, “What about these Hebrews?” Achish replied, “Is this not David, the servant of King Saul of Israel? He has been with me all these days, even years, and from the day he defected until today I have found no fault in him.”

American Standard Version

Then said the princes of the Philistines, What do these Hebrews here? And Achish said unto the princes of the Philistines, Is not this David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, who hath been with me these days, or rather these years, and I have found no fault in him since he fell away unto me unto this day?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 29:3 captures a critical juncture in David's life, revealing the deep suspicion of the Philistine princes regarding his presence among their forces, contrasted sharply with King Achish's unwavering, albeit misplaced, trust in him. This verse sets the stage for David's providential dismissal from the Philistine army, preventing him from fighting against his own people, Israel, in the impending battle at Gilboa.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial narrative arc in David's life, following his extended period as a fugitive from King Saul. Having sought refuge with Achish, king of Gath, as detailed in [1 Samuel 27](/1_samuel/27 "1 Samuel 27 - David's Sojourn in Philistine Territory"), David and his men have been living in Ziklag for "a full year and four months" ([1 Samuel 27:7](/1_samuel/27-7 "1 Samuel 27:7 - David's Time in Ziklag")). The Philistines are now mobilizing for a decisive battle against Israel at Jezreel, which will ultimately lead to the tragic deaths of King Saul and his sons on Mount Gilboa, recounted in [1 Samuel 31](/1_samuel/31 "1 Samuel 31 - The Death of Saul and His Sons"). David, having pledged allegiance to Achish (though deceptively), is expected to join the Philistine forces, a predicament that poses a severe moral and political dilemma for the future king of Israel. The immediate preceding verses ([1 Samuel 29:1-2](/1_samuel/29-1 "1 Samuel 29:1-2 - Philistine Muster and David's Presence")) describe the Philistine army assembling and David marching with Achish in the rear guard.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "princes of the Philistines" (Hebrew: *seranim*) were the five lords or rulers of the Philistine pentapolis (Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron), who held significant military and political authority. Their question, "What [do] these Hebrews [here]?", reflects not merely xenophobia but a deeply ingrained historical enmity between the Philistines and the Israelites, a conflict that had defined much of the period of the Judges and early monarchy. David himself was the celebrated Israelite warrior who had famously defeated their champion, Goliath, in the Valley of Elah ([1 Samuel 17:49](/1_samuel/17-49 "1 Samuel 17:49 - David's Victory Over Goliath")), and was the subject of the popular song, "Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands" ([1 Samuel 18:7](/1_samuel/18-7 "1 Samuel 18:7 - The Women's Song of David's Prowess")). Their concern was a legitimate strategic apprehension about David's true allegiance in a battle of such magnitude against his own people. King Achish, however, had been systematically deceived by David, who had been raiding non-Israelite towns (like the Geshurites, Girzites, and Amalekites) but reporting to Achish that he was attacking Israelite or allied territories ([1 Samuel 27:8-12](/1_samuel/27-8 "1 Samuel 27:8-12 - David's Deceptive Raids")). This deception had earned Achish's trust, making his defense of David understandable from his perspective, though ultimately misguided.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes. First, it highlights the **tension between suspicion and misplaced trust**. The Philistine princes, drawing on historical context and strategic common sense, exhibit justified suspicion regarding David's loyalty, while King Achish demonstrates a profound, almost naive, trust based on David's deceptive reports. Second, the passage underscores **divine providence**. David is caught in a morally compromising situation, poised to fight against his own nation. However, God's sovereign hand is evident in the objections of the Philistine princes, which ultimately lead to David's dismissal from the campaign ([1 Samuel 29:6](/1_samuel/29-6 "1 Samuel 29:6 - Achish Dismisses David")), thereby preserving his integrity, preventing him from committing an act that would have severely damaged his future kingship, and ensuring he is not present for Saul's defeat. Third, the narrative reveals **David's moral dilemma and the consequences of compromise**. His desperate flight from Saul led him to seek refuge among Israel's enemies, necessitating deception to survive. This verse shows the immediate and uncomfortable consequence of that choice, placing him in a position where his integrity was deeply challenged, and God's intervention became essential for his future.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hebrews (עִבְרִים, _‘Ivrim_):** This term is often used by non-Israelites to refer to the Israelites, particularly in contexts where they are seen as foreigners or outsiders. In this instance, the Philistine princes use it to mark David and his men as distinct and potentially untrustworthy aliens within their military ranks. It carries a sense of otherness and, in this context, suspicion.
* **Fault (מוּם, _mum_):** This word signifies a blemish, defect, or moral flaw. It is frequently used in the Old Testament in the context of sacrificial animals, which had to be "without blemish" (e.g., [Leviticus 22:21](/leviticus/22-21 "Leviticus 22:21 - Unblemished Sacrifices")). Achish's declaration that he has found "no fault" in David implies a complete absence of any moral or behavioral defect that would warrant suspicion or distrust from his perspective. This statement is deeply ironic, given David's ongoing deception.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said the princes of the Philistines, What [do] these Hebrews [here]?":** This opening clause immediately establishes the conflict and the source of objection. The Philistine military leaders, astute and wary, question the presence of David and his Israelite contingent. Their use of "Hebrews" highlights David's foreign identity and their inherent distrust of an Israelite warrior, especially one of David's renown, being part of their forces against Israel.
* **"And Achish said unto the princes of the Philistines, [Is] not this David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel,":** Achish, acting as David's patron and protector, immediately defends him. His identification of David as "the servant of Saul the king of Israel" is a strategic move, implying that David is a loyal servant who has merely fallen out of favor with his former master and is now serving Achish. This phrasing attempts to legitimize David's presence by framing him as a political refugee rather than a potential spy or turncoat.
* **"which hath been with me these days, or these years,":** Achish emphasizes the duration of David's stay, attempting to build a case for David's loyalty based on an extended period of apparent service. The phrase "these days, or these years" suggests a significant, though perhaps imprecise, length of time, reinforcing the idea that David has proven himself over time.
* **"and I have found no fault in him since he fell [unto me] unto this day?":** This is the core of Achish's defense. He asserts David's blamelessness, claiming that David has shown no defect or disloyalty since he sought refuge with him. This statement, while sincere on Achish's part, is tragically ironic given David's consistent deception regarding his raids, which Achish believed were against Israelite territory. Achish's trust is complete, but it is built on a foundation of lies.

#### Literary Devices
The passage is rich in **Irony**, particularly in Achish's declaration of David's blamelessness, which stands in stark contrast to David's calculated deception of the Philistine king. This **Dramatic Irony** allows the reader to perceive the true situation (David's duplicity) while Achish remains oblivious. The scene also employs **Contrast** between the shrewd, discerning Philistine princes and the credulous Achish, highlighting the dangers of misplaced trust. Furthermore, there is an element of **Foreshadowing** as the princes' objections, born of suspicion, ultimately lead to David's dismissal, which providentially protects him from a catastrophic moral and political dilemma. The dialogue also serves as a powerful means of **Characterization**, revealing Achish's gullibility, the princes' strategic acumen, and David's desperate, morally compromised position.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal moment in David's life profoundly illustrates God's sovereign hand working through complex and morally ambiguous circumstances. Even when David finds himself in a compromised position, having resorted to deception to survive, God's providential care ensures that His ultimate purposes for David as king of Israel are not thwarted. The objections of the Philistine princes, though rooted in their own strategic concerns, become the divine mechanism by which David is spared from fighting against his own people, an act that would have severely undermined his legitimacy and spiritual standing. This narrative reminds us that God can use unexpected means, even the suspicions of unbelievers, to guide His chosen servants and protect His redemptive plan, demonstrating that His purposes will prevail despite human failings or difficult choices.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - God's Redemptive Purpose")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 29:3 offers profound lessons for believers navigating the complexities of life. It reminds us that God's sovereignty is not limited by our mistakes, our difficult circumstances, or even the deceptive paths we might take out of desperation. David's predicament highlights the dangers of compromising one's integrity, even when faced with immense pressure or perceived necessity. While David's deception was morally questionable, God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to David shines through, using the Philistine princes' discernment to extricate David from an impossible situation. This passage encourages us to trust in God's overarching plan, even when our immediate choices are imperfect or our path seems unclear. It also underscores the importance of discernment, as seen in the Philistine princes, and warns against misplaced trust, as exemplified by Achish. Ultimately, it reassures us that God can orchestrate events, even through human opposition, to protect His people and advance His kingdom purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge our understanding of God's sovereignty in complex or morally ambiguous situations?**
* **When have you experienced God's providential hand guiding you away from a potentially compromising situation, even through unexpected means?**
* **What does David's dilemma teach us about the importance of integrity and the potential pitfalls of desperate measures?**

### FAQ
**Was David truly loyal to Achish, or was he deceiving him?**

Answer: David was actively deceiving Achish. While he served Achish and participated in raids, he consistently attacked non-Israelite peoples (Geshurites, Girzites, Amalekites) but reported to Achish that he had raided Israelite territories or their allies, such as Judah or the Jerahmeelites ([1 Samuel 27:8-12](/1_samuel/27-8 "1 Samuel 27:8-12 - David's Deceptive Raids")). This deception allowed David to maintain Achish's trust and protection while avoiding direct conflict with his own people. Achish's declaration in [1 Samuel 29:3](/1_samuel/29-3 "1 Samuel 29:3 - Achish's Trust in David") that he found "no fault" in David was based on this elaborate ruse.

**Why was it so important for David not to fight against Israel?**

Answer: Fighting alongside the Philistines against Israel would have been a catastrophic act for David, severely compromising his future kingship and undermining his legitimacy in the eyes of the Israelite people. David was divinely anointed to be king of Israel ([1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing by Samuel")), and engaging in battle against his own nation would have been an act of profound betrayal, potentially forfeiting his divine calling and alienating the very people he was destined to rule. God's providential intervention, through the objections of the Philistine princes, spared David from this morally and politically ruinous situation, preserving his integrity and ensuring the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of 1 Samuel 29:3, with David caught in a web of deception and compromise, highlights the desperate need for a perfect King, one who would never be found with "fault" or blemish. David, though chosen by God, was a man prone to human failings, resorting to cunning and half-truths to navigate his precarious circumstances. This stands in stark contrast to Jesus Christ, the ultimate Son of David, who lived a life of absolute integrity and perfect obedience, even in the face of immense opposition and temptation ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). While David was providentially spared from fighting against his own people, Christ willingly laid down His life for His people, enduring the ultimate betrayal and suffering to secure their salvation ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life")). The Philistine princes' suspicion, though rooted in earthly strategy, foreshadows the world's rejection of Christ, yet God used that very rejection to accomplish His redemptive purposes ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan for Christ's Crucifixion")). Jesus, the Lamb of God, was truly without "fault" or "blemish" ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ, the Spotless Lamb")), offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice, a role David, in his compromised state, could never fulfill. In Christ, we find the King whose loyalty is absolute, whose integrity is flawless, and whose reign brings perfect justice and salvation.

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

Daniel 6:5

Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find [it] against him concerning the law of his God.

1 Samuel 27:7

And the time that David dwelt in the country of the Philistines was a full year and four months.

1 Peter 3:16

¶ Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

John 19:6

When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify [him], crucify [him]. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify [him]: for I find no fault in him.

1 Samuel 25:28

I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid: for the LORD will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord fighteth the battles of the LORD, and evil hath not been found in thee [all] thy days.

Romans 12:17

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.