1 Samuel 29:5

KJV

[Is] not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands?

KJV (with Strong's)

Is not this David {H1732}, of whom they sang {H6030} one to another in dances {H4246}, saying {H559}, Saul {H7586} slew {H5221} his thousands {H505}, and David {H1732} his ten thousands {H7233}?

Complete Jewish Bible

This is David! They used to dance and sing about him, 'Sha'ul has killed his thousands, but David his tens of thousands'!"

Berean Standard Bible

Is this not the David about whom they sing in their dances: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?”

American Standard Version

Is not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 29:5 captures a critical moment of tension and recognition, as the Philistine lords, preparing for battle against Israel, voice their profound distrust of David. The verse quotes the popular Israelite song that celebrated David's superior military prowess over King Saul, a song that had become both a testament to David's heroic status and the very catalyst for Saul's consuming jealousy, ultimately driving David into exile among the Philistines. This recollection by David's temporary allies underscores his enduring fame and formidable reputation, even among his enemies, while highlighting the moral complexities of his desperate refuge.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of David's exile and Saul's decline, specifically as the Philistines gather their forces for a decisive battle against Israel at Jezreel. David, having sought refuge with King Achish of Gath for over a year, is expected to join the Philistine army, a position of deep moral compromise. The immediate preceding verses ([1 Samuel 29:1-4](/1_samuel/29-1-4 "1 Samuel 29:1-4 - Philistine Lords Distrust David")) detail the Philistine commanders' strong objections to David's presence in their ranks. Their rhetorical question in verse 5, recalling the famous song, serves as the ultimate justification for their demand that David be sent away. This divine intervention, orchestrated through the Philistines' distrust, providentially spares David from the impossible ethical dilemma of fighting against his own people and the Lord's anointed, Saul, in the ensuing battle where Saul and his sons would perish, as recorded in [1 Samuel 31](/1_samuel/31 "1 Samuel 31 - The Death of Saul and His Sons").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern warfare, military prowess was highly esteemed, and songs of victory were common ways to commemorate heroes and their achievements. The Philistines, a formidable military power with a long-standing rivalry with Israel, would have been acutely aware of David's reputation, having suffered significant defeats at his hands. David's status as a vassal to King Achish of Gath placed him in a precarious position, as loyalty in such arrangements was expected to be absolute, even against one's former nation. However, the Philistine lords' skepticism reflects a pragmatic understanding of national and ethnic loyalties that often superseded personal allegiances, especially in the context of a major war. The song itself, a popular refrain, demonstrates the power of public opinion and oral tradition in shaping reputations and influencing political dynamics in ancient Israel, as seen in its initial impact on Saul in [1 Samuel 18:7-9](/1_samuel/18-7-9 "1 Samuel 18:7-9 - The Women's Song and Saul's Jealousy").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **David's Unparalleled Fame and Prowess**, demonstrating how his military achievements, particularly his victory over Goliath and subsequent campaigns, had cemented his status as a national hero far surpassing King Saul. The song's widespread popularity served as a constant reminder of his exceptional capabilities. Secondly, it underscores **The Roots of Saul's Jealousy**, explicitly recalling the very song that ignited Saul's intense paranoia and animosity towards David, driving David into years of exile. This envy, rooted in a perceived threat to his throne, led to Saul's relentless pursuit of David, as detailed in numerous chapters (e.g., [1 Samuel 19](/1_samuel/19 "1 Samuel 19 - Saul Seeks to Kill David")). Lastly, the verse illuminates the theme of **Distrust and Loyalty**. Despite David's service to Achish, his formidable past and undeniable allegiance to Israel made him an unreliable ally in the eyes of the other Philistine commanders. Their concern was not merely strategic but fundamentally about where David's true loyalties would lie when facing his own nation in battle, emphasizing the inherent conflict of interest in David's morally ambiguous position within [1 Samuel 27](/1_samuel/27 "1 Samuel 27 - David Flees to Gath").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"sang" (Hebrew, _ʻânâh'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e. pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout, testify, announce." In this context, it refers to a public, communal act of vocal expression, specifically singing. The use of this word emphasizes the widespread and popular nature of the acclamation David received, indicating a spontaneous and joyful recognition of his heroism by the people.
* **"slew" (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)." This verb denotes a decisive act of striking, often with lethal intent, resulting in death or defeat. Here, it highlights the military action and the resulting casualties inflicted by both Saul and David, serving as a direct measure of their respective military successes and prowess.
* **"ten thousands" (Hebrew, _rᵉbâbâh'_):** From a root meaning "abundance (in number), i.e. (specifically) a myriad (whether definite or indefinite)." This term is often translated as "myriads" or "tens of thousands" and functions as a hyperbolic expression in Hebrew. It signifies an overwhelmingly vast number rather than a literal count, emphasizing the immense scale of David's victories and underscoring his unparalleled military success and popular acclaim far beyond Saul's.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[Is] not this David":** This rhetorical question, posed by the Philistine lords, is not a genuine inquiry but a strong, undeniable assertion. It conveys their immediate and resentful recognition of David, coupled with deep suspicion and concern about his presence among them. It implies, "Surely this is *that* David, the renowned warrior who has caused us so much devastation before."
* **"of whom they sang one to another in dances":** This clause describes the widespread and popular nature of David's fame within Israel. The imagery of people singing and dancing together evokes a scene of communal celebration and deep admiration for David, reinforcing his status as a national hero. It underscores how deeply ingrained his reputation was in the collective consciousness of his own people.
* **"saying, Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands?":** This is the direct quote of the famous song, which serves as the core justification for the Philistine lords' apprehension. The stark numerical contrast ("thousands" vs. "ten thousands") highlights David's superior military achievements and popular appeal, which had previously ignited Saul's intense jealousy. For the Philistines, it was a chilling reminder of David's past effectiveness against them, making him an untrustworthy and dangerous ally.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices that amplify its dramatic impact and thematic depth. The primary device is a **Rhetorical Question**, "Is not this David...?", which is not posed to elicit information but to convey the Philistine lords' strong conviction and shared apprehension regarding David's presence. It functions as an accusation and a statement of undeniable truth, demanding agreement. **Hyperbole** is powerfully evident in the phrase "ten thousands," which is a deliberate exaggeration to emphasize David's overwhelming military superiority and the vast scale of his victories, rather than a literal count. This hyperbole is further amplified by **Juxtaposition** and **Contrast**, as David's "ten thousands" are directly set against Saul's "thousands," starkly highlighting David's greater prowess and popularity in the eyes of the people. The entire verse functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, as the Philistine lords' distrust ultimately leads to David's removal from their ranks, providentially sparing him from fighting against Israel, thus setting the stage for Saul's final defeat and David's eventual ascension. There is also a subtle **Irony** at play: the very fame that once saved David from Saul's wrath by making him a desirable asset to Achish now becomes the reason for his rejection by the other Philistine commanders, illustrating the unpredictable nature of human alliances and divine providence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though seemingly a simple recall of a song, is deeply significant. It reveals the pervasive nature of reputation and the destructive power of envy, illustrating how human accolades, while initially celebratory, can become sources of bitter division and suspicion. The Philistine lords' recognition of David's fame, even as they prepare to fight his people, underscores the reality that God's hand was upon David, preserving him even in morally ambiguous circumstances. Their distrust, fueled by David's past triumphs over them, became the very means by which God protected David from fighting against Israel and the Lord's anointed, demonstrating divine sovereignty at work through human fears and political maneuvering. This divine intervention ensured David's purity for his future role as king, preventing him from shedding Israelite blood.

* [1 Samuel 18:8-9](/1_samuel/18-8-9 "1 Samuel 18:8-9 - Saul's Jealousy Ignites"): This passage details the immediate, destructive impact of the song on King Saul, leading to his intense jealousy and subsequent attempts on David's life.
* [Psalm 34:7](/psalms/34-7 "Psalm 34:7 - The Angel of the Lord Encamps"): This verse speaks to the Lord's protective care for those who fear Him, a theme consistently evident in David's life, even when he found himself in precarious situations like this one.
* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man"): While David's refuge with Achish was born of necessity due to Saul's pursuit, this proverb serves as a general caution against relying on human alliances out of fear, reminding us that true security is found in trusting the Lord.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The enduring power of reputation, whether good or ill, is a timeless truth highlighted by this verse. David's military fame, celebrated in song, preceded him everywhere, shaping perceptions and influencing outcomes. In our own lives, our past actions and character, publicly known or privately held, contribute to the reputation that precedes us, impacting trust, opportunities, and relationships. This narrative also serves as a stark warning against the corrosive nature of envy. The song, meant to honor David, became a bitter poison for Saul, demonstrating how comparisons can quickly devolve into destructive jealousy, paranoia, and conflict within families, workplaces, or even churches. We are called to guard our hearts against such comparisons, celebrating the successes of others rather than allowing envy to fester. Finally, the Philistines' concern about David's loyalty prompts us to consider where our ultimate allegiances lie. In a world of competing demands and shifting loyalties, discerning and committing to our core values and, most importantly, to God's will, is paramount for living with integrity and purpose. Even in challenging or morally ambiguous situations, we can trust that God's sovereign hand is at work, guiding our steps and protecting His purposes, often in ways we don't immediately understand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does our reputation, both positive and negative, precede us in our personal and professional lives today?**
* **In what ways might comparison with others lead to destructive envy in our own hearts or communities, and how can we counter it?**
* **Where do our ultimate loyalties lie—to self, family, nation, or God—and how do those allegiances shape our decisions and actions?**
* **Can you recall a time when God's providential hand protected you from a difficult situation, even if it initially seemed like a setback or rejection?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Philistine lords so concerned about David?**

Answer: The Philistine lords were deeply concerned about David primarily because of his formidable reputation as a warrior who had previously inflicted devastating defeats upon them. The song quoted in the verse, "Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands," was a chilling reminder of his unparalleled military prowess. They feared that if David fought alongside them against Israel, he might betray them in the heat of battle to reconcile with King Saul or simply to avoid fighting his own people. Their concern was a pragmatic military assessment: David was too great a risk to their forces and their strategic objectives, especially given his history of defeating Philistine champions like Goliath, as recorded in [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath").

**Did David truly intend to fight against Israel?**

Answer: The biblical text does not explicitly state David's true intentions regarding fighting against Israel. His position with King Achish was a desperate measure to escape Saul's relentless pursuit, as seen in [1 Samuel 27:1](/1_samuel/27-1 "1 Samuel 27:1 - David Flees to Gath"). While he engaged in raids against other groups (like the Geshurites, Girzites, and Amalekites) and deceptively reported them to Achish as raids against Judah, he was in a morally compromising and precarious situation. The Philistine lords' distrust, leading to his dismissal, can be seen as a divine intervention that spared David from having to make an impossible ethical choice and from fighting against his own people and the Lord's anointed, Saul, as God's plan for David's future kingship required him to remain untainted by such a conflict.

**How did this song originate, and why was it so significant?**

Answer: The song originated shortly after David's famous victory over Goliath and his subsequent military successes against the Philistines, as recorded in [1 Samuel 18:7](/1_samuel/18-7 "1 Samuel 18:7 - The Women's Song"). The women of Israel came out to meet Saul and David with singing and dancing, celebrating their victories. It was significant because it publicly declared David's superior military achievements and popularity, effectively elevating him above King Saul in the eyes of the people. This public acclamation directly fueled Saul's intense jealousy and paranoia, marking David as a perceived threat to his throne and initiating the long, painful period of David's flight from Saul, as detailed in [1 Samuel 18](/1_samuel/18 "1 Samuel 18 - Saul's Jealousy of David").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The fame of David, celebrated in song for slaying "ten thousands," foreshadows the ultimate and infinitely greater triumph of Jesus Christ. While David's victories were over physical enemies and brought temporary deliverance for Israel, Christ's victory is over sin, death, and the powers of darkness, bringing eternal salvation for all who believe. The "ten thousands" David slew are but a pale shadow of the countless millions whom Christ redeems through His singular, perfect sacrifice on the cross, as foreshadowed in passages like [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins"). His is the ultimate victory, not achieved through military might, but through humble obedience and self-giving love, as described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death") and [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith"). Unlike David, whose loyalty was questioned even by his temporary allies, Christ demonstrated perfect, unwavering loyalty to His Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross, as highlighted in [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our Sympathetic High Priest"). The "song" sung for David pales in comparison to the "new song" of praise sung to the Lamb of God in heaven, who is worthy because He "purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The New Song of the Lamb")). Christ's triumph is not merely over "thousands" or "ten thousands," but over all spiritual principalities and powers, leading them captive in His glorious procession ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")), thereby fulfilling the promise of victory over evil found throughout the Old Testament, from [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium") onward. He is the true King, whose fame is eternal and whose kingdom knows no end, as proclaimed in [Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Never End").

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 Samuel 21:11

And the servants of Achish said unto him, [Is] not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?

1 Samuel 18:6

¶ And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick.

1 Samuel 18:7

And the women answered [one another] as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.

Proverbs 27:14

¶ He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.