1 Samuel 29:6

KJV

¶ Then Achish called David, and said unto him, Surely, [as] the LORD liveth, thou hast been upright, and thy going out and thy coming in with me in the host [is] good in my sight: for I have not found evil in thee since the day of thy coming unto me unto this day: nevertheless the lords favour thee not.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Achish {H397} called {H7121} David {H1732}, and said {H559} unto him, Surely, as the LORD {H3068} liveth {H2416}, thou hast been upright {H3477}, and thy going out {H3318} and thy coming in {H935} with me in the host {H4264} is good {H2896} in my sight {H5869}: for I have not found {H4672} evil {H7451} in thee since the day {H3117} of thy coming {H935} unto me unto this day {H3117}: nevertheless the lords {H5633} favour {H2896} thee not {H5869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Akhish summoned David and said to him, "As ADONAI lives, you have been upright; and I myself would be more than pleased to have you go on campaign with me; because I haven't found anything wrong with you between the day you arrived and now. However, the chiefs don't trust you.

Berean Standard Bible

So Achish summoned David and told him, “As surely as the LORD lives, you have been upright in my sight, and it seems right that you should march in and out with me in the army, because I have found no fault in you from the day you came to me until this day. But you have no favor in the sight of the leaders.

American Standard Version

Then Achish called David, and said unto him, As Jehovah liveth, thou hast been upright, and thy going out and thy coming in with me in the host is good in my sight; for I have not found evil in thee since the day of thy coming unto me unto this day: nevertheless the lords favor thee not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 29:6 captures a remarkable moment where King Achish of Gath, despite David's Israelite identity, publicly affirms David's unwavering integrity and loyal service within the Philistine army. This declaration of trust stands in stark contrast to the deep suspicion held by the other Philistine lords, who ultimately refuse to allow David to join the impending battle against Israel. The verse subtly underscores God's providential hand in orchestrating events to prevent David from fighting against his own people, thereby preserving his future as Israel's king.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of David's flight from King Saul. Having sought refuge in Philistine territory for over a year and a half, David has become a vassal of Achish, residing in Ziklag, while secretly raiding non-Israelite groups and presenting the spoils to Achish as if he were attacking Judahite towns ([1 Samuel 27:7-12](/1_samuel/27-7 "1 Samuel 27:7-12 - David's Deception in Ziklag")). The immediate preceding verses ([1 Samuel 29:1-5](/1_samuel/29-1 "1 Samuel 29:1-5 - Philistine Lords Reject David")) describe the Philistine lords' vehement objection to David's presence in their ranks as they gather for war against Israel. Achish's personal endorsement of David in verse 6 serves as a direct response to their distrust, setting the stage for David's ultimate dismissal from the campaign in the verses that follow ([1 Samuel 29:7-11](/1_samuel/29-7 "1 Samuel 29:7-11 - David Sent Away from Battle")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a dominant power in the southern Levant during this period, frequently clashing with Israel. Their military organization involved a confederation of five city-states, each with its own "lord" or *seren* (e.g., [Joshua 13:3](/joshua/13-3 "Joshua 13:3 - The Five Lords of the Philistines")). The gathering at Aphek for battle against Israel was a major military mobilization, indicating a significant strategic objective. For a Philistine king like Achish to trust an Israelite, especially one as renowned as David ([1 Samuel 18:7](/1_samuel/18-7 "1 Samuel 18:7 - Women's Song About David")), was highly unusual and speaks to David's cunning and ability to cultivate a convincing facade of loyalty. Oaths "as the LORD liveth" were common in Israelite culture, and Achish's use of it, though possibly an adopted idiom, hints at a regional awareness of Yahweh, even among non-Israelites.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, **Divine Providence** is paramount; God orchestrates events, even through the suspicions of pagan lords, to prevent David from being forced into a morally compromising position of fighting his own people ([Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")). Secondly, it highlights the **Conflict of Loyalties** David faced, caught between his obligation to Achish and his inherent allegiance to Israel and God. Achish's declaration of David's "uprightness" paradoxically underscores the tension of David's deceptive service, where his outward actions concealed his true loyalties and God's unseen hand. Finally, it speaks to the **Power of Reputation**, as David's carefully cultivated image of reliability, even if partially deceptive, was sufficient to earn the trust of a powerful king, demonstrating how God can use even complex human situations to advance His purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Upright (Hebrew, _yashar'_):** This term signifies moral rectitude, honesty, and straightforwardness. Achish's declaration that David has been "upright" (literally, "straight") in his sight is a profound testament to David's outward conduct. While David's actions in Ziklag were strategically deceptive (e.g., [1 Samuel 27:10-12](/1_samuel/27-10 "1 Samuel 27:10-12 - David's Raids and Deception")), Achish genuinely perceived him as trustworthy and loyal, highlighting David's skill in maintaining this facade and the Lord's hand in blinding Achish to David's true intentions.
* **Going out and coming in (Hebrew, _yetzi'ateka uvo'akha'_):** This is a well-known Hebrew idiom, often used to describe one's entire conduct, activities, or leadership in a comprehensive sense. It implies full participation and reliability in all aspects of life or service, particularly in military or administrative contexts. For example, Moses prays for a leader who can "go out and come in" before the people ([Numbers 27:17](/numbers/27-17 "Numbers 27:17 - Prayer for a Leader")). In this verse, Achish is affirming David's total and consistent reliability in his service within the Philistine army.
* **The LORD liveth (Hebrew, _YHWH chai'_):** This is a common Israelite oath, invoking the living God of Israel as a witness to the truth of a statement. Its use by a Philistine king like Achish is remarkable. It doesn't necessarily imply Achish's conversion to Yahwism but rather suggests either an adoption of a common regional idiom, a recognition of the power of Israel's God, or a strategic rhetorical device to emphasize the sincerity of his statement to David, who was an Israelite. It adds solemnity and weight to Achish's affirmation of David's character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Achish called David, and said unto him":** This sets the scene, indicating a direct, personal address from the king to David, underscoring the importance and intimacy of the conversation. Achish is taking a stand for David against the other lords.
* **"Surely, [as] the LORD liveth, thou hast been upright":** Achish begins with a strong affirmation, using a solemn oath ("as the LORD liveth") to vouch for David's integrity. He declares David to be "upright," meaning morally sound, honest, and reliable in his dealings with Achish. This highlights Achish's genuine trust in David's character and service.
* **"and thy going out and thy coming in with me in the host [is] good in my sight":** This clause expands on David's uprightness, using the idiomatic phrase "going out and coming in" to encompass David's entire conduct and service within the Philistine army ("the host"). Achish affirms that David's comprehensive involvement and leadership have been entirely satisfactory and beneficial from his perspective.
* **"for I have not found evil in thee since the day of thy coming unto me unto this day":** This provides the basis for Achish's trust, emphasizing a consistent and prolonged period (over a year and a half, per [1 Samuel 27:7](/1_samuel/27-7 "1 Samuel 27:7 - David's Time in Philistine Land")) during which David's actions have been unimpeachable in Achish's eyes. No fault, treachery, or ill-will has been detected.
* **"nevertheless the lords favour thee not":** This final clause introduces the crucial tension and conflict. Despite Achish's personal conviction and trust, the other Philistine lords hold a different, negative opinion of David. This external opposition, rather than David's own choice, ultimately dictates his removal from the battle, serving as a divine intervention.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several effective literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Achish's strong affirmation of David's "uprightness" and loyalty stands in stark contrast to David's actual, though divinely guided, deception regarding his raids in Ziklag. David was indeed loyal to Israel, not fully to Achish, yet Achish perceives him as perfectly loyal. This creates dramatic tension and highlights the unseen hand of God. The phrase "going out and coming in" functions as an **idiom**, a common linguistic expression whose meaning is not directly deducible from the individual words, here conveying comprehensive conduct. Achish's use of the Israelite oath "as the LORD liveth" is a form of **cultural borrowing** or **allusion**, adding weight to his words and subtly acknowledging the regional influence of Israelite religious language, even if not a statement of personal faith. Finally, the entire scene serves as **foreshadowing**, hinting at the divine protection and guidance that will preserve David for his future kingship, preventing him from engaging in a battle that would have compromised his legitimacy in Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound testament to God's sovereign providence, demonstrating His ability to work through complex human relationships and even the suspicions of adversaries to achieve His divine purposes. David, caught in a morally precarious situation, was on the verge of fighting against his own people, a scenario that would have severely damaged his reputation and future legitimacy as king of Israel. Yet, God, through the Philistine lords' distrust, intervened to protect David's integrity and preserve him for his calling. This highlights that God's plans often unfold in unexpected ways, using means that appear purely human or even negative to accomplish His will. It underscores the principle that God is always at work behind the scenes, orchestrating circumstances for the good of His chosen ones and the advancement of His kingdom, even when human choices are flawed or circumstances seem impossible.

* [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 - All Things Work Together for Good")
* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Statement on God's Purpose")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account in 1 Samuel 29:6 offers rich lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's providence is not limited to ideal circumstances or our perfect choices; He can and does work through the messy realities of life, including our own strategic deceptions or morally ambiguous situations. David was in a difficult spot, trying to survive while fleeing Saul, and God used the very suspicions of David's supposed allies to deliver him from an impossible ethical dilemma. This should encourage us to trust in God's overarching plan, even when our immediate circumstances are perplexing, or we find ourselves in situations where our loyalties are divided. It teaches us that God can close doors we thought we needed to walk through, not out of punishment, but out of protection and a deeper commitment to our ultimate calling. Our task is to remain faithful to God's character and ultimate purposes, even when the path is unclear, knowing that He is sovereignly guiding our steps and protecting our integrity for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel caught between conflicting loyalties, and how can you trust God to navigate these complexities?**
* **Can you recall a time when God closed a door you wanted open, only to reveal later that it was for your protection or a greater good? What did you learn about His providence?**
* **How does David's situation encourage you to trust in God's unseen hand, even when circumstances seem to be working against you?**

### FAQ
**Why would Achish, a Philistine king, use an oath like "as the LORD liveth"?**

Answer: Achish's use of the oath "as the LORD liveth" (KJV) or "as Yahweh lives" (NIV) is indeed striking for a Philistine king. It does not necessarily imply that Achish had converted to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Instead, it likely reflects a few possibilities: (1) It could be a common regional idiom that had permeated the linguistic landscape, adopted even by non-Israelites, similar to how phrases from other cultures enter our common speech. (2) It might indicate a general awareness or respect for the power of Israel's God, given the significant interactions and conflicts between the Philistines and Israelites. (3) From a literary perspective, it serves to emphasize the sincerity and weight of Achish's declaration of David's integrity, adding a solemn, almost covenantal tone to his words, especially when addressing an Israelite. This highlights Achish's genuine trust in David, contrasting sharply with the other lords' suspicion ([1 Samuel 29:4](/1_samuel/29-4 "1 Samuel 29:4 - Philistine Lords' Distrust of David")).

**Was David truly "upright" as Achish claimed, given his deceptions in Ziklag?**

Answer: This is a point of significant theological and ethical discussion. From Achish's perspective, David was entirely "upright" because David had successfully maintained the facade of loyalty, consistently bringing back spoils from raids that Achish believed were against Judahite towns, thereby serving Achish's interests ([1 Samuel 27:8-12](/1_samuel/27-8 "1 Samuel 27:8-12 - David's Raids and Deception")). However, David was secretly raiding non-Israelite enemies (Geshurites, Gezrites, Amalekites) and using the deception to protect his own people and avoid fighting against Israel. So, while David was not "upright" in the sense of being fully transparent or loyal to Achish, his actions were strategically aligned with God's ultimate purpose for him to become king of Israel. The passage highlights God's providence: He used David's complex and morally ambiguous actions, and Achish's sincere but mistaken trust, to position David perfectly to avoid fighting his own people, thus preserving his integrity for his future role. This demonstrates that God can work through imperfect human choices to accomplish His perfect will ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work Together for Good")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's precarious position in 1 Samuel 29:6, where he is providentially spared from fighting against his own people, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate divine intervention found in Jesus Christ. David, though a man after God's own heart, was still a flawed human king, navigating complex moral dilemmas and relying on strategic deception. Yet, God's sovereign hand protected him for his kingly calling. In Christ, we see the perfect fulfillment of this divine protection and purpose. Jesus, the true King of Israel, never had to resort to deception or navigate divided loyalties. He was perfectly "upright" in every sense, fulfilling all righteousness ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness")). His mission was not to avoid a battle, but to willingly enter the ultimate spiritual battle against sin and death, not for His own preservation, but for the salvation of His people ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life")). Where David was saved from a compromising fight through external circumstances, Christ deliberately chose the path of suffering and sacrifice, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His "going out and coming in" was always in perfect obedience to the Father's will ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")), culminating in His death and resurrection, which secured eternal victory for all who believe, demonstrating God's ultimate providence in securing our salvation through a perfect Mediator ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")).

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

2 Kings 19:27

But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me.

2 Samuel 3:25

Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou doest.

Psalms 121:8

The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

1 Samuel 20:3

And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly [as] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, [there is] but a step between me and death.

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.

Numbers 27:17

Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.

Genesis 16:6

But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid [is] in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.