TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ 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.
World English Bible Messianic
Then Achish called David, and said to him, “As the LORD lives, you have been upright, and your going out and your coming in with me in the army is good in my sight; for I have not found evil in you since the day of your coming to me to this day. Nevertheless, the lords don’t favor you.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Achish called Dauid, and said vnto him, As the Lord liueth, thou hast bene vpright and good in my sight, when thou wentest out and in with mee in the hoste, neither haue I founde euill with thee, since thou camest to me vnto this day, but the princes doe not fauour thee.
Young's Literal Translation
And Achish calleth unto David, and saith unto him, `Jehovah liveth, surely thou art upright, and good in mine eyes is thy going out, and thy coming in, with me in the camp, for I have not found in thee evil from the day of thy coming in unto me till this day; and in the eyes of the princes thou art not good;
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In the KJVVerse 7,974 of 31,102
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Commentary on 1 Samuel 29 verses 6–11
6 ¶ 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.
7 Wherefore now return, and go in peace, that thou displease not the lords of the Philistines.
8 And David said unto Achish, But what have I done? and what hast thou found in thy servant so long as I have been with thee unto this day, that I may not go fight against the enemies of my lord the king?
9 And Achish answered and said to David, I know that thou art good in my sight, as an angel of God: notwithstanding the princes of the Philistines have said, He shall not go up with us to the battle.
10 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.
11 So David and his men rose up early to depart in the morning, to return into the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel.
If the reasons Achish had to trust David were stronger than the reasons which the princes offered why they should distrust him (as I do not see that, in policy, they were, for the princes were certainly in the right), yet Achish was but one of five, though the chief, and the only one that had the title of king; accordingly, in a council of war held on this occasion, he was over-voted, and obliged to dismiss David, though he was extremely fond of him. Kings cannot always do as they would, nor have such as they would about them.
I. The discharge Achish gives him is very honourable, and not a final discharge, but only from the present service. 1. He signifies the great pleasure and satisfaction he had taken in him and in his conversation: Thou art good in my sight as an angel of God, Sa1 29:9. Wise and good men will gain respect, wherever they go, from all that know how to make a right estimate of persons and things, though of different professions in religion. What Achish says of David, God, by the prophet, says of the house of David (Zac 12:8), that it shall be as the angel of the Lord. But the former is a court-compliment; the latter is a divine promise. 2. He gives him a testimonial of his good behaviour, Sa1 29:6. It is very full and in obliging terms: "Thou hast been upright, and thy whole conduct has been good in my sight, and I have not found evil in thee." Saul would not have given him such a testimonial, though he had done far more service to him than Achish. God's people should behave themselves always so inoffensively as if possible to get the good word of all they have dealings with; and it is a debt we owe to those who have acquitted themselves well to give them the praise of it. 3. He lays all the blame of his dismission upon the princes, who would by no means suffer him to continue in the camp. "The king loves thee entirely, and would venture his life in thy hand; but the lords favour thee not, and we must not disoblige them, nor can we oppose them; therefore return and go in peace." He had better part with his favourite than occasion a disgust among his generals and a mutiny in his army. Achish intimates a reason why they were uneasy. It was not so much for David's own sake as for the sake of his soldiers that attended him, whom he calls his master's servants (namely, Saul's), Sa1 29:10. They could trust him, but not them. (4.) He orders him to be gone early, as soon as it was light (Sa1 29:10), to prevent their further resentments, and the jealousies they would have been apt to conceive if he had lingered.
II. His reception of this discourse is very complimental; but, I fear, not without some degree of dissimulation. "What?" says David, "must I leave my lord the king, whom I am bound by office to protect, just now when he is going to expose himself in the field? Why may not I go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?" Sa1 29:8. He seemed anxious to serve him when he was at this juncture really anxious to leave him, but he was not willing that Achish should know that he was. No one knows how strong the temptation is to compliment and dissemble which those are in that attend great men, and how hard it is to avoid it.
III. God's providence ordered it wisely and graciously for him. For, besides that the snare was broken and he was delivered out of the dilemma to which he was first reduced, it proved a happy hastening of him to the relief of his own city, which sorely wanted him, though he did not know it. Thus the disgrace which the lords of the Philistines put upon him prove, in more ways than one, an advantage to him. The steps of a good man ore ordered by the Lord, and he delighteth in his way. What he does with us we know not now, but we shall know hereafter, and shall see it was all for good.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 6–11. Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on Samuel
I know that you are good in my eyes, etc. And the Church, excelling in the praises of the Lord, even adds this: Indeed, I myself know, and with the opened eyes of faith I understand the goodness of your heavenly grace, and that you are the one of whom the prophet foretold: And his name will be called the angel of great counsel (Isaiah IX); that is, the messenger of the Father's will. But the princes of doctrines and cultures of the nations, spurning the help of your protection, trust that they should be saved by their own virtue and industry.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 29:6 presents a pivotal moment where King Achish of Gath, a Philistine ruler, publicly and emphatically affirms David's exceptional integrity and loyal service, despite David's Israelite origin. This declaration of trust stands in stark contrast to the vehement opposition of the other Philistine lords, who refuse to allow David to participate in the impending battle against Israel. The verse subtly highlights God's overarching providence, orchestrating circumstances through human suspicion to prevent David from engaging in a conflict that would have severely compromised his future legitimacy as Israel's king.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage employs several effective literary devices that enrich its meaning and dramatic impact. Irony is profoundly evident, as Achish's emphatic affirmation of David's "uprightness" and unwavering loyalty stands in stark contrast to David's actual, though divinely guided, strategic deception regarding his raids in Ziklag. David was indeed loyal, but his loyalty was to Israel and God, not fully to Achish, yet Achish perceives him as perfectly loyal. This creates significant dramatic tension and subtly highlights the unseen hand of God at work. The phrase "going out and coming in" functions as a powerful idiom, a common linguistic expression whose comprehensive meaning ("entire conduct" or "full participation") is not directly deducible from the individual words, here conveying David's complete and consistent service. Achish's use of the Israelite oath "as the LORD liveth" is a form of cultural borrowing or allusion, adding solemn weight to his words and subtly acknowledging the regional influence of Israelite religious language, even if it is not a statement of Achish's 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 profoundly compromised his legitimacy and standing among the people of Israel.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a profound testament to the intricate workings of God's sovereign providence, demonstrating His unparalleled ability to orchestrate events through complex human relationships, political maneuvering, and even the suspicions of adversaries, all to achieve His divine purposes. David, caught in a morally precarious situation, was on the very precipice of fighting against his own people, a scenario that would have irrevocably damaged his reputation and future legitimacy as the anointed king of Israel. Yet, God, through the Philistine lords' distrust and their insistence on David's removal, intervened precisely to protect David's integrity and preserve him for his sacred calling. This highlights that God's plans often unfold in unexpected and counter-intuitive ways, utilizing means that appear purely human, or even negative and adversarial, to accomplish His perfect will. It powerfully underscores the theological principle that God is always actively at work behind the scenes, meticulously orchestrating circumstances for the ultimate good of His chosen ones and the advancement of His kingdom, even when human choices are flawed or circumstances seem utterly impossible.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account in 1 Samuel 29:6 offers profoundly rich and enduring lessons for contemporary believers navigating the complexities of life. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's providence is not confined to ideal circumstances or contingent upon our perfect choices; rather, He can and does work powerfully through the messy realities of life, including our own strategic deceptions, morally ambiguous situations, or the unforeseen actions of others. David found himself in an exceedingly difficult and ethically compromising position, attempting to survive while fleeing Saul, and yet God masterfully used the very suspicions of David's supposed allies to deliver him from an impossible ethical dilemma. This narrative should profoundly encourage us to cultivate a deep and abiding trust in God's overarching plan, even when our immediate circumstances are perplexing, or we find ourselves in situations where our loyalties feel painfully divided. It teaches us that God can, with divine wisdom, close doors we thought we desperately needed to walk through, not out of punishment or abandonment, but out of profound protection and a deeper commitment to our ultimate calling and purpose. Our sacred task, therefore, is to remain steadfastly faithful to God's unchanging character and His ultimate purposes, even when the path ahead is unclear, knowing with unwavering confidence that He is sovereignly guiding our steps and meticulously protecting our integrity for His greater glory.
Questions for Reflection
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, as Yahweh was the God of Israel. It does not necessarily imply that Achish had converted to the worship of Yahweh. Instead, it likely reflects a few possibilities: (1) It could have been a common regional idiom that had permeated the linguistic landscape of the Levant, adopted even by non-Israelites, similar to how phrases from other cultures become integrated into common speech today. (2) It might indicate a general awareness or even a grudging respect for the power and influence of Israel's God, given the significant and often intense interactions and conflicts between the Philistines and Israelites. (3) From a literary and rhetorical perspective, its use serves to emphasize the profound 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 deep and genuine trust in David, which stands in sharp contrast to the other lords' suspicion (1 Samuel 29:4).
Was David truly "upright" as Achish claimed, given his deceptions in Ziklag?
Answer: This question touches upon a significant point of theological and ethical discussion within the narrative. From Achish's perspective, David was indeed entirely "upright" because David had successfully maintained the facade of loyalty, consistently bringing back spoils from raids that Achish genuinely believed were against Judahite towns, thereby serving Achish's interests (1 Samuel 27:8-12). However, David was secretly raiding non-Israelite enemies (Geshurites, Gezrites, Amalekites) and using the deception to protect his own people and, crucially, to 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 powerfully highlights God's providence: He masterfully 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 and legitimacy for his future role. This demonstrates that God can and does work through imperfect human choices and complex circumstances to accomplish His perfect and sovereign will (Romans 8:28).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's precarious position in 1 Samuel 29:6, where he is providentially spared from the morally compromising act of fighting against his own people, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate divine intervention and perfect fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. David, though divinely chosen and a man after God's own heart, was still a flawed human king, navigating complex moral dilemmas and at times relying on strategic deception for survival. Yet, God's sovereign hand protected him for his kingly calling. In Christ, we behold the perfect and unblemished fulfillment of this divine protection and purpose. Jesus, the true and eternal 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) and embodying perfect obedience to the Father. His mission was not to avoid a battle, but to willingly and deliberately enter the ultimate spiritual battle against sin, death, and the powers of darkness, not for His own preservation, but for the profound salvation of His people (John 10:11). Where David was saved from a compromising fight through external circumstances and the suspicions of others, Christ deliberately chose the path of suffering and sacrificial love, becoming the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. His "going out and coming in" was always in perfect and unwavering obedience to the Father's will (John 6:38), culminating in His atoning death and glorious resurrection, which secured eternal victory and redemption for all who believe, demonstrating God's ultimate providence in securing our salvation through a perfect and spotless Mediator (Hebrews 9:12).