1 Samuel 29:7

KJV

Wherefore now return, and go in peace, that thou displease not the lords of the Philistines.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore now return {H7725}, and go {H3212} in peace {H7965}, that thou displease {H6213}{H7451}{H5869} not the lords {H5633} of the Philistines {H6430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, now, go on back; and go in peace, so as not to do what appears bad to the chiefs of the P'lishtim.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore turn back now and go in peace, so that you will not do anything to displease the leaders of the Philistines.”

American Standard Version

Wherefore now return, and go in peace, that thou displease not the lords of the Philistines.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 29:7, King Achish of Gath, under pressure from his fellow Philistine rulers, instructs David to "return, and go in peace," emphasizing the critical need to avoid displeasing the other Philistine lords. This command serves as a pivotal moment, providentially removing David from an impossible moral dilemma where he would have been forced to fight against his own people, the Israelites, while serving the very enemies of God. It highlights God's sovereign hand in orchestrating circumstances, even through the decisions of unbelievers, to protect His anointed and further His divine purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in David's life, following his desperate flight from King Saul's relentless pursuit. Having sought refuge in the Philistine city of Gath under King Achish ([1 Samuel 27:1](/1_samuel/27-1 "1 Samuel 27:1 - David Flees to Achish")), David had established a tenuous but seemingly secure position, even being granted the town of Ziklag ([1 Samuel 27:6](/1_samuel/27-6 "1 Samuel 27:6 - Ziklag Given to David")). As the Philistines gathered their forces for a decisive battle against Israel at Aphek ([1 Samuel 29:1](/1_samuel/29-1 "1 Samuel 29:1 - Philistines Gather at Aphek")), David and his men were expected to join the Philistine ranks. However, the other Philistine lords vehemently objected to David's presence, fearing he would betray them in battle and turn against them to reconcile with Saul ([1 Samuel 29:4](/1_samuel/29-4 "1 Samuel 29:4 - Philistine Lords' Distrust of David")). Despite Achish's personal trust in David, the collective political pressure from his peers forced him to dismiss David, leading directly to the instruction in this verse.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a powerful, non-Semitic people who had settled in the southwestern coastal plain of Canaan, forming a pentapolis (a league of five major cities: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath), each ruled by a "lord" or "prince" (_seren_). These lords held significant political and military authority, often acting collectively on matters of war and peace. Their distrust of David was rooted in his past as a celebrated Israelite warrior who had famously defeated Goliath ([1 Samuel 17:48-51](/1_samuel/17-48 "1 Samuel 17:48-51 - David Kills Goliath")) and led Israelite armies to victory against the Philistines ([1 Samuel 18:7](/1_samuel/18-7 "1 Samuel 18:7 - Women Sing of David's Victories")). For David, residing among the Philistines was a desperate measure, a pragmatic choice to escape Saul, but it placed him in a morally compromising position, caught between his loyalty to God and Israel and his temporary allegiance to Achish. The Philistine lords' insistence reflects their pragmatic military strategy and deep-seated historical antagonism towards Israel.

* **Key Themes:** The primary theme underscored by this verse is **Divine Providence**. God, through the seemingly hostile actions of the Philistine lords, orchestrates David's removal from a morally untenable situation, preventing him from fighting against his own people and potentially harming future allies or even Jonathan. This unexpected turn of events spared David from a profound moral dilemma and preserved his integrity as the future king of Israel, demonstrating how [God works all things for the good of those who love Him](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good"). Another significant theme is **Navigating Conflict and Loyalty**. The passage vividly portrays the tension between Achish's personal trust in David and his political obligation to his fellow Philistine rulers. It also highlights David's precarious position, balancing his desperate flight from Saul with his underlying commitment to God and Israel, even while residing among their enemies. Lastly, the concept of a **Strategic Retreat** emerges; David's forced withdrawal, though initially appearing as a rejection or setback, was in fact a divinely orchestrated maneuver that positioned him for the next phase of his journey—the battle against the Amalekites at Ziklag ([1 Samuel 30:1-20](/1_samuel/30 "1 Samuel 30 - David Recovers Ziklag"))—and protected him from a battle that would have compromised his future reign.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **return (Hebrew, _shuv'_):** This imperative verb signifies a command to turn back or go back. In this context, it's a direct order from King Achish to David, indicating a reversal of his previous intention to join the Philistine army. It marks an immediate and decisive dismissal.
* **go in peace (Hebrew, לֵךְ לְשָׁלוֹם, _lekh leshalom'_):** This is a common Hebrew idiom, literally meaning "go to peace" or "go toward completeness/well-being." While a standard farewell, here it carries the additional nuance of a dismissal without further conflict or argument. It implies that David's departure should be smooth and non-contentious, ensuring he leaves without causing any further friction or "displeasure" among the Philistine leadership.
* **displease (Hebrew, רַע, _ra'_):** The root word _ra'_ primarily means "evil," "bad," or "harmful." In this context, it refers to causing offense, trouble, or harm to the Philistine lords. Achish's concern is that David's continued presence or participation would be perceived as "evil" or "harmful" by his fellow rulers, leading to political instability or military distrust. It's about avoiding anything that would be "bad" in their eyes or detrimental to their collective interests.
* **lords (Hebrew, סְרָנִים, _seranim'_):** This term refers to the rulers or princes of the five major Philistine cities. They formed a powerful oligarchy, making collective decisions on significant matters like war. Their authority was substantial, and even King Achish, though a ruler himself, was compelled to yield to their collective will, highlighting their political influence and the structured nature of Philistine governance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore now return":** This opening phrase functions as a direct and immediate command, signaling the definitive decision for David to withdraw. "Wherefore" links back to the preceding discussion and the Philistine lords' objections, establishing the reason for the command. It's an order to physically turn around and head back from the battle encampment.
* **"and go in peace":** This is the manner of David's dismissal. It's a formal farewell but also a directive to depart without contention or further incident. It assures David that he is not being sent away in disgrace or anger by Achish personally, but rather as a necessary political maneuver, allowing him to leave safely and without conflict.
* **"that thou displease not the lords of the Philistines":** This clause provides the explicit rationale for David's dismissal. Achish is acting not out of personal desire but under duress from his fellow Philistine rulers. Their collective disapproval and suspicion of David's loyalty are the ultimate drivers behind this command, underscoring the political pragmatism and the power dynamics within the Philistine leadership.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Divine Irony** is prominent, as what appears to be a rejection or setback for David—being sent away from the battle—is, in fact, God's providential intervention to protect him from a morally compromising situation. This unexpected dismissal prevents David from fighting against his own people, the Israelites, and potentially harming those loyal to him or the future kingdom he is destined to lead. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as David's removal from this battle against Israel paves the way for his subsequent victory over the Amalekites at Ziklag, which restores his reputation and resources, positioning him perfectly for his eventual ascension to the throne. Furthermore, **Dramatic Irony** is present, as the Philistine lords, in their attempt to secure their military advantage by removing David, unknowingly become instruments of God's plan to preserve David's integrity and prepare him for his future role as Israel's king.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the overarching theme of God's sovereign control over human affairs, even in the midst of complex political and military machinations involving unbelievers. David's precarious situation, caught between his desperate flight from Saul and his temporary allegiance to a Philistine king, presented an impossible moral dilemma. Yet, God, through the very suspicions and political maneuvering of the Philistine lords, orchestrates David's removal from the battlefield, preventing him from fighting against his own people. This divine intervention highlights that God's purposes for His anointed are unshakeable, and He can use any circumstance, even apparent rejection or setback, to guide His servants and preserve their integrity. It is a profound demonstration that God is actively at work behind the scenes, ensuring His plan unfolds precisely as intended, even when human agents are unaware of their role in His grand design.

* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work Together for Good")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Psalm 37:23-24](/psalm/37-23 "Psalm 37:23-24 - The Lord Establishes the Steps of a Good Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 1 Samuel 29:7 offers profound lessons for believers navigating the complexities of life. It reminds us that God's protective hand is often at work in ways we least expect, even through closed doors or apparent rejections. When our plans are thwarted, or we are removed from situations we thought were essential, it can be a divine intervention, preventing us from entering circumstances that are not aligned with God's perfect will or that might compromise our integrity. This passage calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereignty, recognizing that He can use the decisions of others, even those who are not believers, to accomplish His purposes for our lives. We are encouraged to embrace unexpected detours as potentially divinely orchestrated paths, trusting that God is always working for our ultimate good and the fulfillment of His call. Our integrity, like David's, is precious to God, and He will often provide a way out of temptation or morally compromising situations, preserving us for His greater plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Have you ever experienced a "closed door" or an unexpected rejection that, in hindsight, proved to be God's protection or redirection?**
* **How does David's situation encourage you to trust God's unseen hand when circumstances seem confusing or unfavorable?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to trust His provision for integrity, even when it means stepping away from a seemingly advantageous position?**
* **How can recognizing God's sovereignty in this passage deepen your faith in His ability to work all things for good in your own life?**

### FAQ

**Why were the Philistine lords so suspicious of David, especially since he was serving King Achish?**

Answer: The Philistine lords' suspicion of David was deeply rooted in his past as Israel's most celebrated warrior. David had famously killed Goliath, the Philistine champion ([1 Samuel 17:48-51](/1_samuel/17-48 "1 Samuel 17:48-51 - David Kills Goliath")), and had led Israelite armies to significant victories against the Philistines, prompting the popular song, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands" ([1 Samuel 18:7](/1_samuel/18-7 "1 Samuel 18:7 - Women Sing of David's Victories")). Despite David's temporary allegiance to King Achish of Gath, the other Philistine lords feared that in the heat of battle against his own people, David would turn against them to regain favor with King Saul or simply to avoid fighting his countrymen. Their distrust was a pragmatic military concern, fearing a potential betrayal that could cost them the battle and their lives ([1 Samuel 29:4](/1_samuel/29-4 "1 Samuel 29:4 - Philistine Lords' Distrust")).

**How did David's dismissal from the Philistine army ultimately benefit him?**

Answer: David's dismissal, though initially perhaps humiliating or perplexing, proved to be a profound divine blessing. Firstly, it prevented him from fighting against his own people, the Israelites, thereby preserving his integrity and avoiding a morally compromising act that would have stained his future reign. Had he fought, he might have killed fellow Israelites, including those loyal to him or even Jonathan, his covenant friend. Secondly, his return to Ziklag led directly to his discovery that the Amalekites had raided and burned the town, taking his family and the families of his men captive ([1 Samuel 30:1-3](/1_samuel/30-1 "1 Samuel 30:1-3 - Amalekites Raid Ziklag")). This allowed David to pursue and decisively defeat the Amalekites, recovering all that was lost ([1 Samuel 30:18-20](/1_samuel/30-18 "1 Samuel 30:18-20 - David Recovers All")). This victory not only restored his men's morale and his own resources but also solidified his leadership and reputation, positioning him perfectly for his eventual ascension to the throne of Judah shortly thereafter ([2 Samuel 2:4](/2_samuel/2-4 "2 Samuel 2:4 - David Anointed King of Judah")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine providence demonstrated in 1 Samuel 29:7, where God sovereignly orchestrates David's removal from a morally compromising situation, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, perfect fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. David, though God's anointed, was a man prone to moral complexities and imperfect choices, yet God preserved him for His purposes. Christ, however, faced the ultimate moral dilemma and temptation in His perfect obedience. Unlike David, who was spared from fighting his own people, Jesus willingly entered the fray against sin and death, not as a combatant to be dismissed, but as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). He was not providentially removed from suffering, but rather providentially appointed to it, enduring the ultimate rejection and suffering on the cross ([Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3-5 - He Was Despised and Rejected")). Just as David's unexpected dismissal led to a greater victory over the Amalekites, Christ's willing sacrifice—His "dismissal" from life—led to the ultimate victory over sin, death, and the grave ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Through His perfect obedience, even to the point of death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Obedience to Death")), Jesus secured peace not for Himself, but for all who believe, reconciling humanity to God ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith")). He is the true King whose path, though marked by suffering, was perfectly aligned with God's will, leading to the establishment of an eternal kingdom where His people are forever secure in His peace.

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

Numbers 22:34

And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.