English · ASV

1 Samuel29

The Philistines gather for battle against Israel, with David and his men accompanying King Achish in the rear guard. The Philistine princes question David's presence, fearing he will turn against them in battle and reconcile with Saul. Despite Achish's strong trust in David, the princes insist on his dismissal, citing his past victories against them. Consequently, David and his men are sent back to the land of the Philistines.
Listen to this chapter
0:00 0:00

The Philistines Gather for War

1
Now the Philistines gathered together all their hosts to Aphek: and the Israelites encamped by the fountain which is in Jezreel. ​
2
And the lords of the Philistines passed on by hundreds, and by thousands; and David and his men passed on in the rearward with Achish. ​

David's Presence Questioned

3
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? ​
4
But the princes of the Philistines were wroth with him; and the princes of the Philistines said unto him, Make the man return, that he may go back to his place where thou hast appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he become an adversary to us: for wherewith should this fellow reconcile himself unto his lord? should it not be with the heads of these men? ​
5
Is not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands? ​

Achish Dismisses David

6
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. ​
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 before thee unto this day, that I may not go and 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 the servants of thy lord that are come with thee; and as soon as ye are up early in the morning, and have light, depart.
11
So David rose up early, he and his men, to depart in the morning, to return into the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel. ​

Study Notes for 1 Samuel 29

Verse 1

This verse sets the stage for the final, disastrous battle of Saul’s reign. Aphek (where the Philistines gathered) and Jezreel (where Israel pitched camp) were critical strategic locations in the northern valley.

Verse 2

David’s position in the rear guard with Achish highlights his deeply compromised situation. He was now fully integrated into the Philistine military structure, dangerously close to fighting his own people.

Verse 3

The 'princes of the Philistines' (sarnêy) were the lords of the five major Philistine city-states. They question David’s loyalty, distrusting Achish’s assertion that David had been a faithful vassal for 'these days, or these years.'

Verse 4

This intervention by the Philistine lords is an act of divine providence, saving David from the moral and political catastrophe of fighting Israel. They correctly fear David would betray them to reconcile with Saul.

Verse 5

The Philistine commanders cite David’s famous battle song (18:7), demonstrating that his reputation as Israel’s national hero and greatest warrior was well-known, making his presence on the enemy side highly suspicious.

Verse 6

Achish re-affirms his personal trust in David, using strong language to vouch for his integrity. The irony of Achish swearing 'as the LORD liveth' (Yahweh) suggests either cultural borrowing or an attempt to speak in David’s religious idiom.

Verse 8

David’s feigned indignation is necessary to maintain his deception before Achish. He acts the part of the loyal vassal, eager to fight the enemies of his 'lord the king' (referring to Achish, not Saul).

Verse 9

Achish’s declaration that David is 'good in my sight, as an angel of God' is a hyperbolic compliment, showcasing the depth of the Philistine king’s misplaced personal affection and trust in David.

Verse 11

David’s dismissal is a crucial turning point, allowing him to avoid participation in the battle where Saul and his sons would be killed, thereby keeping his hands clean and preserving his future claim to the throne.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate
Settings

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Reading Width 45 chars

Options