1 Samuel 29:8

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?

And David {H1732} said {H559} unto Achish {H397}, But what have I done {H6213}? and what hast thou found {H4672} in thy servant {H5650} so long as {H3117} I have been with thee {H6440} unto this day {H3117}, that I may not go {H935} fight {H3898} against the enemies {H341} of my lord {H113} the king {H4428}?

David said to Akhish, "But what have I done? What have you found in your servant during the time I've been with you that disqualifies me from going and fighting against the enemies of my lord the king?"

“But what have I done?” David replied. “What have you found against your servant, from the day I came to you until today, to keep me from going along to fight against the enemies of my lord the king?”

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?

Commentary

1 Samuel 29:8 captures a pivotal moment in David's life, showcasing his shrewdness and the complex circumstances he faced while fleeing King Saul.

Context

At this point in his journey, David had been a fugitive from King Saul's jealousy for an extended period, finding refuge in the land of the Philistines under the protection of Achish, King of Gath. David had established himself in Ziklag (see 1 Samuel 27:6), and through calculated raids against non-Israelite tribes (while convincing Achish he was raiding Israelite territory), he had gained Achish's full trust. As the Philistines gathered their forces for a major battle against Israel, Achish expected David and his men to join them. However, the other Philistine lords vehemently objected, fearing David's potential betrayal in battle (1 Samuel 29:4). Achish, despite his personal confidence in David, relented and instructed him to return to Ziklag. David's response in this verse is a masterful piece of political theater.

Key Themes

  • Strategic Deception: David's indignant question, "But what have I done? and what hast thou found in thy servant... that I may not go fight against the enemies of my lord the king?" is a calculated performance. He feigns sincere loyalty to Achish, appearing eager to fight Israel (whom he refers to as Achish's enemies). This maintains his cover and protects his long-term relationship with the Philistine king, even as he is inwardly relieved to be spared from fighting his own people.
  • Feigned Loyalty vs. True Allegiance: David's words demonstrate a profound outward loyalty to Achish, but his true allegiance remains with God and Israel. This moment highlights the morally ambiguous situations David often found himself in during his exile, navigating dangerous political landscapes.
  • Divine Providence: While the Philistine lords' distrust of David seems like a human decision, it is ultimately a clear instance of God's providential hand at work. God uses the Philistines' suspicion to prevent David, His anointed future king of Israel, from engaging in battle against his own nation. This spares David from an impossible ethical dilemma and a potential blight on his future reign.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "my lord the king" used by David is crucial. By referring to Achish in this way, David reinforces his purported status as a loyal vassal, aligning himself completely with the Philistine cause. This language underscores his feigned indignation and commitment, serving his immediate goal of maintaining his deception and achieving his desired outcome (being sent away without suspicion).

Practical Application

This passage reminds us that God often works in mysterious ways, using unexpected circumstances and even the actions of adversaries to fulfill His purposes. David was in an extremely difficult and compromising situation, yet God intervened to protect him and guide his path. For believers today, it encourages trusting in God's sovereignty even when faced with dilemmas or when circumstances seem to be going against our plans. He can turn what appears to be a setback into a divine protection, guiding us away from paths that would compromise our true calling.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 6:13 (3 votes)

    And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

  • 1 Samuel 17:29 (2 votes)

    And David said, What have I now done? [Is there] not a cause?

  • 1 Samuel 28:2 (2 votes)

    And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever.

  • 1 Samuel 12:3 (2 votes)

    Behold, here I [am]: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received [any] bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.

  • 1 Samuel 26:18 (2 votes)

    And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil [is] in mine hand?

  • 1 Samuel 20:8 (2 votes)

    Therefore thou shalt deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the LORD with thee: notwithstanding, if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father?

  • Psalms 34:13 (2 votes)

    Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.