1 Samuel 29 Commentary
Introduction
In 1 Samuel 29, we find David and his men, who were refugees in the land of the Philistines, preparing for battle against the Israelites. This chapter is a continuation of the story of David's flight from King Saul and his eventual arrival in the land of the Philistines, where he sought refuge.
The Philistines Prepare for Battle (29:1-3)
1 The Philistines gathered all their forces at Aphek, while the Israelites camped by a spring in Jezreel.
2 As the lords of the Philistines were passing in review with companies of hundreds and thousands, David and his men were passing in review in the rear guard with Achish.
3 The commanders of the Philistines asked, "What about these Hebrews?" Achish replied, "Is this not David, who was attendant to King Saul? He has been with me for quite some time, and I am convinced he is loyal. He has not been found faulty to this day."
In this passage, we see the Philistines preparing for battle against the Israelites, and David and his men preparing to fight alongside them. Achish, the king of Gath, has trusted David and has given him a place in his army.
David's Loyalty Questioned (29:4-5)
4 But the Philistine commanders were angry with him, and they said, "Send the man back, that he may return to the place you assigned him, but he must not go down with us to battle, or he will become an adviser in the midst of our camp."
5 For he has come down to help us, Achish replied, "Is this not David, who was attendant to King Saul, the king of Israel, who has been with me these days, or even years? I have found no fault in him from the day he defected until now."
The Philistine commanders are suspicious of David's loyalty and do not trust him to fight alongside them. They ask Achish to send David back to the place he was assigned, fearing that he may become an adviser to the enemy.
David's Dismissal (29:6-11)
6 So Achish called David and said to him, "As surely as the Lord lives, you have been reliable, and I would be pleased to have you serve with me in the battle line, for I have found no fault in you from the day you came over to me until now. But the lords do not approve of you."
7 So David said to Achish, "But what have I done? What have you found against me from the time I came to you until now, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?"
8 Achish replied to David, "I know you are as pleasing to me as an angel of God; nevertheless, the Philistine commanders have said, 'He shall not go up with us to battle.'"
9 Then Achish called David and said to him, "Go, and may the God of Israel prosper you."
10 So David and his men rose up early to depart and return to the land of the Philistines, while the Philistines went up to Jezreel.
In this passage, Achish reluctantly dismisses David from the battle, citing the disapproval of the Philistine commanders. David is disappointed but leaves peacefully, and the Philistines march on to Jezreel.
Conclusion
In this chapter, we see David's loyalty being questioned by the Philistine commanders, leading to his dismissal from the battle. This passage highlights the difficulties David faced as a refugee in the land of the Philistines, and his struggles to find acceptance and trust. Despite this setback, David remains faithful to God and continues to trust in His providence.
