1 Samuel 29:5-11

5 Is this not David, of whom they sing to one another in dances, "Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands'?"

6 Then Achish called David and said to him, "As the Lord lives, you have been honest, and to me it seems right that you should march out and in with me in the campaign; for I have found nothing wrong in you from the day of your coming to me until today. Nevertheless the lords do not approve of you.

7 So go back now; and go peaceably; do nothing to displease the lords of the Philistines."

8 David said to Achish, "But what have I done? What have you found in your servant from the day I entered your service until now, that I should not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?"

9 Achish replied to David, "I know that you are as blameless in my sight as an angel of God; nevertheless, the commanders of the Philistines have said, "He shall not go up with us to the battle.'

10 Now then rise early in the morning, you and the servants of your lord who came with you, and go to the place that I appointed for you. As for the evil report, do not take it to heart, for you have done well before me. Start early in the morning, and leave as soon as you have light."

11 So David set out with his men early in the morning, to return to the land of the Philistines. But the Philistines went up to Jezreel.

1 Samuel 29:5-11 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST SAMUEL 29

This chapter gives an account of David's going forth with the armies of the Philistines, 1Sa 29:1,2; of his being objected to by the princes of the Philistines, who insisted upon his being sent back, 1Sa 29:3-5; of the report Achish made of it to David, and the discourse that passed between them upon it, 1Sa 29:6-10; whereby David had a way unexpectedly opened for him to be freed from this service, which he gladly embraced, 1Sa 29:11.

Footnotes

• [a]. Gk: Heb lacks [and go to the place . . . done well before me]