1 Samuel 29

This chapter falls in the final section of 1 Samuel. In 1 Samuel 27, David fled from Saul and took refuge in Philistine territory. At the beginning of 1 Samuel 28, Achish told David that he would go out with him to battle, and this chapter continues that narrative.

Outline

• Verses 1–2 The Philistine army gathers at Aphek, while Israel encamps by the fountain in Jezreel. David and his men march in the rear with Achish.
• Verses 3–5 The Philistine princes (commanders) demand to know why "these Hebrews" are coming along. Achish defends David, saying he has found no fault in him. The princes insist that David be sent back, arguing that in battle he would seek to reconcile himself to Saul by offering up the heads of Philistine soldiers.
• Verses 6–10 Achish acknowledges that David is upright but, in deference to the princes, tells him to return. David protests, asking what he has done wrong, and Achish again urges him to leave at dawn.
• Verse 11 David and his men rise early in the morning and return to the land of the Philistines, and the Philistine army goes up to Jezreel.

Key Verses

• 1 Samuel 29:5 "Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands." The song recorded in 1 Samuel 18 and 1 Samuel 21 is quoted once again, showing that David's reputation was a cause for concern even among the Philistines.
• 1 Samuel 29:9 "I know that thou art good in my sight, as an angel of God." These words reveal the deep trust that a foreign king placed in David.

People and Places

• David: Having fled from Saul, he has placed himself under Philistine protection.
• Achish: The king of Gath, who protects and trusts David.
• Saul: The king of Israel, who does not appear directly in this chapter.
• Philistines: The people preparing for war against Israel.
• Aphek: The place where the Philistine army assembled.
• Jezreel: The place where Israel encamped and to which the Philistine army finally went up.

Points for Reflection

• The text does not reveal whether David actually intended to fight against Israel. Interpreters differ over whether "the enemies of my lord the king" in verse 8 refers to the enemies of Achish or to those of Saul.
• Many readers understand David's being spared from fighting against his own people as an act of God's providence. The text itself does not directly explain this outcome.
• In 28:4 the Philistines are already described as encamped at Shunem. For this reason, some interpreters hold that this chapter, which deals with the assembly at Aphek, precedes 28:4 chronologically.
• The events following David's return continue in 1 Samuel 30 with the Amalekite raid.
• No passage in the New Testament directly quotes this chapter.