1 Samuel 29

Philistines Reject David

1 The Philistines  * 29:1 1Sm 28:1–2 brought all their military units together at Aphek  * 29:1 Jos 12:18; 1Sm 4:1 while Israel was camped by the spring in Jezreel.  * 29:1 1Kg 18:19; 21:1; 2Kg 9:302 As the Philistine leaders were passing in review with their units of hundreds and thousands, David and his men  * 29:2 1Sm 28:1–2 were passing in review behind them with Achish. 3 Then the Philistine commanders asked, "What are these Hebrews doing here? "

Achish answered the Philistine commanders, "That is David, servant of King Saul of Israel. He has been with me a considerable period of time.  * 29:3 Hb obscure From the day he defected until today, I’ve found no fault with him."  * 29:3 1Sm 27:4–12

4 The Philistine commanders, however, were enraged with Achish and told him, "Send that man back and let him return to the place you assigned him.  * 29:4 1Sm 27:6 He must not go down with us into battle only to become our adversary during the battle.  * 29:4 1Sm 14:21 What better way could he ingratiate himself with his master than with the heads of our men? 5 Isn’t this the David they sing about during their dances:

Saul has killed his thousands,

but David his tens of thousands? "  * 29:5 1Sm 18:7; 21:11

6 So Achish summoned David and told him, "As the Lord lives, you are an honorable man. I think it is good  * 29:6 Lit It was good in my eyes to have you fighting  * 29:6 Lit you going out and coming in in this unit with me, because I have found no fault in you from the day you came to me until today.  * 29:6 1Sm 27:8–12; 29:3 But the leaders don’t think you are reliable. 7 Now go back quietly and you won’t be doing anything the Philistine leaders think is wrong."

8 "But what have I done? "  * 29:8 1Sm 27:10–12 David replied to Achish. "From the first day I entered your service until today, what have you found against your servant to keep me from going to fight against the enemies of my lord the king? "

9 Achish answered David, "I’m convinced that you are as reliable as an angel of God.  * 29:9 2Sm 14:17,20; 19:27 But the Philistine commanders have said, ‘He must not go into battle with us.’  * 29:9 1Sm 29:410 So get up early in the morning, you and your masters’ servants who came with you.  * 29:10 LXX adds and go to the place I appointed you to. Don’t take this evil matter to heart, for you are good before me.,* 29:10 1Ch 12:19,22 When you’ve all gotten up early, go as soon as it’s light." 11 So David and his men got up early in the morning to return to the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel.