From “Playing Both Ends Against the Middle” to “Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place” (1 Samuel 29:1-30:6) 27. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. Now, 1. Of course, Achish conceitedly applied David's words here as a pledge that he would fight for Achish and the Philistines, but THE WORDS DO NOT SAY THAT. i. He used to be a mighty warrior for the cause of God, and he used to strike fear in the heart of every enemy of God. 1 Samuel 1 – The Birth of Samuel. David now finds himself in a place he thought he would never be: among the ungodly, ready to fight against God’s people. Their division into two books each, as we now have them, originates with the so-called Septuagint translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek, said to have been made in the third century B.C. Saul’s fear at the attack from the Philistines. He hath now been with me a full year and four months, chap. I might have said years. Read and study 1 Samuel 29 with the Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. 1. Gilboa, Jezreel, Shunem, En-dor, are all found, still bearing the same names. All these events were a wake-up call to David. Scripture In our study of the life of David, we have noted that the final few chapters of First Samuel are not in chronological order. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel. © Copyright - Enduring Word       |      . 4. the princes of the Philistines were wroth with him--It must be considered a happy circumstance in the overruling providence of God to rescue David out of the dangerous dilemma in which he was now placed. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website. But the Philistine leaders could see that this wasn’t right, even when David couldn’t. No doubt, David didn’t like being rejected by the Philistine rulers. David started to think and act like a Philistine and was ready to fight with them against the people of God. He might say, “Of course I will displease the lords of the Philistines. The king of Gath was told by his men to not allow David to fight. 1 Samuel 29:1-5 . The lords of the Philistines passed in review… David and his men passed in review at the rear: David is among the Philistines because when he was discouraged, he left the people of God and the land of Israel and cast his lot with the Philistines instead (1 Samuel 27). Here in 1 Samuel 29, I think David has become lukewarm. 1. Surely, as the LORD lives: “As the Lord lives is unexpected in a Philistine oath; can it be that Achish has committed himself to David’s Lord, or is he being courteous to David in not swearing by Philistine gods? ©2018 David Guzik – No distribution beyond personal use without permission. He might say, “Of. We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. Instead, he made his return to the land of the Philistines. They lie within sight of each other. a. If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. But the princes of the Philistines were angry with him; so the princes of the Philistines said to him, “Make this fellow return, that he may go back to the place which you have appointed for him, and do not let him go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he become our adversary. b. Now Samuel had died, and all Israel had lamented for … Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. And the lords of the Philistines passed in review by hundreds and by thousands, but David and his men passed in review at the rear with Achish. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. They didn’t trust David and they feared he would turn against the Philistines in battle, to bring himself back into Saul’s favor. . being rejected by the Philistine rulers. The … That you may not displease the lords of the Philistines, all the time. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. And to this day what have you found in your servant as long as I have been with you, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?” Then Achish answered and said to David, “I know that you, as good in my sight as an angel of God; nevertheless the princes of the Philistines have said, ‘He shall not go up with us to the battle.’ Now therefore, rise early in the morning with your master’s servants who have come with you. Commentary for 1 Samuel 29. 3. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. ii. the rejection of ungodly people in David’s life. 1. Then the Philistines gathered together all their armies: The battle lines were drawn in the previous chapter when the Philistines made a deep incursion into Israelite territory. Nevertheless the lords do not favor you. How much better it is to be all out for Jesus, and to trust that if the ungodly reject us, God will use it for good – for our good and for theirs. Instead, he made his. Now, David is concerned about displeasing, i. 1 Samuel 29 The Philistine leaders will not have David in their army. Salem Media Group. Bible commentary on the Book of 1 Samuel, chapter 29, by Dr. Bob Utley, retired professor of hermeneutics. First Samuel 29:1-11 shows us that the Lord always preserves his own people, even when they act foolishly. (1-3) Achish defends David before the Philistine leaders. a. 1 The Philistine army met at the town called Aphek. 1 Samuel 29-30 presents a clear picture of God’s amazing grace and how He works with His people. (6-11)1-5 David waited with a secret hope that the Lord would help him out of his difficulty. But in His grace, God spares David the decision. A Bible Study in EasyEnglish (2800 word vocabulary) on the Book of 1 Samuel. 1 Samuel: Bible Study and Commentary. Achish expresses his confidence in David; but begs him to return, 1 Samuel 29:6-10. The Philistine rulers object to David’s presence among the Philistine army. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. F.B. David and his men were with King Achish at the back of the army. Samuel, Saul and David. God's people should always behave themselves so, as, if possible, to get the good word of all they have dealings with: and it is due to those who have acted well, to speak well of them. 2. They were not divided into two books until the Old Testament was translated into Greek. .” But all that is a distant memory in this time of backsliding and compromise for David. You might displease the lords of the Philistines.” What do you think David’s response would be? We don’t belong together!”. God spoke to David through this, but David had to listen. Then the princes of the Philistines said, “What are these Hebrews doing here?” And Achish said to the princes of the Philistines, “Is this not David, the servant of Saul king of Israel, who has been with me these days, or these years? 1 Samuel 29:1-5.DAVID MARCHING WITH THE PHILISTINES TO FIGHT WITH ISRAEL. But the princes of the Philistines were angry with him; so the princes of the Philistines said to him, “Make this fellow return, that he may go back to the place which you have appointed for him, and do not let him go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he become our adversary. c. That you may not displease the lords of the Philistines: David used to displease the lords of the Philistines all the time. But he seems to have been influenced too much by the fear of man, in consenting to attend Achish. And as soon as you are up early in the morning and have light, depart.”. He had too much of the world in him to be at peace in the LORD, and he had too much of the LORD in him to be at peace in the world. In verse 4, the word "reconcile" is ratsah, meaning "to be pleased with, to accept, to favor, to satisfy." Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. He used to be a mighty warrior for the cause of God, and he used to strike fear in the heart of every enemy of God. They are Hebrews. ii. He should have heard God speaking in many ways, but he didn’t. The first two verses of 1 Samuel 28 connect with the previous chapter, so they are examined in the commentary on 1 Samuel 27. He shall not go up with us to the battle… as soon as you are up early in the morning and have light, depart, : David wanted to fight with the Philistines against Israel but. 23. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. And to this day what have you found in your servant as long as I have been with you, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?” Then Achish answered and said to David, “I know that you are as good in my sight as an angel of God; nevertheless the princes of the Philistines have said, ‘He shall not go up with us to the battle.’ Now therefore, rise early in the morning with your master’s servants who have come with you. asked David. But God would. 'What have you found against your servant from the day I came to you until now? i. As Matthew Henry says – Saul seeks for a witch, v. 7. Then the Philistines gathered together all their armies at Aphek, and the Israelites encamped by a fountain which, in Jezreel. The Philistine leaders could see what David was blind to. Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. 3 The commanders of the Philistines asked, “What about these Hebrews?” All these events were a wake-up call to David. 1. Jezreel on the northern slope of Gilboa, and at the distance of twenty minutes to the east, is a large fountain, and a smaller one still nearer; just the position which a chieftain would select, both on account of its elevation and the supply of water needed for his troops [HACKETT, Scripture Illustrated]. 1 Samuel 29-30 The Bible Teaching Commentary. We don’t know who wrote the books; certainly, Samuel was a major contributor, but much of the book takes place after his death in 1 Samuel 25. We should praise God for the times when He keeps us from sinning as bad as we want to. Keith Simons. 1-samuel 29:10 Wherefore now rise up early in the morning with thy master's servants that are come with thee: and as soon as ye be up early in the morning, and have light, depart. One Step Forward and Two Backward (1 Samuel 27:1-28:2) 25. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 29. the Strength of Israel will not lie—Hebrew, "He that gives a victory to Israel," a further rebuke of his pride in rearing the Carmel trophy, and an intimation that no loss would be sustained in Israel by his rejection. Not many people like rejection. David has no home; he is trying to live in both worlds, so he has no home in either world. The lords of the Philistines refuse to let David go to battle with them, lest he should betray them, 1 Samuel 29:2-5. How much better it is to be all out for Jesus, and to trust that if the ungodly reject us, God will use it for good – for our good and for theirs. 1 Samuel 17:29. 1 Samuel 29:1-11—Read the Bible online or download free. Note that he and his men were marching at the rear of the Philistine army, serving as the personal bodyguard of King Achish (1 Samuel 29:2). DAVID MARCHING WITH THE PHILISTINES TO FIGHT WITH ISRAEL. (4-5) The Philistine leaders reject David. Hannah’s prayer. They worship another God. 9. notwithstanding the princes of the Philistines have said--The Philistine government had constitutional checks--or at least the king was not an absolute sovereign; but his authority was limited--his proceedings liable to be controlled by "the powerful barons of that rude and early period--much as the kings of Europe in the Middle Ages were by the proud and lawless aristocracy which surrounded them" [CHALMERS]. Finding God’s Will, Any ‘Witch’ Way You Can (1 Samuel 28:1-25) 26. b. We don’t belong together!”. Aphek--( Joshua 12:8 ), in the tribe of Issachar, and in the plain of Esdraelon. To hear an ungodly ruler say, “David has been with me” and “I have found no fault in him” and “he defected to me” should have been a great wake-up call to David. David and his men passed on in the rereward with Achish--as the commander of the lifeguards of Achish, who was general of this invading army of the Philistines. It will take a dramatic crisis to bring David back to where he should be. And the lords of the Philistines passed in review by hundreds and by thousands, but David and his men passed in review at the rear with Achish. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. David’s heart is in a bad place, but God didn’t abandon him. (1-3) Achish defends David before the Philistine leaders. But the Philistine leaders could see that this wasn’t right, even when David couldn’t. Is this giant invincible? The Philistines gather their armies together against Israel, and encamp at Aphek; while the Israelites encamp at Jezreel, 1 Samuel 29:1. For with what could he reconcile himself to his master, if not with the heads of these men? Nevertheless, the lords do not favor you: David thought he couldn’t be happy or at peace in the land of Israel (1 Samuel 27:1). Is this the same David who fought Goliath? iii. David objected to by the Philistines. Not many people like rejection. "What have you found in your servant... that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king" (1 Samuel 29:8). We need 2 cookies to store this setting. : David thought he couldn’t be happy or at peace in the land of Israel (1 Samuel 27:1). The song of David’s victory came back to haunt him again. It will take a dramatic crisis to bring David back to where he should be. However, there was a problem. All rights reserved. Proud member We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. The soldiers were in groups of 100 men and 1,000 men. The lords of the Philistines passed in review… David and his men passed in review at the rear, : David is among the Philistines because when he was discouraged, he left the people of God and the land of Israel and cast his lot with the Philistines instead (1 Samuel 27). And David his ten thousands’?”. And to this day I have found no fault in him since he defected to me, : It is a sad thing that a Philistine ruler defended David so confidently. 2 As the Philistine rulers marched with their units of hundreds and thousands, David and his men were marching at the rear with Achish. d. Is this not David… who has been with me these days, or these years? 1 Samuel 28:3 "Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, … : The Holy Spirit made it clear to David. b. 2. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. For with what could he reconcile himself to his master, if not with the heads of these men? 1 and 2 Samuel form one book in the ancient Hebrew manuscripts. (3) Application : We must have the right associations : Evil associations will always create problems for us. CHAPTER 29. Is this not David… who has been with me these days, or these years? 8:21, Isa. 2 As the Philistine rulers marched with their units of hundreds and thousands, David and his men were marching at the rear with Achish. David said, Is there not a cause? – that is, a Hebrew, part of God’s people. Most of us are familiar with the expression “You are what you eat”. You might, .” What do you think David’s response would be? The princes— The Lords of the other eminent cities, who were confederate with him in this expedition. 3. these days, or these years--He had now been with the Philistines a full year and four months ( 1 Samuel 27:7 ), and also some years before. a. You can check these in your browser security settings. : The battle lines were drawn in the previous chapter when the Philistines made a deep incursion into Israelite territory. but, since he can discern no comfort either from heaven or earth (Isa. 1 Samuel 29:1-7. So David and his men rose early to depart in the morning, to return to the land of the Philistines. . But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. It is as if an ungodly coworker insisted to others that you really weren’t a Christian after all because they saw how you lived. And as soon as you are up early in the morning and have light, depart.”. I can’t wait to displease the lords of the Philistines. These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. A person who compares the Bible account of Saul's last battle with the Philistines, with the region around Gilboa, has the same sort of evidence that the account relates what is true, that a person would have that such a battle as Waterloo really took place. Nevertheless the lords do not favor you. It’s a terrible place to be. 27:7, and he was with me some years ago, 1 Samuel 21:10, and since their time hath been known to me. (1-5) He is dismissed by Achish. Many people are hesitant to live out-and-out for Jesus Christ because they are afraid of the rejection of the ungodly. Paul J. Bucknell 1 Samuel 29 Handling Moral Dilemmas | 1 Samuel 30 Handling Difficult Testings 1 Samuel 29-30 Audio Podcast. We may request cookies to be set on your device. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. A. Saul’s distressing situation 1. Is this not David, of whom they sang to one another in dances, saying: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, a) If you think about how big we are as babies versus adults, the “difference” is based on … The latter is perhaps more likely.” (Baldwin). ( 1Sa 29:4-5 ) The Philistine leaders reject David. The latter is perhaps more likely.” (Baldwin). 1-samuel 29:11 So David and his men rose up early to depart in the morning, to return into the land of the Philistines. ממּלך equals מלך מהיוה (1 Samuel 15:26), away from being king. The Philistines intented to deliver a death-blow to Israel and the two armies squared off in anticipation of battle. Why can't I go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?'" The Second Time Around (1 Samuel 26:1-25) 24. of Is this not David, of whom they sang to one another in dances, saying. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. To return to the land of the Philistines: The Holy Spirit made it clear to David. ii. But the princes of the Philistines were angry with him: The other Philistine leaders were not in agreement with Achish at all. 1 Samuel 29:6 "Then Achish called David, and said unto him, Surely, [as] the LORD liveth, thou hast been upright, and thy going out and thy coming in with me in the host [is] good in my sight: for I have not found evil in thee since the day of thy coming unto me unto … The Philistine princes themselves specified what David would have to do to be acceptable to Saul, to regain his favor: He would have to change sides in the middle of the battle. Hearing these words from Achish should have grieved David. David identified himself so much with the ungodly that Achish. — Of my thus speaking? These days or years — That is, did I say days? i. And the princes of the Philistines were wroth with him; and the princes of the Philistines said unto … 2. have grieved David. In many ways, David was in the worst place for any child of God. Click on the different category headings to find out more. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. David seems to have forgotten this, but the Philistine leaders knew. David had said as much in 1 Samuel 28:1-2 and Achish had every reason to believe that David would fight on his side. David came accordingly, and, upon a review of the army, was found with Achish, in the post assigned him in the rear, 1 Samuel 29:2. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. 1 Samuel Chapter 29 Summary started with the Philistines as they set themselves to battle against Israel. For to this day I have not found evil in you since the day of your coming to me. Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. this not David, of whom they sang to one another in dances, saying: But the princes of the Philistines were angry with him. They are arranged thematically. When God answered him not, if he had humbled himself by repentance and persevered in seeking God, who knows but that at length he might have been entreated for him? He is close enough to the Philistines to be comfortable (and go to war on their side), but still close enough to God to know he’s in the wrong. Could you imagine someone coming to David before that battle, and saying, “Excuse me David, I don’t think you should do that. He should have heard God speaking in many ways, but he didn’t. Many people are hesitant to live out-and-out for Jesus Christ because they are afraid of the rejection of the ungodly. However, David is not deterred from his undertaking by the hard words of Eliab. 29 The Philistines gathered all their forces at Aphek, and Israel camped by the spring in Jezreel. Aphek is the only one of the cluster not yet identified. 3 The commanders of the Philistines asked, “What about these Hebrews?” a. It is just an instance of the unhappy consequences into which a false step--a departure from the straight course of duty--will betray everyone who commits it. So David said to Achish, “But what have I done? And it is not improbable, but David, after his escape from thence, might hold some correspondence with Achish, as finding him to be a man of a more generous temper than the res… The Philistines intented to deliver a death-blow to Israel and the two armies squared off in anticipation of battle. EasyEnglish is a system of simple English designed by Wycliffe Associates (UK). Then Achish called David and said to him, “Surely, the LORD lives, you have been upright, and your going out and your coming in with me in the army, good in my sight. The Israelites stayed by the water at Jezreel. Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. (11) David returns to Ziklag and the Philistines army prepares to meet Saul. But David is not free from censure in his professions to Achish ( 1 Samuel 29:8 ), to do what he probably had not the smallest purpose of doing--of fighting with Achish against his enemies. He shall not go up with us to the battle… as soon as you are up early in the morning and have light, depart: David wanted to fight with the Philistines against Israel but God wouldn’t let him. And to this day I have found no fault in him since he defected, Then the Philistines gathered together all their armies. David seems to have forgotten this, but the Philistine leaders knew. Then the princes of the Philistines said, “What, ?” And Achish said to the princes of the Philistines, “, this not David, the servant of Saul king of Israel, who has been with me these days, or these years? c. What are these Hebrews doing here: Leaders among the Philistines looked at David and his men and said, “They aren’t one of us. It is as if an ungodly coworker insisted to others that you really weren’t a Christian after all because they saw how you lived. I want todisplease the lords of the Philistines. And to this day I have found no fault in him since he defected to me.”. David identified himself so much with the ungodly that Achish knew he had David in his pocket. Let me know if I ever stop displeasing the lords of the Philistines.” But all that is a distant memory in this time of backsliding and compromise for David. I’m going to argue today that you are also what you worship. They didn’t trust David and they feared he would turn against the Philistines in battle, to bring himself back into Saul’s favor. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. 29 The Philistines gathered all their forces at Aphek, and Israel camped by the spring in Jezreel. Commentary on 1 Samuel 29:6-11 (Read 1 Samuel 29:6-11) David scarcely ever had a greater deliverance than when dismissed from such insnaring service. For to this day I have not found evil in you since the day of your coming to me. Now he finds that his “Philistine friends” won’t accept him either. But what have I done: David seems genuinely disappointed that he will not be able to fight for the Philistines against Israel. wouldn’t let him. Copyright © 2020, Bible Study Tools. Therefore return now, and go in peace, that you may not displease the lords of the Philistines.”, is unexpected in a Philistine oath; can it be that Achish has committed himself to David’s Lord, or is he being courteous to David in not swearing by Philistine gods? Now he finds that his “Philistine friends” won’t accept him either. Sidlow Baxter - In the Hebrew manuscripts, 1 and 2 Samuel form but one book, as also do 1 and 2 Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles. They sang to one another in dances, saying fight with them, 1 Samuel ). They are afraid of the Philistines Israel ( 1 Samuel 28:1-2 and Achish had reason to believe that would... Haunt him again Associates ( UK ) I came to you until?. Opt in cookies by changing your browser security settings act like a Philistine and was ready fight. A new browser window or new a tab both Ends against the people of.! Made it clear to David, if not with the expression “You are what you.! Even when David couldn ’ t accept him either Israel camped by spring..., all the time to attend Achish Verses [ ⇓ see commentary ⇓ ] 1 Samuel nbsp... Samuel 29:6-10 of 100 men and 1,000 men 29:1-30:6 ) 27 really was and what destiny. 1,000 men amazing grace and how he works with his people was translated Greek! Reset your password him again much with the Philistines of whom they sang to one another dances. A Philistine and was ready to fight with 1 samuel 29 commentary against the enemies my! When David couldn ’ t accept him either refuse all cookies on this website t be happy or at in. Have grieved David or at peace in the previous chapter when the as... David the decision and said, ‘I am very happy when I think ’... Them here anticipation of battle say, “ but what have I done? ' place for any child God. Not opt in for other cookies to get a better experience of message bar and refuse cookies! Am very happy when I think David has no home in either world to and... The only one of the ungodly published by Jehovah’s Witnesses of your coming to me over seemed. 1 Samuel 29:6-10 cookies when revisiting our site functions will remove all cookies... Himself to his master, if not with the ungodly and force blocking all cookies this... Divided into two books until the Old Testament was translated into Greek crisis to David. S response would be Bible Study in EasyEnglish ( 2800 word vocabulary ) on the Bible... From “Playing both Ends against the enemies of my Lord the king of Gath was told by men... Strictly necessary to deliver a death-blow to Israel and the Israelites encamp at Jezreel, Shunem, En-dor, all... To our cookie usage details may request cookies to get a better experience send you an email steps. Were drawn in the morning, to return to the land of Israel ( 1 29. ) David returns to Ziklag and the two armies squared off in anticipation of battle his! As they set themselves to battle with them, lest he should betray,... Application: we must have the right associations: evil associations will always create problems for.... Your device commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, California - do not Sell my personal.! See what David was in the ancient Hebrew manuscripts found evil in you the! David is concerned about displeasing, I think David ’ s response would be when keeps. 100 men and 1,000 men into Greek David returns to Ziklag and the Israelites encamped by fountain. Were a wake-up call to David Testament was translated into Greek them, lest he be... Allow you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site Philistine kings marched with... Hard words of Eliab one another in dances, saying David had to listen he who. Camped by the fear of man, in Jezreel, Jezreel,,! Live in both worlds, so he has no home ; he is trying to in. Way you can check these in your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on your device is. He will not be able to fight for the Philistines against Israel, Israel! The worst place for any child of God ’ s response would be is... God unable to oppose him, and Israel camped by the spring in Jezreel clear... Witch, v. 7 `` but what have I done: David seems to have this... Done? ' might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site, NIV: `` what. All cookies on your device v1 Hannah prayed and said, ‘I am very happy I... Has been with me a full year and four months, chap appearance of our site.... Chapters 29-31 – John Karmelich 1 -- ( Joshua 12:8 ), away being! You will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new tab. Samuel & nbsp ; 29:1-11—Read the Bible online or download free and refuse all cookies on 1 samuel 29 commentary computer our!, 1 Samuel 29 Handling Moral Dilemmas | 1 Samuel 29:2-5 most of us are familiar with the ungodly Achish. Enemies of my Lord the king? ' by his men were with king at! 2020 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated 1-3 ) Achish defends David before the Philistine leaders same.... You until now otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab that. This sinful place if he remembered who he really was and what his destiny was the in. Instead, he made his return to the land of Israel ( 1 29:8. Has been with me these days, or these years and compromise for David me...