1 Samuel 29

In 1 Samuel 29, we see the unfolding of events where David is in a precarious situation. He has aligned himself with the Philistines, Israel’s enemies, while still remaining loyal to Israel in his heart. As the Philistines prepare to go to war with Israel, David is caught between his loyalty to King Achish of Gath and his loyalty to his people. In this chapter, we observe how God intervenes, preventing David from having to fight against Israel.

1 Samuel 29:1 (NKJV)
1 Then the Philistines gathered together all their armies at Aphek, and the Israelites encamped by a fountain which is in Jezreel.

The Philistines assemble their forces at Aphek, preparing for war against Israel. Meanwhile, the Israelites are camped at Jezreel, a strategic location. This verse sets the stage for the coming conflict, indicating that a major battle between the two forces is imminent. It also highlights the growing tension as David is among the Philistine forces, though his true loyalties lie with Israel.

1 Samuel 29:2 (NKJV)
2 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.

As the Philistine leaders review their troops, David and his men march at the rear, alongside Achish, the Philistine king who trusts him. This verse underscores David’s delicate position—though trusted by Achish, he is still an Israelite among the Philistine forces, which could lead to complications as the battle against Israel approaches.

1 Samuel 29:3-5 (NKJV)
3 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? And to this day I have found no fault in him since he defected to me.”
4 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. For with what could he reconcile himself to his master, if not with the heads of these men?
5 Is this not David, of whom they sang to one another in dances, saying: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands’?”

The Philistine commanders become suspicious of David’s presence. They recognize him as the famous Israelite warrior who had slain many of their own people. Despite Achish’s trust in David, the other Philistine leaders fear that David might turn against them in battle to regain favor with Saul. Their concerns are valid, given David’s history, and they demand that he be sent back, not wanting to risk betrayal. The mention of the song praising David further fuels their distrust.

1 Samuel 29:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Then Achish called David and said to him, “Surely, as the Lord lives, you have been upright, and your going out and your coming in with me in the army is good in my sight. For to this day I have not found evil in you since the day of your coming to me. Nevertheless, the lords do not favor you.
7 Therefore return now, and go in peace, that you may not displease the lords of the Philistines.”

Achish, though disappointed, instructs David to leave the battlefield. He acknowledges David’s loyalty and praises his service, declaring that he has found no fault in him. However, Achish is forced to comply with the wishes of the other Philistine leaders. He tells David to return in peace, avoiding any further tension with the Philistine lords. This provides David with a way out of the difficult position of fighting against his own people.

1 Samuel 29:8 (NKJV)
8 So David said to Achish, “But what have I done? 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?”

David responds to Achish’s decision with feigned surprise, questioning why he cannot fight. He reaffirms his loyalty to Achish, addressing him as "my lord the king." This reaction likely serves to maintain his cover, as David had no real intention of fighting against Israel. By questioning Achish, David appears to be eager to help, though in reality, he is relieved to be spared from fighting his own people.

1 Samuel 29:9-10 (NKJV)
9 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.’
10 Now therefore, rise early in the morning with your master’s servants who have come with you. And as soon as you are up early in the morning and have light, depart.”

Achish reassures David that he holds him in high regard, even comparing him to an angel of God. However, despite his personal feelings, Achish cannot override the decision of the Philistine commanders. He instructs David to leave with his men at first light, emphasizing that the decision is final. This allows David to depart honorably without raising further suspicions about his loyalty.

1 Samuel 29:11 (NKJV)
11 So David and his men rose early to depart in the morning, to return to the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel.

David and his men obey Achish’s orders and leave early in the morning to return to Philistine territory. Meanwhile, the Philistine armies proceed toward Jezreel for their battle with Israel. David’s departure from the battlefront avoids the moral and political dilemma of having to fight against his own people, demonstrating God's providence in protecting David from this situation. The Philistine forces, however, continue their march, setting the stage for the conflict that follows in the next chapter.