Summary: The Philistines build an army to fight Israel (v.1). The Philistines worried that David would turn on them in battle (v.4), so Achish releases him (v.7). David protests sounding like he did with king Saul (v.8). David seemed like a man that was looking for a fight—no matter who it was.
(29:1) The Philistines gathered for war with Israel. The chapter begins and ends at Jezreel. Regarding Jezreel, Youngblood writes, “Jezreel (not to be confused with the southern site of the same name; see 25:43 and comment), located in the tribal territory of Issachar (Josh 19:17-18), is modern Zerin, on a spur of Mount Gilboa three miles south of Shunem.”[]
(29:2) David remains closest to Achish as his personal bodyguard. Achish even places David at the “rear” of the army, so that he wouldn’t be killed as quickly as the others.
(29:3) The Philistine rulers become suspicious that Achish is too trusting of David. They probably don’t like the fact that David is in the “rear” of the army, rather than being “cannon fodder” out front (v.2).
(29:4-5) The Philistine rulers remembered how fiercely David had fought against them in the past (1 Sam. 18:30).
(29:6-7) Achish swears by the name of Yahweh. Had David been sharing about God with Achish?
Achish breaks the news to David that the Philistine rulers don’t want him involved in the battle. So, Achish needs to let him go (v.7).
(29:8) David seems pretty upset. Is this because he wanted to double cross the Philistines in war, trying to save face? Is he actually upset?
(29:9) Achish doesn’t budge on his decision. David is like a person begging for their job with their boss. Achish is like the boss who simply says, “I like you, but you’re still fired.”
(29:10-11) Achish tells him to leave in the morning (v.10), and David complies (v.11). He goes home to Ziklag, but he can’t expect what he would’ve found…
James is an elder at Dwell Community Church, where he teaches classes in theology, apologetics, and weekly Bible studies.
