1. kai sunaqroizousin allofuloi pasaV taV parembolaV autwn eiV afek kai israhl parenebalen en aendwr th en iezrael
2. kai satrapai allofulwn pareporeuonto eiV ekatontadaV kai ciliadaV kai dauid kai oi andreV autou pareporeuonto ep' escatwn meta agcouV
3. kai eipon oi satrapai twn allofulwn tineV oi diaporeuomenoi outoi kai eipen agcouV proV touV strathgouV twn allofulwn ouc outoV dauid o douloV saoul basilewV israhl gegonen meq' hmwn hmeraV touto deuteron etoV kai ouc eurhka en autw ouqen af' hV hmeraV enepesen proV me kai ewV thV hmeraV tauthV
4. kai eluphqhsan ep' autw oi strathgoi twn allofulwn kai legousin autw apostreyon ton andra eiV ton topon autou ou katesthsaV auton ekei kai mh ercesqw meq' hmwn eiV ton polemon kai mh ginesqw epibouloV thV parembolhV kai en tini diallaghsetai outoV tw kuriw autou ouci en taiV kefalaiV twn andrwn ekeinwn
5. ouc outoV dauid w exhrcon en coroiV legonteV epataxen saoul en ciliasin autou kai dauid en muriasin autou
6. kai ekalesen agcouV ton dauid kai eipen autw zh kurioV oti euqhV su kai agaqoV en ofqalmoiV mou kai h exodoV sou kai h eisodoV sou met' emou en th parembolh kai oti ouc eurhka kata sou kakian af' hV hmeraV hkeiV proV me ewV thV shmeron hmeraV kai en ofqalmoiV twn satrapwn ouk agaqoV su
7. kai nun anastrefe kai poreuou eiV eirhnhn kai ou mh poihseiV kakian en ofqalmoiV twn satrapwn twn allofulwn
8. kai eipen dauid proV agcouV ti pepoihka soi kai ti eureV en tw doulw sou af' hV hmeraV hmhn enwpion sou kai ewV thV hmeraV tauthV oti ou mh elqw polemhsai touV ecqrouV tou kuriou mou tou basilewV
9. kai apekriqh agcouV proV dauid oida oti agaqoV su en ofqalmoiV mou all' oi satrapai twn allofulwn legousin ouc hxei meq' hmwn eiV polemon
10. kai nun orqrison to prwi su kai oi paideV tou kuriou sou oi hkonteV meta sou kai poreuesqe eiV ton topon ou katesthsa umaV ekei kai logon loimon mh qhV en kardia sou oti agaqoV su enwpion mou kai orqrisate en th odw kai fwtisatw umin kai poreuqhte
11. kai wrqrisen dauid autoV kai oi andreV autou apelqein kai fulassein thn ghn twn allofulwn kai oi allofuloi anebhsan polemein epi israhl
Footnotes:
29:1-2 - The Philistines gather their troops for battle against Israel, and David, who is among them, is viewed with suspicion. David's alliance with Israel's enemies reflects a complex situation in which he tries to remain safe from Saul (see also 1 Samuel 27:1 and 1 Samuel 28:1-2).
29:3-5 - The Philistine princes question David's presence in the army, remembering his reputation as a warrior for Israel. David's fame as a Goliath slayer and military leader is not forgotten, even among his enemies (see also 1 Samuel 17:50-52 and 1 Samuel 18:7).
29:6-7 - Achish, king of Gath, defends David, claiming he has been loyal. However, to avoid internal conflict, Achish urges David to return home and not participate in the battle against Israel. This demonstrates Achish's diplomacy and David's skill in maintaining relations with the Philistines (see also 1 Samuel 27:8-12 and 1 Samuel 30:1-3).
29:8-9 - David questions the decision, but Achish reiterates his confidence, saying that David seems as blameless as an angel of God. This reveals the extent to which David was able to earn Achish's trust, even though he was an Israelite (see also 1 Samuel 28:1-2 and 2 Samuel 14:17).
29:10-11 - David and his men retreat, returning to Ziklag, where they would eventually face further hardships. David's departure from the battle shows how God protected him from fighting against his own people, Israel (see also 1 Samuel 30:1-3 and Psalm 34:7).
Verses related to I Samuel, 29:
1 Samuel chapter 29 narrates David's dilemma among the Philistines. How does God use even enemies to protect His anointed? This tense text describes David's rejection by Philistine leaders before the battle against Israel. The chapter explores themes of trust, reputation, and divine providence working through seemingly negative circumstances. David's integrity is questioned, but his exit from the conflict is assured. Consider with us five biblical passages that illuminate the principles of faithfulness and divine direction evidenced in this crucial chapter.
Psalms 118:6: "The Lord is with me; I will not fear. What can men do to me?" - It reflects the trust that David could have had in God, instead of depending on the protection of the Philistines.
Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; acknowledge the Lord in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight." - Offers perspective on how David might have acted, trusting God rather than human alliances.
2 Corinthians 6:17: "Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch unclean things, and I will welcome you." - It relates to David's separation from the Philistines, although forced by circumstances.
Psalms 26:4-5: "I do not associate with false men, nor do I hang out with hypocrites. I hate the gathering together of evildoers, and I do not sit with the wicked." - It contrasts with David's earlier association with the Philistines and his subsequent separation.
Ephesians 5:11: "Do not participate in the fruitless works of darkness; rather, expose them to light." - Reflects on David's compromising position among the Philistines and his eventual separation from them.
FAQ:
Why did the Philistine princes reject David?
The Philistine leaders feared that David would turn against them in battle, so they demanded that Achish send him back. (1 Samuel 29:3-5)
What did Achish say to David when he sent him away?
Achish said he trusted David, but the Philistine princes did not want him in the war, so he should return to Ziklag. (1 Samuel 29:6-7)
How did David react to the Philistines' decision?
David feigned indignation and asked Achish why he could not fight, but he obeyed and returned to Ziklag. (1 Samuel 29:8-11)
Why were the Philistines afraid that David would betray them?
They remembered how David had defeated Goliath and his fame in Israel as a great warrior. (1 Samuel 29:5)
What does this episode reveal about divine providence?
It shows that God prevented David from fighting against Israel, preserving his integrity and future reign. (1 Samuel 29:11)
