1. congregata sunt ergo Philisthim universa agmina in Afec sed et Israël castrametatus est super fontem qui erat in Jezraël
2. et satrapæ quidem Philisthim incedebant in centuriis et milibus David autem et viri ejus erant in novissimo agmine cum Achis
3. dixeruntque principes Philisthim quid sibi volunt Hebræi isti et ait Achis ad principes Philisthim num ignoratis David qui fuit servus Saul regis Israël et est apud me multis diebus vel annis et non inveni in eo quicquam ex die qua transfugit ad me usque ad diem hanc
4. irati sunt autem adversus eum principes Philisthim et dixerunt ei revertatur vir et sedeat in loco suo in quo constituisti eum et non descendat nobiscum in prœlium ne fiat nobis adversarius cum prœliari cœperimus quomodo enim aliter placare poterit dominum suum nisi in capitibus nostris
5. nonne iste est David cui cantabant in choro dicentes percussit Saul in milibus suis et David in decem milibus suis
6. vocavit ergo Achis David et ait ei vivit Dominus quia rectus es tu et bonus in conspectu meo et exitus tuus et introitus tuus mecum est in castris et non inveni in te quicquam mali ex die qua venisti ad me usque ad diem hanc sed satrapis non places
7. revertere ergo et vade in pace et non offendes oculos satraparum Philisthim
8. dixitque David ad Achis quid enim feci et quid invenisti in me servo tuo a die qua fui in conspectu tuo usque in diem hanc ut non veniam et pugnem contra inimicos domini mei regis
9. respondens autem Achis locutus est ad David scio quia bonus es tu in oculis meis sicut angelus Dei sed principes Philisthim dixerunt non ascendet nobiscum in prœlium
10. igitur consurge mane tu et servi domini tui qui venerunt tecum et cum de nocte surrexeritis et cœperit dilucescere pergite
11. surrexit itaque de nocte David ipse et viri ejus ut proficiscerentur mane et reverterentur ad terram Philisthim Philisthim autem ascenderunt in Jezraël
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 Liber I Samuelis, 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)
