1 Samuele 29:5 Commento

How Saul, who was forsaken of God, when he was in a strait was more and more perplexed and embarrassed with his own counsels, we read in the foregoing chapter. In this chapter we find how David, who kept close to God, when he was in a strait was extricated and brought off by the providence of God, without any contrivance of his own. We have him, I. Marching with the Philistines (Sa1 29:1, Sa1 29:2). II. Excepted against by the lords of the Philistines (Sa1 29:3-5). III. Happily dismissed by Achish from that service which did so ill become him, and which yet he knew not how to decline (Sa1 29:6-11).

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST SAMUEL 29 This chapter gives an account of David's going forth with the armies of the Philistines, Sa1 29:1; of his being objected to by the princes of the Philistines, who insisted upon his being sent back, Sa1 29:3; of the report Achish made of it to David, and the discourse that passed between them upon it, Sa1 29:6; whereby David had a way unexpectedly opened for him to be freed from this service, which he gladly embraced, Sa1 29:11.

Is not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances,.... Long ago: saying, Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands; so that he is an old sworn enemy of ours; and the more valiant and victorious he has been, the less is he to be trusted, see Sa1 18:7.

The Philistines gather their armies together against Israel, and encamp at Aphek; while the Israelites encamp at Jezreel, Sa1 29:1. The lords of the Philistines refuse to let David go to battle with them, lest he should betray them, Sa1 29:2-5. Achish expresses his confidence in David; but begs him to return, Sa1 29:6-10. David and his men return, Sa1 29:11.

DAVID MARCHING WITH THE PHILISTINES TO FIGHT WITH ISRAEL. (Sa1 29:1-5) Aphek-- (Jos 12:8), in the tribe of Issachar, and in the plain of Esdraelon. 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. Gilboa, Jezreel, Shunem, En-dor, are all found, still bearing the same names. They lie within sight of each other. Aphek is the only one of the cluster not yet identified. 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].