1 Samuel 28:1

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:1-6

Here is, I. The design of the Philistines against Israel. They resolved to fight them, 1 Sam. 28:1. If the Israelites had not forsaken God, there would have been no Philistines remaining to molest them; if Saul had not forsaken him, they would by this time have been put out of all danger by them. The Philistines took an opportunity to make this attempt when they had David among them, whom they feared more than Saul and all his forces. II. The expectation Achish had of assistance from David in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:1

And it came to pass in those days ,.... That David was in the country of the Philistines: that the Philistines gathered their armies together : out of their five principalities or lordships: for warfare to fight with Israel ; with whom they were continually at war, and though sometimes there was a cessation of arms, yet never any settled peace; and the Philistines took every opportunity and advantage against them, as they now did; when David was among them, and so had nothing to fear... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 28:1

The Philistines gathered their armies together - Sir Isaac Newton conjectures that the Philistines had got a great increase to their armies by vast numbers of men which Amasis had driven out of Egypt. This, with Samuel's death, and David's disgrace, were no inconsiderable motives to a new war, front which the Philistines had now every thing to hope. Thou shalt go out with me to battle - This he said, being deceived by what David had told him. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:1

DOWNFALL AND DEATH OF SAUL ( CHS . 28-31.) THE PHILISTINES GATHER TOGETHER FOR WAR . DISTRESS OF SAUL , AND VISIT TO THE WITCH OF ENDOR ( 1 Samuel 28:1-25 .). EXPOSITION ACHISH SUMMONS DAVID TO JOIN HIM IN THE WAR AGAINST ISRAEL ( 1 Samuel 28:1-2 ). In those days. I.e. while David was dwelling at Ziklag. The Philistines gathered their armies together. This was, as Josephus has observed, a war upon a much... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:1-5

The operation of moral causes. The facts are— 1 . On war arising between the Philistines and Israel, Achish reminds David of his obligation to assist him in battle. 2 . David, although answering ambiguously, is trusted by Achish, who promises him promotion. 3 . On the opposing forces being assembled, Saul's heart faints for fear of his enemy. The narrative shows that both David and Saul were at the same time in embarrassed circumstances, and each as the consequence of his sin.... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 28:1

1 Samuel 28:1. The Philistines gathered their armies together Sir Isaac Newton judges that they were recruited about this time by vast numbers of men driven out of Egypt by Amasis. This probably was one reason why they resolved on a new war with Israel, to which, however, Samuel’s death and David’s disgrace were doubtless additional motives. Achish said to David, Thou shalt go out with me to battle Achish formed this resolution in consequence of his knowledge of David’s merit, and the... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:1-25

Another Philistine-Israelite war (28:1-29:11)When the Philistines set out to attack Israel, Achish made David and his troops his personal bodyguard (28:1-2). Back in Israel, Saul was terrified. He asked God what he should do, but God refused to show him (3-6). So he went to a woman who consulted the spirits of the dead, hoping that through her he could get directions from Samuel (7-14).Samuel spoke to Saul from the world of the dead, but he gave him neither comfort nor help. He merely confirmed... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Samuel 28:1

men . Hebrew. '. enosh. App-14 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 1 Samuel 28:1

SAUL SOUGHT GUIDANCE FROM THE WITCH OF ENDOR; DAVID WAS CALLED TO GO TO WAR AGAINST ISRAEL"In those days the Philistines gathered their forces for war, to fight against Israel. And Achish said to David, "Understand that you and your men are to go out with me in the army." David said to Achish, "Very well, you shall know what your servant can do." And Achish said to David, "Very well, I will make you my bodyguard for life.""Philistines gathered their forces ... to fight against Israel" (1 Samuel... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 1 Samuel 28:1-2

1 Samuel 28:1-2. It came to pass in those days— The Philistines, recruited about this time, as Sir Isaac Newton judges, by vast numbers of men driven out of Egypt by Amasis, resolve upon a new war with Israel; nor were Samuel's death, and David's disgrace, as we may well judge, inconsiderable motives to it. Achish, who appears to have been commander in chief of the combined army of the Philistines, knew David's merit, and had a thorough confidence in his fidelity; and therefore he resolved to... read more

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