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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 29:1-5

Here is, I. The great strait that David was in, which we may suppose he himself was aware of, though we read not of his asking advice from God, nor of any project of his own to get clear of it. The two armies of the Philistines and the Israelites were encamped and ready to engage, 1 Sam. 29:1. Achish, who had been kind to David, had obliged him to come himself and bring the forces he had into his service. David came accordingly, and, upon a review of the army, was found with Achish, in the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 29:3

Then said the princes of the Philistines ,.... To Achish; not those of the court of Achish, who were his subjects, but the confederate princes with him in this war, the lords of the other principalities, as appears by the freedom they took with him, 1 Samuel 29:4 , what do these Hebrews here ? or Jews, as the Targum; what hast thou to do with them, or they to be with thee? men of another nation and religion, and known enemies to the Philistines: and Achish said unto the princes... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 29:3

These days , or these years - I suppose these words to mark no definite time, and may be understood thus: "Is not this David, who has been with me for a considerable time?" read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 29:1-5

The counteractions of Providence. The facts are— 1 . The Philistines make preparations for battle, and David and his men form the rear. 2 . On the princes complaining of the presence of the Hebrews, Achish pleads the faithfulness of David. 3 . The princes insist on the dismissal of David and his men to a safe quarter, being suspicious that he might in battle turn against them. The conduct of David, as recorded in 1 Samuel 27:1-12 ; now began to be embarrassing both to himself... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 29:1-11

Achish. David had, in the course of his life, friendly relations with several heathen princes. One of these was Achish (elsewhere called Abimelech, Psalms 34:1-22 ; inscription), son of Maoch, and king of Gath, one of the five royal cities, the seats of the princes of the Philistine confederacy. What is recorded of him shows that he was a remarkable man. Whilst Saul persecuted David, Achish protected him; and whilst the former, in the midst of Israel, "with the law" of Moses, committed... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 29:2-3

The lords of the Philistines passed on. Evidently they were on their march northward, with their troops arranged in divisions, when David's presence in the rearward with the contingent of Achish was noticed. The princes —not the strict word for the Philistine lords (see on 1 Samuel 5:8 ), but a loose, general term used again in 1 Samuel 29:4 —on having it reported to them in the course of a day or two that there was a body of strange troops in the army of Gath, asked, What do these... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 29:3

He fell unto me - The regular word for deserting and going over to the other side. See Jeremiah 37:13; Jeremiah 38:19. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 29:3

1 Samuel 29:3. Then said the princes The lords of the other eminent cities, who were confederate with Achish in this expedition. These days, or years That is, did I say days? I might have said years. He hath now been with me a full year and four months, 1 Samuel 27:7. Since he fell Revolted, or left his own king to turn to me. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 29:1-11

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 29:3

fell = fell away; or, departed. unto me. These words are in the text of Septuagint and Vulgate. read more

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