1 Samuel 29:6-1 Kings

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 29:6-11

If the reasons Achish had to trust David were stronger than the reasons which the princes offered why they should distrust him (as I do not see that, in policy, they were, for the princes were certainly in the right), yet Achish was but one of five, though the chief, and the only one that had the title of king; accordingly, in a council of war held on this occasion, he was over-voted, and obliged to dismiss David, though he was extremely fond of him. Kings cannot always do as they would, nor... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 29:6

Then Achish called David ,.... Being so near him, that he could call unto him himself, or he sent some person to him, to require his presence with him: and said unto him, surely, as the Lord liveth ; or "Jehovah liveth"; an oath by the true God, of whom Achish might have some knowledge, as he also had of angels, from his conversation with David; though the Heathens had a notion of a supreme Being, and yet worshipped other gods, and whom they called Jove, from this name of Jehovah.... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 29:6

Thou hast been upright - So he thought, for as yet he had not heard of the above transaction; David having given him to understand that he had been fighting against Israel. 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 29:4-6

Angrily rejecting the testimony of Achish in David's favour, they say, Make this fellow (Hebrew, "the man") return, that he may go again to his place, i.e. to Ziklag. He shall not go down with us to battle. Though the Philistines marched up into the Israelite territory, yet they speak naturally of going down into battle, because while armies usually encamped on opposite ranges of hills, they descended into the plain between for the encounter. An adversary. Hebrew, "a satan,"... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 29:6-7

As Jehovah liveth. These words are strange in the mouth of a Philistine, nor can we suppose that out of respect to David he would thus swear by David's God. Probably they are the equivalent of the oath which Achish really used. He sends, however, David away with the utmost courtesy, assuring him that his own wish had been that he should remain with him, because all his conduct had been upright since he had come to him at Gath. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 29:6-11

Escape from danger. The facts are— 1 . Achish informs David of the remonstrance of the princes, and at the same time expresses confidence in his integrity. 2 . On Achish urging his return from the scene of conflict, David professes to be surprised that he should be distrusted, and appeals to his past fidelity. 3 . Being reassured of the confidence of Achish, and of the determination of the princes, David returns with his men. The relations of Achish and David appear to have... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 29:6

As the Lord liveth - The swearing by Yahweh seems strange in the mouth of a Philistine. But probably not the very words, but only the sense of this and such like speeches, is preserved. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 29:6

1 Samuel 29:6. Achish said, Surely, as the Lord liveth He swears by Jehovah, whom David worshipped, that he might be the more believed by him. Or perhaps he had learned something from David of the true God, though he worshipped other gods with him. 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

Group of Brands