1 Samuel 29:8

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 29:8

And David said unto Achish, what have I done ?.... This question is anticipated by the speech of Achish, who had declared he had found no evil in him; but David must say something to put on an appearance of concern for being dismissed, when he was heartily glad of it: and what hast thou found in thy servant, so long as I have been with thee unto this day, that I may not go fight against the enemies of my lord the king ? which cannot be excused of great dissimulation, since nothing was... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 29:8

David said - what have I done ? - Dr. Chandler and others may say what they will to make David act a consistent part in this business; but it is most evident, whatever his intentions might be as to the part he was to take in the approaching battle, he did intend to persuade Achish that he would fight against Israel; and affects to feel his reputation injured by not being permitted on this occasion to show his fidelity to the king of Gath. It was in the order of God's gracious... 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 29:6-11

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 29:8

David's answer is subtle and prevaricating; he pretends that his honour has been attacked, when really he had tricked the unsuspecting Achish. But truth is a modern virtue, and though David extols it in the Psalms ( Psalms 15:2 ; Psalms 51:6 ), we too often find him practising falsehood. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 29:8

See 1 Samuel 29:10 note. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 29:8

1 Samuel 29:8. David said, But what have I done? This was deep dissimulation and flattery in David, no way to be justified. But who, that has not experienced it, can know how strong a temptation they who attend on great men are under to compliment them and dissemble. David, no doubt, heartily rejoiced at this dismission; but as he did not know how much longer he might be obliged to stay in the land of the Philistines, he seems to have yielded to a temptation that prudence required him to... 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 29:8

with thee = before thee. read more

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