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1 Samuel 29

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1 Now the Philistines brought all their forces together at Aphek, while Israel camped by the spring in Jezreel. 2 As the Philistine leaders marched out their units of hundreds and thousands, David and his men marched behind them with Achish. 3 Then the commanders of the Philistines asked, “What about these Hebrews?” Achish replied, “Is this not David, the servant of King Saul of Israel? He has been with me all these days, even years, and from the day he defected until today I have found no fault in him." 4 But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with Achish and told him, “Send that man back and let him return to the place you assigned him. He must not go down with us into battle only to become our adversary during the war. What better way for him to regain the favor of his master than with the heads of our men? 5 Is this not the David about whom they sing in their dances: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?" 6 So Achish summoned David and told him, “As surely as the LORD lives, you have been upright in my sight, and it seems right that you should march in and out with me in the army, because I have found no fault in you from the day you came to me until this day. But you have no favor in the sight of the leaders. 7 Therefore turn back now and go in peace, so that you will not do anything to displease the leaders of the Philistines." 8 “But what have I done?” David replied. “What have you found against your servant, from the day I came to you until today, to keep me from going along to fight against the enemies of my lord the king?" 9 Achish replied, “I know that you are as pleasing in my sight as an angel of God. But the commanders of the Philistines have said, ‘He must not go into battle with us.’ 10 Now then, get up early in the morning, along with your master’s servants who came with you, and go as soon as it is light." 11 So David and his men got up early in the morning to return to the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel.

‹ Chapter 28 1 Samuel — All Chapters Chapter 30 ›

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 29

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with the Philistines gathering their forces to fight against Israel, and David preparing to fight alongside them. However, the other Philistine leaders are suspicious of David's intentions and persuade Achish to send him away. Achish reluctantly agrees, but David is not deterred, trusting that God will deliver him. The chapter ends with David returning to Ziklag, only to find that it has been raided by the Amalekites. This event will lead to David's pursuit of the Amalekites and his eventual victory over them, as described in the next chapter. Key verses include 1 Samuel 29:1-11, which describe the rejection of David by Achish, and 1 Samuel 29:12, which highlights David's faith and trust in God.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 Samuel, which describes the transition from the period of the judges to the period of the kings in Israel. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which describes the history of God's people and the fulfillment of His promises to them. The events of this chapter will lead to the events of the next chapter, including the battle between the Israelites and the Philistines, and will ultimately contribute to the larger story of God's redemption of His people.

Heart Application

This chapter highlights the importance of trusting in God despite our uncertain circumstances. Just as David trusted in God despite his rejection by the Philistines, we can trust in God despite our own challenges and uncertainties. The chapter also highlights the theme of redemption, which is central to the gospel. As we reflect on this chapter, we can ask ourselves: am I trusting in God despite my uncertain circumstances? Am I living in light of the redemption that is mine in Christ?

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about David, who was living among the Philistines but was rejected by their king, Achish. Despite this rejection, David trusted in God and was not deterred. The chapter highlights the theme of redemption, which is central to the gospel. As we reflect on this chapter, we can ask ourselves: am I trusting in God despite my uncertain circumstances? (1 Samuel 29:1-11)

Voices from the Church

“The rejection of David by the Philistines is a reminder that we are not always accepted by the world. But we can trust in God, who is our rock and our salvation.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The faith of David is a model for our own trust in God. Despite his uncertain circumstances, David trusted in God and was not deterred by the rejection of the Philistines.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Philistines Gather Their Forces (1 Samuel 29:1) — The chapter begins with the Philistines gathering their forces to fight against Israel.
  2. David Prepares to Fight Alongside the Philistines (1 Samuel 29:2-5) — David prepares to fight alongside the Philistines, but the other Philistine leaders are suspicious of his intentions.
  3. The Rejection of David by Achish (1 Samuel 29:6-11) — Achish reluctantly agrees to send David away, despite his initial acceptance of him.
  4. David Returns to Ziklag (1 Samuel 29:11) — David returns to Ziklag, only to find that it has been raided by the Amalekites.
  5. Conclusion (1 Samuel 29:12) — The chapter ends with David trusting in God despite his uncertain circumstances.

Core Doctrines

The Providence of God
The chapter highlights the providence of God, who is working behind the scenes to bring about His purposes. Despite the rejection of David by the Philistines, God is still working to fulfill His promises to David and to the nation of Israel.
The Faith of David
The faith of David is a model for our own trust in God. Despite his uncertain circumstances, David trusted in God and was not deterred by the rejection of the Philistines.
The Redemption of God
The chapter highlights the theme of redemption, which is central to the gospel. Just as David was redeemed from the hands of the Philistines, we are redeemed from the hands of sin and death through the blood of Christ.
The Sovereignty of God
The chapter highlights the sovereignty of God, who is in control of all things. Despite the rejection of David by the Philistines, God is still working to fulfill His purposes and to bring about His will.

Lessons from 1 Samuel 29

  1. Trust in God Despite Uncertain Circumstances — The chapter teaches us to trust in God despite our uncertain circumstances, just as David trusted in God despite his rejection by the Philistines.
  2. The Providence of God — The chapter highlights the providence of God, who is working behind the scenes to bring about His purposes.
  3. The Redemption of God — The chapter highlights the theme of redemption, which is central to the gospel.
  4. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights the sovereignty of God, who is in control of all things.
  5. The Importance of Faith and Trust — The chapter teaches us the importance of faith and trust in God, just as David trusted in God despite his uncertain circumstances.

Themes from 1 Samuel 29

  1. The Rejection of David — The chapter highlights the rejection of David by the Philistines, which is a significant turning point in his relationship with them.
  2. The Faith of David — The faith of David is a model for our own trust in God, despite his uncertain circumstances.
  3. The Providence of God — The chapter highlights the providence of God, who is working behind the scenes to bring about His purposes.
  4. The Redemption of God — The chapter highlights the theme of redemption, which is central to the gospel.
  5. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights the sovereignty of God, who is in control of all things.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What can we learn from David's faith and trust in God despite his uncertain circumstances?
  2. How does the rejection of David by the Philistines relate to the larger biblical narrative?
  3. What does the chapter teach us about the providence of God?
  4. How does the chapter highlight the theme of redemption?
  5. What can we apply to our own lives from the example of David's faith and trust in God?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Philistines Gather Their Forces (1 Samuel 29:1)

29:1 The chapter begins with the Philistines gathering their forces to fight against Israel.
29:2 David prepares to fight alongside the Philistines, but the other Philistine leaders are suspicious of his intentions.

2. The Rejection of David by Achish (1 Samuel 29:3-11)

29:3 The Philistine leaders express their objections to David's presence among them.
29:4 Achish reluctantly agrees to send David away, despite his initial acceptance of him.
29:5 David protests his innocence and loyalty to Achish, but Achish is unmoved.
29:6 Achish tells David to leave, and David agrees to go.
29:7 David and his men rise early in the morning to leave.
29:8 David asks Achish why he is being sent away, and Achish explains that the other Philistine leaders are suspicious of him.
29:9 David protests his innocence again, but Achish is firm in his decision.
29:10 David and his men leave the Philistine camp and return to Ziklag.
29:11 The Philistines go up to Jezreel, and David returns to Ziklag to find that it has been raided by the Amalekites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Philistines reject David?

The Philistines rejected David because they were suspicious of his intentions and did not trust him. Despite his initial acceptance by Achish, the other Philistine leaders were wary of David's presence among them and persuaded Achish to send him away (1 Samuel 29:3-11).

What can we learn from David's faith and trust in God?

We can learn to trust in God despite our uncertain circumstances, just as David trusted in God despite his rejection by the Philistines. David's faith and trust in God are a model for our own faith and trust, and we can apply this to our own lives by trusting in God's providence and sovereignty (1 Samuel 29:1-11).

How does the chapter relate to the larger biblical narrative?

The chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 Samuel, which describes the transition from the period of the judges to the period of the kings in Israel. The events of this chapter will lead to the events of the next chapter, including the battle between the Israelites and the Philistines, and will ultimately contribute to the larger story of God's redemption of His people (1 Samuel 29:1-12).

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 1 Samuel 29:1 → 1 Kings 18:46 The gathering of the Philistines to fight against Israel is similar to the gathering of the prophets of Baal to fight against Elijah.
2 1 Samuel 29:3 → Psalm 55:12 The rejection of David by the Philistines is similar to the rejection of the psalmist by his enemies.
3 1 Samuel 29:6 → Matthew 10:22 The rejection of David by the Philistines is similar to the rejection of Jesus by the Jewish leaders.
4 1 Samuel 29:9 → Acts 4:29 The faith and trust of David in God are similar to the faith and trust of the early Christians in the face of persecution.
5 1 Samuel 29:10 → Hebrews 11:32-34 The faith and trust of David in God are highlighted in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11.
6 1 Samuel 29:11 → John 15:20 The rejection of David by the Philistines is similar to the rejection of Jesus by the world.
7 1 Samuel 29:1 → Isaiah 55:8-9 The gathering of the Philistines to fight against Israel is similar to the gathering of the nations against God's people in Isaiah 55.
8 1 Samuel 29:3 → Romans 8:28 The rejection of David by the Philistines is similar to the rejection of the believer by the world, but God works all things together for good.
9 1 Samuel 29:6 → 2 Corinthians 1:9 The faith and trust of David in God are similar to the faith and trust of the believer in the face of persecution.
10 1 Samuel 29:9 → 1 Peter 2:20 The faith and trust of David in God are similar to the faith and trust of the believer in the face of suffering.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 29

SermonDescription
Carter Conlon Standing on the Wrong Side of the Battle by Carter Conlon This sermon emphasizes the importance of being on the right side of the spiritual battle, highlighting the consequences of straying from God's path and the need to return to seekin
Theodore Epp A Believer Out of Place by Theodore Epp Theodore Epp discusses how God delivered David from a precarious situation in Gath, emphasizing the importance of maintaining distinct Christian standards in a worldly environment.

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Samuel 29

In this chapter, we see the rejection of David by the Philistines, which is a significant turning point in his relationship with them. Despite his initial acceptance by Achish, the other Philistine leaders are suspicious of David's intentions and persuade Achish to send him away. David's faith and trust in God are highlighted in this chapter, as he trusts in God despite his uncertain circumstances. The chapter also highlights the providence of God, who is working behind the scenes to bring about His purposes. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit' (Psalm 34:18). This chapter teaches us to trust in God despite our uncertain circumstances, just as David trusted in God despite his rejection by the Philistines. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Rejection of David

The chapter highlights the rejection of David by the Philistines, which is a significant turning point in his relationship with them. This rejection will ultimately lead to David's victory over the Amalekites and his growth in faith and trust in God.

The Faith of David

Despite his uncertain circumstances, David trusts in God and is not deterred by the rejection of the Philistines. This faith is a model for our own trust in God, and it highlights the theme of redemption that is central to the gospel.

The Providence of God

The chapter highlights the providence of God, who is working behind the scenes to bring about His purposes. Despite the rejection of David by the Philistines, God is still working to fulfill His promises to David and to the nation of Israel.

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