Bible Chapter Summary
1 Samuel 29 Summary
David Dismissed from the Philistine Army
The Philistines gather at Aphek and prepare for battle. The Philistine lords protest David's presence, fearing he will betray them in battle. Though Achish testifies to David's faithfulness, the lords command David to return to Ziklag. Achish dismisses David peaceably, and David obeys, departing in the morning while the Philistines march to Jezreel.
Key themes
Key verses
1 Samuel 29:3
“Then said the princes of the Philistines, What do these Hebrews here? And Achish said unto the princes of the Philistines, Is not this David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, which hath been with me these days, or these years, and I have found no fault in him since he fell unto me unto this day?”
1 Samuel 29:4
“And the princes of the Philistines were wroth with him; and the princes of the Philistines said unto him, Make this fellow return, that he may go again to his place which thou hast appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he be an adversary to us: for wherewith should he reconcile himself unto his master? should it not be with the heads of these men?”
1 Samuel 29:6
“Then Achish called David, and said unto him, Surely, as the LORD liveth, thou hast been upright, and thy going out and thy coming in with me in the host is good in my sight: for I have not found evil in thee since the day of thy coming unto me unto this day: nevertheless the lords favour thee not.”
1 Samuel 29:10
“Wherefore now rise up early in the morning with thy master's servants that are come with thee: and as soon as ye be up early in the morning, and have light, depart.”
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