1 Samuel 29:8

_WHEREFORE NOW RETURN, AND GO IN PEACE, THAT THOU DISPLEASE NOT THE LORDS OF THE PHILISTINES._ No JFB commentary on these verses....

6-11 David scarcely ever had a greater deliverance than when dismissed from such insnaring service. God's people should always behave themselves so, as, if possible, to get the good word of all they have dealings with: and it is due to those who have acted well, to speak well of them....

Verse 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 providence that the Philistine lords refused to let David go with them to this battle. Had he gone, he had his choice of two sins - _First_, If he had fought _for_ the _Philistines_, he would have fought _against God_ and his _country_. _Secondly_ If he had in the battle _gone over to the_ _Israelites_, he would have

See 1 Samuel 29:10 note....

DAVID'S DISMISSAL FROM THE PHILISTINE CAMP (1 Samuel 29:1.). EXPOSITION MARCH OF THE PHILISTINE ARMY (1 Samuel 29:1). 1 SAMUEL 29:1 THE PHILISTINES GATHERED, etc. The narrative, broken off for the description of Saul's abasement, is again resumed from 1 Samuel 28:1. APHEK. As we saw on 1 Sa

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 more foreign from his heart, and against his will, than fighting against the Israelites, and which he determined to avoid if possible; and glad at heart he was to be thus excused, and freed from the straits and difficulties he was involved in; but that the Philistines might have no cause of suspicion of him, and that he was warmly attached to their interest among whom he was still to continue, he put on thes...

8. DAVID AND ACHISH AND ZIKLAG DESTROYED AND AVENGED CHAPTER 29 _ 1. The objections of the Philistine lords (1 Samuel 29:1)_ 2. Achish dismisses David (1 Samuel 29:6) While David's enemy, Saul, heard his coming doom, David was still with the enemies of God's people. The Philistines were gathered against Israel and David was with Achish ready to fight against the Lord's people. The lords of the Philistines however object to his presence. They still remember the song of bygone days and fear treachery. Then follows the description of how Achish and David parted. David's words expressing his great willingness to stay with the enemies of God show how deep a believer may fall when he has wandered away from God. He calls wicked Achish “my lord the King” and his own people Israel,

1 SAMUEL 29-31., 2 SAMUEL 1:1 (J). SUBSTANTIALLY THESE SECTIONS ARE A CONTINUOUS NARRATIVE FROM THE SAME DOCUMENT. XXIX. David is Dismissed from the Philistine Army. Continues 1 Samuel 28:1 ff. As the Philistines are mustering for the battle, Achish reluctantly dismisses David at the instance of the princes, and bids him withdraw next morning, adding (so Driver and others, with LXX), And go ye to the place [Ziklag] which I have appointed for you, and do not harbour evil thoughts in thy heart, for thou hast my full confidence and favour, lit. Do not put a pestilent word in thy heart, for thou art good before me. Probably the original Heb. for pestilent word was word of Belial....

WITH THEE. before thee....

David dismissed from the army 6. _as the Lord liveth_ Either the exact wording of the speech is due to the historian, or Achish, to convince David of his sincerity, swears by the God of Israel. _thou hast been upright_ Better, THOU ART UPRIGHT. _thy going out_, &c. Thy company in this expedition would please me, for I have always found thee a faithful ally....