1 Samuel 29:1-5. The Philistine lords" distrust of David 1. _Now the Philistines_, &c. The narrative of 1 Samuel 28:1-2 is resumed, with a further description of the positions of the armies before the battle. _Aphek_ This cannot be the Aphek of 1 Samuel 4:1, in the neighbourhood of Bethhoron, for i... [ Continue Reading ]
_And the lords_, &c. Render, NOW THE LORDS … WERE PASSING ON. The narrative now goes back to a point of time during the march of the Philistine army northwards, probably soon after the junction of the confederate forces from the different cities of the league. It must have been after they had passed... [ Continue Reading ]
_princes_ The Hebrew equivalent for the special title _Seren_rendered _lord_. _Hebrews_ See on 1 Samuel 4:6. _these days, or these years_ Lit. "now days (a year) or now years," i.e. for a considerable time, sufficient to test his fidelity. Cp. 1 Samuel 27:7. _since he fell unto me_ i.e. deserted... [ Continue Reading ]
_this fellow_ Simply, "THE MAN:" but below, "wherewith should THIS FELLOW MAKE HIMSELF ACCEPTABLE unto his master? should it not be with the heads of THOSE men?" Pointing to the troops marching past.... [ Continue Reading ]
_of whom they sang_ "Of whom they SING one to another in _the_dances;" i.e. in popular songs at festivals. See on 1 Samuel 21:11.... [ Continue Reading ]
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... [ Continue Reading ]
_And David said_, &c. A hypocritical answer, designed to confirm Achish in the belief of his fidelity. Compare David's previous conduct (ch. 1 Samuel 27:10-12). But David can scarcely have intended to fight against his countrymen, and must have inwardly rejoiced that God had delivered him out of so... [ Continue Reading ]
_I know that_, &c. Better, I KNOW IT, FOR, &c. _as an angel of God_ Cp. 2 Samuel 14:17; 2Sa 14:20; 2 Samuel 19:27. The Sept. (B) omits the words.... [ Continue Reading ]
_with thy master's servants_ Achish speaks of David's men as _Saul's subjects_, in view of the objection which has been made to their presence in the army. _with thee_ After these words the Sept. (A B) adds: "And go ye unto the place which I have appointed you; and lay not up any evil thought in th... [ Continue Reading ]
_to Jezreel_ The Sept. reading (A B) "to fight against Israel" is plausible.... [ Continue Reading ]