A FOUNTAIN - Probably, the fine spring Ain-Jalud. It is impossible to say what the special circumstances were which led to the struggle between Israel and the Philistines taking place so far north as the plain of Jezreel. Possibly it was connected with some movements of the Aramaic tribes to the nor... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LORDS - See Judges 3:3 note, as distinguished from ordinary “princes” 1 Samuel 29:3. The military divisions of the Philistine army were by hundreds and by thousands, like those of the Israelites 1 Samuel 8:12. David and his men formed a body-guard to Achish 1 Samuel 28:2.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE FELL UNTO ME - The regular word for deserting and going over to the other side. See Jeremiah 37:13; Jeremiah 38:19.... [ Continue Reading ]
AS THE LORD LIVETH - The swearing by Yahweh seems strange in the mouth of a Philistine. But probably not the very words, but only the sense of this and such like speeches, is preserved.... [ Continue Reading ]
See 1 Samuel 29:10 note.... [ Continue Reading ]
WITH THY MASTER’S SERVANTS - The clue to this may be found in 1 Chronicles 12:19, where it appears that a considerable number of Manassites “fell” to David just at this time, and went back with him to Ziklag. It is therefore to these new comers that Achish applies the expression. It is impossible no... [ Continue Reading ]