1 Samuel 29:1

CHAPTER XXIX

The Philistines gather their armies together against Israel,

and encamp at Aphek; while the Israelites encamp at Jezreel, 1.

The lords of the Philistines refuse to let David go to battle

with them, lest he should betray them, 2-5.

Achish expresses his confidence in David; but begs him to

return, 6-10.

David and his men return, 11.

NOTES ON CHAP. XXIX

Verse 1 Samuel 29:1. To Aphek] This was a place in the valley of Jezreel, between Mounts Tabor and Gilboa.

Pitched by a fountain] To be near a fountain, or copious spring of water, was a point of great importance to an army in countries such as these, where water was so very scarce. It is supposed, as William of Tyre says, that it was at this same fountain that Saladin pitched his camp, while Baldwin, king of Jerusalem, pitched his by another fountain between Nazareth and Sephoris; each being anxious to secure that without which it was impossible for their armies to subsist.