1 Samuel 29

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 29 of 31

¹ And the Philistines gathered all their armies to Aphek. And Israel was camped at a fountain which is in Jezreel.

² And the Philistine rulers were passing on by hundreds and by thousands. And David and his men were passing on in the rear with Achish.

³ And the leaders of the Philistines said, What are these Hebrews? And Achish said to the Philistine leaders, Is this not David the servant of Saul the king of Israel who has been with me these days and years? And I have not found anything evil in him from the day he fell away until today.

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Chapter Summary

David marches with the Philistines. He is disallowed by their rulers. Achish dismisses him with commendations of his fidelity.

Key Hebrew Words

סֶ֫רֶן lords of the Philistines H5633 · TWOT 1547

שָׂטָן adversary H7854 · TWOT 2252a

רָעָה evil, fault H7451 · TWOT 2191c

יָשָׁר upright H3477 · TWOT 930a

רְבָבָה myriads, ten thousands H7233 · TWOT 2099d

מַלְאָךְ angel, messenger H4397 · TWOT 1068a

People & Context

David

Fugitive marching with Achish, sent back by the Philistine lords who distrust the famed slayer of their thousands

Achish

Philistine king of Gath who vouches for David's loyalty but must dismiss him at the lords' demand

Saul

King of Israel, named as David's former master and in the victory song crediting David with greater slaughter

Timeline

Philistine Commanders Reject David

At the Philistine muster in Aphek, the other commanders are furious that David is marching with them, fearing he will turn against them in battle to win back Saul's favor.

1 Samuel 29:1-5

David Sent Back to Ziklag

Achish apologizes to David, asserting he trusts him completely, but orders David and his men to leave early the next morning to appease the Philistine commanders.

1 Samuel 29:6-11

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Word-for-word literal translation with Hebrew interlinear, Strong's numbers, and audio.

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