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So Achish said to David, "You must understand that you and your men are to go out to battle with me."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/28-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/09_1Sa_28_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 28:1 - Philistines Gather Against Israel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now in those days the Philistines gathered their forces for warfare against Israel. So Achish said to David, You must understand that you and your men are to go out to battle with me." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/28-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/28-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/28.htm">Chapter 28</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/27-12.htm" title="1 Samuel 27:12">◄</a> 1 Samuel 28:1 <a href="/1_samuel/28-2.htm" title="1 Samuel 28:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_samuel/28.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/28.htm">New International Version</a> In those days the Philistines gathered their forces to fight against Israel. Achish said to David, &#8220You must understand that you and your men will accompany me in the army.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/28.htm">New Living Translation</a> About that time the Philistines mustered their armies for another war with Israel. King Achish told David, “You and your men will be expected to join me in battle.” <a href="/esv/1_samuel/28.htm">English Standard Version</a> In those days the Philistines gathered their forces for war, to fight against Israel. And Achish said to David, “Understand that you and your men are to go out with me in the army.” <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now in those days the Philistines gathered their forces for warfare against Israel. So Achish said to David, “You must understand that you and your men are to go out to battle with me.” <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/28.htm">King James Bible</a> And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said unto David, Know thou assuredly, that thou shalt go out with me to battle, thou and thy men. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/28.htm">New King James Version</a> Now it happened in those days that the Philistines gathered their armies together for war, to fight with Israel. And Achish said to David, “You assuredly know that you will go out with me to battle, you and your men.” <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/28.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now it came about in those days that the Philistines gathered their armed camps for war, to fight against Israel. And Achish said to David, “Know for certain that you will go out with me in the camp, you and your men.” <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/28.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now it came about in those days that the Philistines gathered their armed camps for war, to fight against Israel. And Achish said to David, &#8220Know assuredly that you will go out with me in the camp, you and your men.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/28.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now it came about in those days that the Philistines gathered their armed camps for war, to fight against Israel. And Achish said to David, “Know assuredly that you will go out with me in the camp, you and your men.” <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now it happened in those days that the Philistines gathered their armed camps for war, to fight against Israel. And Achish said to David, “Know assuredly that you will go out with me in the camp, you and your men.” <a href="/amp/1_samuel/28.htm">Amplified Bible</a> In those days the Philistines gathered their forces for war to fight against Israel. Achish said to David, “Understand for certain that you and your men will go out with me to battle.” <a href="/csb/1_samuel/28.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> At that time, the Philistines gathered their military units into one army to fight against Israel. So Achish said to David, “You know, of course, that you and your men must march out in the army with me.” <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> At that time, the Philistines brought their military units together into one army to fight against Israel. So Achish said to David, &#8220You know, of course, that you and your men must march out in the army with me.&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_samuel/28.htm">American Standard Version</a> And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their hosts together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said unto David, Know thou assuredly, that thou shalt go out with me in the host, thou and thy men. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/28.htm">English Revised Version</a> And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their hosts together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said unto David, Know thou assuredly, that thou shalt go out with me in the host, thou and thy men. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/28.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> At that time the Philistines had gathered their army to fight against Israel. Then Achish said to David, "You need to know that you and your men will be going with me into battle." <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/28.htm">Good News Translation</a> Some time later the Philistines gathered their troops to fight Israel, and Achish said to David, "Of course you understand that you and your men are to fight on my side." <a href="/isv/1_samuel/28.htm">International Standard Version</a> At that time the Philistines assembled their army for war to fight against Israel. Achish told David, "You know, of course, that you and your men will go out with me into the battle." <a href="/msb/1_samuel/28.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now in those days the Philistines gathered their forces for warfare against Israel. So Achish said to David, ?You must understand that you and your men are to go out to battle with me.? <a href="/net/1_samuel/28.htm">NET Bible</a> In those days the Philistines gathered their troops for war in order to fight Israel. Achish said to David, "You should fully understand that you and your men must go with me into the battle." <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/28.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> It happened in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. Achish said to David, "Know assuredly that you are to go out with me to battle, you and your men." <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/28.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines collected their armies for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said to David, Know thou assuredly, that thou shalt go out with me to battle, thou and thy men. <a href="/web/1_samuel/28.htm">World English Bible</a> In those days, the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. Achish said to David, “Know assuredly that you will go out with me in the army, you and your men.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/28.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And it comes to pass in those days, that the Philistines gather their camps for the war, to fight against Israel, and Achish says to David, “You certainly know that you go out with me into the camp, you and your men.” <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/28.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And it cometh to pass in those days, that the Philistines gather their camps for the war, to fight against Israel, and Achish saith unto David, 'Thou dost certainly know that with me thou dost go out into the camp, thou and thy men.' <a href="/slt/1_samuel/28.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And it will be in those days, and the rovers will gather their camps together for war to fight against Israel. And Achish will say to David, Knowing, thou shalt know that with me thou shalt go forth with the camp, thou and thy men.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/28.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered together their armies to be prepared for war against Israel: and Achis said to David: Know thou now assuredly, that thou shalt go out with me to the war, thou, and thy men. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/28.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now it happened that, in those days, the Philistines gathered together their troops, so that they might be prepared for war against Israel. And Achish said to David, “I know now, certainly, that you will go out with me to war, you and your men.” <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/28.htm">New American Bible</a> In those days the Philistines mustered their military forces to fight against Israel. So Achish said to David, “You realize, of course, that you and your warriors must march out for battle with me.” <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/28.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> In those days the Philistines gathered their forces for war, to fight against Israel. Achish said to David, “You know, of course, that you and your men are to go out with me in the army.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/28.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> AND it came to pass in those days, the Philistines gathered their armies together in the valley for war to fight with Israel. And Achish said to David, Know assuredly that you shall go out with me to the host, you and your men.<CL>Samuel 291 NOW the Philistines gathered together all their armies at Aphek; and the Israelites were encamped by the fountain which is in Jezreel. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/28.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And it was in those days, and the Philistines gathered their camps for battle to the valley to fight with Israel, and Akish said to David: “You will surely know that you will go out with me to the encampment, you and your men!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/28.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their hosts together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said unto David: 'Know thou assuredly, that thou shalt go out with me in the host, thou and thy men.' <a href="/sep/1_samuel/28.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And it came to pass in those days that the Philistines gathered themselves together with their armies to go out to fight with Israel; and Anchus said to David, Know surely, that thou shalt go forth to battle with me, thou, and thy men. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/28-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=8242" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Philistines Gather Against Israel</a> 1<a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">Now</a> <a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: hā·hêm (Art:: Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they.">in those</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: bay·yā·mîm (Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">days</a> <a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: p̄ə·liš·tîm (N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">the Philistines</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6908.htm" title="6908: way·yiq·bə·ṣū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To gather, collect. A primitive root; to grasp, i.e. Collect.">gathered</a> <a href="/hebrew/4264.htm" title="4264: ma·ḥă·nê·hem (N-cpc:: 3mp) -- An encampment, camp. From chanah; an encampment; hence, an army, whether literal or figurative.">their forces</a> <a href="/hebrew/6635.htm" title="6635: laṣ·ṣā·ḇā (Prep-l, Art:: N-cs) -- Or tsbadah; from tsaba'; a mass of persons, especially reg. Organized for war; by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively.">for warfare</a> <a href="/hebrew/3898.htm" title="3898: lə·hil·lā·ḥêm (Prep-l:: V-Nifal-Inf) -- To feed on, to consume, to battle. A primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: bə·yiś·rā·’êl (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">against Israel.</a> <a href="/hebrew/397.htm" title="397: ’ā·ḵîš (N-proper-ms) -- King of Gath. Of uncertain derivation; Akish, a Philistine king.">So Achish</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏō·a‘ (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">“You must understand</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: tê·ḏa‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: wa·’ă·nā·še·ḵā (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">and your men</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: tê·ṣê (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">are to go out</a> <a href="/hebrew/4264.htm" title="4264: ḇam·ma·ḥă·neh (Prep-b, Art:: N-cs) -- An encampment, camp. From chanah; an encampment; hence, an army, whether literal or figurative.">to battle</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’it·tî (Prep:: 1cs) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">with me.”</a> 2David replied, “Then you will come to know what your servant can do.” “Very well,” said Achish. “I will make you my bodyguard for life.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_samuel/29-1.htm">1 Samuel 29:1-11</a> Now the Philistines brought all their forces together at Aphek, while Israel camped by the spring in Jezreel. / As the Philistine leaders marched out with their units of hundreds and thousands, David and his men marched behind them with Achish. / Then the commanders of the Philistines asked, “What about these Hebrews?” Achish replied, “Is this not David, the servant of King Saul of Israel? He has been with me all these days, even years, and from the day he defected until today I have found no fault in him.” ... <a href="/1_samuel/27-1.htm">1 Samuel 27:1-12</a> David, however, said to himself, “One of these days now I will be swept away by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will stop searching for me all over Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.” / So David set out with his six hundred men and went to Achish son of Maoch, the king of Gath. / David and his men settled in Gath with Achish. Each man had his family with him, and David had his two wives: Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail of Carmel, the widow of Nabal. ... <a href="/1_samuel/31-1.htm">1 Samuel 31:1-13</a> Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. / The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. / When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him critically. ... <a href="/2_samuel/1-1.htm">2 Samuel 1:1-27</a> After the death of Saul, David returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites and stayed in Ziklag two days. / On the third day a man with torn clothes and dust on his head arrived from Saul’s camp. When he came to David, he fell to the ground to pay him homage. / “Where have you come from?” David asked. “I have escaped from the Israelite camp,” he replied. ... <a href="/1_chronicles/10-1.htm">1 Chronicles 10:1-14</a> Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. / The Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. / When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him. ... <a href="/1_samuel/13-5.htm">1 Samuel 13:5</a> Now the Philistines assembled to fight against Israel with three thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven. <a href="/1_samuel/14-47.htm">1 Samuel 14:47-52</a> After Saul had assumed the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side—the Moabites, the Ammonites, the Edomites, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he routed them. / He fought valiantly and defeated the Amalekites, delivering Israel from the hands of its plunderers. / Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchishua. His two daughters were named Merab (his firstborn) and Michal (his younger daughter). ... <a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm">1 Samuel 17:1</a> Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war at Socoh in Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim. <a href="/1_samuel/18-6.htm">1 Samuel 18:6-8</a> As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments. / And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” / And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?” <a href="/1_samuel/23-27.htm">1 Samuel 23:27-28</a> Then a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Come quickly, for the Philistines have raided the land!” / So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why that place is called Sela-hammahlekoth. <a href="/1_kings/2-39.htm">1 Kings 2:39-40</a> After three years, however, two of Shimei’s slaves ran away to Achish son of Maacah, king of Gath. And Shimei was told, “Look, your slaves are in Gath.” / So Shimei saddled his donkey and set out to Achish at Gath in search of his slaves, and he brought them back from Gath. <a href="/2_kings/3-5.htm">2 Kings 3:5-7</a> But after the death of Ahab, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel. / So at that time King Jehoram set out from Samaria and mobilized all Israel. / And he sent a message to Jehoshaphat king of Judah: “The king of Moab has rebelled against me. Will you go with me to fight against Moab?” “I will go,” replied Jehoshaphat. “I am as you are, my people are your people, and my horses are your horses.” <a href="/judges/3-13.htm">Judges 3:13</a> After enlisting the Ammonites and Amalekites to join forces with him, Eglon attacked and defeated Israel, taking possession of the City of Palms. <a href="/judges/6-33.htm">Judges 6:33</a> Then all the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people of the east gathered together, crossed over the Jordan, and camped in the Valley of Jezreel. <a href="/judges/7-12.htm">Judges 7:12</a> Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the other people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts, and their camels were as countless as the sand on the seashore.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said to David, Know you assuredly, that you shall go out with me to battle, you and your men.that the<a href="/1_samuel/7-7.htm">1 Samuel 7:7</a> And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines.<a href="/1_samuel/13-5.htm">1 Samuel 13:5</a> And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the sea shore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward from Bethaven.<a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm">1 Samuel 17:1</a> Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim.Philistines<a href="/judges/3-1.htm">Judges 3:1-4</a> Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan; … thou shalt go<a href="/1_samuel/27-12.htm">1 Samuel 27:12</a> And Achish believed David, saying, He hath made his people Israel utterly to abhor him; therefore he shall be my servant for ever.<a href="/1_samuel/29-2.htm">1 Samuel 29:2,3</a> And the lords of the Philistines passed on by hundreds, and by thousands: but David and his men passed on in the rereward with Achish… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/25-27.htm">Accompany</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-12.htm">Achish</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-12.htm">A'chish</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-18.htm">Armed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-3.htm">Armies</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-14.htm">Army</a> <a href="/joshua/3-10.htm">Assuredly</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-10.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-7.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-53.htm">Camps</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-2.htm">Collected</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-12.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-5.htm">Host</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-12.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-11.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-1.htm">Together</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-29.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-15.htm">War</a> <a href="/judges/3-2.htm">Warfare</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/nehemiah/10-38.htm">Accompany</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-2.htm">Achish</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-2.htm">A'chish</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-22.htm">Armed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-1.htm">Armies</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-5.htm">Army</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-8.htm">Assuredly</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-4.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-4.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-1.htm">Camps</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-4.htm">Collected</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-2.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-5.htm">Host</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-3.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-4.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-4.htm">Together</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-17.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-15.htm">War</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-8.htm">Warfare</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 28</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm">Achish puts confidence in David</a> 3. <a href="/1_samuel/28-3.htm">Saul having destroyed the witches</a> 4. <a href="/1_samuel/28-4.htm">and now in his fear forsaken of God</a> 7. <a href="/1_samuel/28-7.htm">has recourse to a witch</a> 8. <a href="/1_samuel/28-8.htm">who, encouraged by Saul, raises up Samuel</a> 15. <a href="/1_samuel/28-15.htm">Saul hearing his ruin, faints</a> 21. <a href="/1_samuel/28-21.htm">The woman and his servants refresh him with meat</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/28.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/28.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Now in those days This phrase sets the historical context, referring to the period during the reign of King Saul, around the 11th century BC. It was a tumultuous time for Israel, marked by frequent conflicts with neighboring nations, particularly the Philistines. This period is characterized by Saul's declining leadership and David's rise as a key figure in Israel's history.the Philistines gathered their forces for warfare against Israel. The Philistines were a significant military threat to Israel, often engaging in battles to expand their territory and influence. They were known for their advanced weaponry and military organization. This gathering of forces indicates a major offensive, highlighting the ongoing struggle between the Israelites and the Philistines. The Philistines' presence in the coastal regions of Canaan is well-documented archaeologically, with evidence of their distinct culture and military prowess.So Achish said to David, Achish was the king of Gath, one of the five major Philistine cities. David, who had been anointed as the future king of Israel, was at this time living among the Philistines to escape Saul's pursuit. His relationship with Achish is complex, as David was both a fugitive and a respected warrior. This interaction underscores the political and personal tensions David navigated during his time in Philistine territory.“You must understand that you and your men are to go out to battle with me.” Achish's statement to David reflects the trust and reliance he placed on David and his men, despite David's Israelite identity. This situation presents a moral and strategic dilemma for David, as he is caught between his loyalty to Israel and his current allegiance to Achish. The narrative foreshadows David's cunning and God's providence in delivering him from compromising situations. This moment also highlights the theme of divine sovereignty and protection over David's life, as seen throughout his journey to kingship.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a> A significant enemy of Israel throughout the Old Testament, known for their military prowess and frequent conflicts with the Israelites. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The nation chosen by God, often in conflict with surrounding nations, including the Philistines. 3. <a href="/topical/a/achish.htm">Achish</a> The king of Gath, a Philistine city. He had previously given refuge to David when he fled from Saul. 4. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, who at this time was living among the Philistines to escape King Saul's pursuit. 5. <a href="/topical/w/war.htm">War</a> The impending conflict between the Philistines and Israel, setting the stage for significant developments in David's life and the history of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a> Despite David's precarious situation, God was working behind the scenes to fulfill His promises. We can trust God's plan even when circumstances seem uncertain. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_compromise.htm">The Danger of Compromise</a> David's alliance with Achish shows the potential pitfalls of aligning with those who do not share our faith. Believers must be cautious about forming alliances that may compromise their values. <a href="/topical/g/god's_protection_and_guidance.htm">God's Protection and Guidance</a> David's life demonstrates that God protects and guides His people, even when they are in enemy territory. We can rely on God's guidance in our own lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_discernment.htm">The Importance of Discernment</a> David's situation required discernment to navigate complex relationships and loyalties. Christians today must seek God's wisdom in making decisions. <a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_leadership.htm">Preparation for Leadership</a> David's experiences, including his time with the Philistines, were part of God's preparation for his future role as king. God often uses challenging circumstances to prepare us for future responsibilities.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_28.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 28</a> <a href="/q/how_does_achish_accept_david_in_1_sam_29.htm">How can David's earlier triumphs over the Philistines, such as in 1 Samuel 17, be reconciled with Achish's acceptance of him in 1 Samuel 29?</a> <a href="/q/is_david's_foreskin_story_plausible.htm">1 Samuel 18:17-27: Is the story of David collecting Philistine foreskins historically plausible, and what does it imply about the reliability of the text?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_philistines_suddenly_fear_david.htm">In 1 Samuel 29:3-5, why would the Philistines fear David so abruptly if Achish had trusted him for an extended time?</a> <a href="/q/why_no_objection_to_david's_philistine_ties.htm">Why is there no mention of the Israelites objecting to David's alliance with Philistines in 1 Samuel 29, given David's notable status and background?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/28.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) The Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare.--This was evidently, as Jose-phus remarks, a great effort on the part of the Philistines. It was no ordinary raid or border incursion, such as seems to have been so frequent all through the reign of Saul. Since their defeat in the Valley of Elah, which followed the single combat between Goliath and David, no such Philistine army had been gathered together. We are struck at once with the presence of the enemy in the heart of the land, no longer choosing the well-known and often-contested "Marches," or border districts. The Philistines are now strong enough to strike a blow at the centre of the kingdom, and to challenge a battle on the plain of Jezreel. or Esdraelon, north of Ephraim and Issachar. They probably marched along the sea-border of Canaan, collecting their forces as they advanced from each of their well-known military centres, and then, turning eastward, invaded the land by the Valley of Jezreel, or Esdraelon. They marched still eastward, and took up a strong position on the slopes of one of the groups of mountains that enclosed the broad plain of Jezreel toward the east, near the town of Shunem. King Saul, quickly assembling the fighting men of Israel, marched in pursuit, and coming up with them in the Esdraelon plain, took up his position opposite the Philistines--only a few miles parting the two hosts--on the slopes of another group of mountains, known as Mount Gilboa, lying to the south of the Philistine frontier. (There is a map of the Plain of Esdraelon in Stanley's Jewish Church, vol. ii., Lecture 21, illustrative of this closing scene in Saul's career, well worth consulting.)And Achish said.--David soon found into what a grievous error he had fallen by taking refuge with the hereditary foes of his people. Want of faith and patience had urged him to take this unhappy step. The sixteen months he had spent in Phihstia had been certainly successful, inasmuch as they had strengthened his position as a "free lance" captain, but nothing more. They had been stained by bloodshed and cruelty. His life, too, was a life of duplicity and falsehood. The results of his unhappy course of action were soon manifest. His nation sustained a crushing and most humiliating defeat, which he narrowly escaped being obliged to witness, if not to contribute to. His own general recognition as king was put off for nearly seven years, during which period a civil war hindered the development of national prosperity; besides which, during this time of internal divisions the seeds were too surely laid of the future disastrous separation of Judah and the south from the northern tribes--a division which eventually took place in his grandson's time, when his strong arm and Solomon's wisdom and power were things of the past.The summons of Achish to his great military vassal was perfectly natural: indeed, Achish had no reason to suspect that such a campaign as the one the Philistines were about to undertake against King Saul would be in any way distasteful to the wronged and insulted David. Not improbably the presence of David and his trained force--including, as the wily Philistine well knew, some of the bravest souls in Israel--encouraged Achish and the other Philistine lords to this great and, as it turned out, supreme effort against Israel. The King of Gath and his colleagues in Philistia saw that, in the divided state of Israel, their chances of success were very great, and it is highly probable that they looked forward to establishing their friend and follower David on the throne of Saul as a Philistine vassal king.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/28.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - In those days. I.e. while David was dwelling at Ziklag. The Philistines gathered their armies together. This was, as Josephus has observed, a war upon a much larger scale than any that had been carried on since the defeat of the Philistines in the valley of Elah; for we find that the invasion was made from the north, and the decisive battle fought not in the usual field of operations, but in the territory of the tribe of Issachar, in the neighbourhood of Jezreel. We are not indeed to suppose from this that the Philistines had conquered all the central districts of the land, and, driving Saul before them, at last brought him to bay, and slew him in the north; for though Ishbosheth was compelled to withdraw to Mahanaim, a city on the eastern side of the Jordan, yet Abner is said to have made him king there not only over the trans-Jordanic tribes, but also "over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin" (<a href="/2_samuel/2-9.htm">2 Samuel 2:9</a>). It may be said, however, that these were but titular claims; but the philistine conquests, as described in <a href="/1_samuel/31-7.htm">1 Samuel 31:7</a>, if not confined to the valley of Esdraelon, as in <a href="/1_chronicles/10-7.htm">1 Chronicles 10:7</a>, were nevertheless all of them to the north of Mount Gilboa, thus leaving Ephraim, Benjamin, and Judah untouched. Nor do we find the Philistines encamped between David at Hebron and Ishbosheth at Mahanaim, or interfering in their contests; and it is only when David was made king over the whole of Israel that they again assembled their forces to dispute the empire with him, and twice suffered defeat (<a href="/2_samuel/5-20.htm">2 Samuel 5:20, 25</a>). More probably, therefore, they marched northward through their own territory, raising the whole of the military population as they went, and then, turning eastward, broke into the Israelite territory by the valley of Jezreel. It was probably the rapid decline of Saul's power which encouraged the Philistines to attempt once again to place their yoke upon the neck of Israel; and Saul, conscious that God's blessing had departed from him, in pitiable agony sought for unholy aid, but finally, with his sons, made a last brave defence, and died a soldier's death. Achish said unto David. As a vassal David was bound to accompany his lord to the acid; and Achish, supposing that David had of his own accord made war upon Judah, probably assumed that the invitation was one which he himself desired. To battle. Hebrew, "in the army." <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/28-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Now וַֽיְהִי֙ (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be in those הָהֵ֔ם (hā·hêm) Article | Pronoun - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> They days בַּיָּמִ֣ים (bay·yā·mîm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day the Philistines פְלִשְׁתִּ֤ים (p̄ə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia gathered וַיִּקְבְּצ֨וּ (way·yiq·bə·ṣū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6908.htm">Strong's 6908: </a> To gather, collect their forces מַֽחֲנֵיהֶם֙ (ma·ḥă·nê·hem) Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4264.htm">Strong's 4264: </a> An encampment, an army for war, לַצָּבָ֔א (laṣ·ṣā·ḇā) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6635.htm">Strong's 6635: </a> A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign to fight לְהִלָּחֵ֖ם (lə·hil·lā·ḥêm) Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3898.htm">Strong's 3898: </a> To feed on, to consume, to battle against Israel. בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (bə·yiś·rā·’êl) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc So Achish אָכִישׁ֙ (’ā·ḵîš) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_397.htm">Strong's 397: </a> Achish -- king of Gath said וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to David, דָּוִ֔ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse “You must understand יָדֹ֣עַ (yā·ḏō·a‘) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know that כִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction you אַתָּ֖ה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you and your men וַאֲנָשֶֽׁיךָ׃ (wa·’ă·nā·še·ḵā) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person will accompany me תֵּצֵ֣א (tê·ṣê) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> To go, bring, out, direct and proxim in the army.” בַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה (ḇam·ma·ḥă·neh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4264.htm">Strong's 4264: </a> An encampment, an army <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/28-1.htm">1 Samuel 28:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/28-1.htm">1 Samuel 28:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/28-1.htm">1 Samuel 28:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/28-1.htm">1 Samuel 28:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/28-1.htm">1 Samuel 28:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/28-1.htm">1 Samuel 28:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/28-1.htm">1 Samuel 28:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/28-1.htm">1 Samuel 28:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/28-1.htm">1 Samuel 28:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/28-1.htm">1 Samuel 28:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 28:1 It happened in those days that (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/27-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 27:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 27:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/28-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 28:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 28:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>