CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 29:3 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."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/29-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/09_1Sa_29_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 29:3 - The Philistines Reject David" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><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/29-3.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/29-3.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/29.htm">Chapter 29</a> > Verse 3</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="/ad3.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/29-2.htm" title="1 Samuel 29:2">◄</a> 1 Samuel 29:3 <a href="/1_samuel/29-4.htm" title="1 Samuel 29:4">►</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/29.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/29.htm">New International Version</a> The commanders of the Philistines asked, &#8220What about these Hebrews?&#8221 Achish replied, &#8220Is this not David, who was an officer of Saul king of Israel? He has already been with me for over a year, and from the day he left Saul until now, I have found no fault in him.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/29.htm">New Living Translation</a> But the Philistine commanders demanded, “What are these Hebrews doing here?” And Achish told them, “This is David, the servant of King Saul of Israel. He’s been with me for years, and I’ve never found a single fault in him from the day he arrived until today.” <a href="/esv/1_samuel/29.htm">English Standard Version</a> the commanders of the Philistines said, “What are these Hebrews doing here?” And Achish said to the commanders of the Philistines, “Is this not David, the servant of Saul, king of Israel, who has been with me now for days and years, and since he deserted to me I have found no fault in him to this day.” <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/29.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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="/kjv/1_samuel/29.htm">King James Bible</a> Then said the princes of the Philistines, What do these Hebrews here? And Achish said unto the princes of the Philistines, Is not this David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, which hath been with me these days, or these years, and I have found no fault in him since he fell unto me unto this day? <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/29.htm">New King James Version</a> Then the princes of the Philistines said, “What are these Hebrews doing here?” And Achish said to the princes of the Philistines, “Is this not David, the servant of Saul king of Israel, who has been with me these days, or these years? And to this day I have found no fault in him since he defected to me.” <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/29.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then the commanders of the Philistines said, “What are these Hebrews doing here?” And Achish said to the commanders of the Philistines, “Is this not David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, who has been with me these days, or rather these years, and I have found nothing at all suspicious in him since the day he deserted to me to this day?” <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/29.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then the commanders of the Philistines said, &#8220What are these Hebrews doing here?&#8221 And Achish said to the commanders of the Philistines, &#8220Is this not David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, who has been with me these days, or rather these years, and I have found no fault in him from the day he deserted to me to this day?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/29.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then the commanders of the Philistines said, “What are these Hebrews doing here?” And Achish said to the commanders of the Philistines, “Is this not David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, who has been with me these days, or rather these years, and I have found no fault in him from the day he deserted to me to this day?” <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/29.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then the commanders of the Philistines said, “What are these Hebrews doing here?” And Achish said to the commanders of the Philistines, “Is this not David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, who has been with me these days, or rather these years, and I have found no fault in him from the day he deserted to me to this day?” <a href="/amp/1_samuel/29.htm">Amplified Bible</a> the Philistine commanders [having noticed David] said, “What are these Hebrews doing here?” Achish said to the Philistine commanders, “Is this not David, the servant of Saul king of Israel, who has been with me these days and years, and I have found no fault in him from the day he deserted to me to this day?” <a href="/csb/1_samuel/29.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then the Philistine commanders asked, “What are these Hebrews doing here? ” Achish answered the Philistine commanders, “That is David, servant of King Saul of Israel. He has been with me a considerable period of time. From the day he defected until today, I’ve found no fault with him.” <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/29.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then the Philistine commanders asked, &#8220What are these Hebrews doing here?&#8221 Achish answered the Philistine commanders, &#8220That is David, servant of King Saul of Israel. He has been with me a considerable period of time. From the day he defected until today, I&#8217ve found no fault with him.&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_samuel/29.htm">American Standard Version</a> Then said the princes of the Philistines, What do these Hebrews here? And Achish said unto the princes of the Philistines, Is not this David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, who hath been with me these days, or rather these years, and I have found no fault in him since he fell away unto me unto this day? <a href="/erv/1_samuel/29.htm">English Revised Version</a> Then said the princes of the Philistines, What do these Hebrews here? And Achish said unto the princes of the Philistines, Is not this David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, which hath been with me these days or these years, and I have found no fault in him since he fell away unto me unto this day? <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/29.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The Philistine officers asked, "What are these Hebrews doing here?" Achish asked the Philistine officers, "Isn't this David, the servant of King Saul of Israel, who has been with me now for a year or two? I've found nothing wrong with him from the day he defected until now." <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/29.htm">Good News Translation</a> The Philistine commanders saw them and asked, "What are these Hebrews doing here?" Achish answered, "This is David, an official of King Saul of Israel. He has been with me for quite some time now. He has done nothing I can find fault with since the day he came over to me." <a href="/isv/1_samuel/29.htm">International Standard Version</a> The Philistine leaders said, "What are these Hebrews doing here?" Achish asked the Philistine leaders, "Isn't this David, the servant of King Saul of Israel, who has been with me these days, or rather these years? I've found no fault in him from the day he deserted until now." <a href="/msb/1_samuel/29.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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="/net/1_samuel/29.htm">NET Bible</a> The leaders of the Philistines asked, "What about these Hebrews?" Achish said to the leaders of the Philistines, "Isn't this David, the servant of King Saul of Israel, who has been with me for quite some time? I have found no fault with him from the day of his defection until the present time!" <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/29.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then the leaders of the Philistines said, "What about these Hebrews?" And Achish said to the leaders of the Philistines, "Isn't this David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, who has been with me these days, or rather these years, and I have found no fault in him since he defected to me until this day?" <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/29.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then said the princes of the Philistines, What do these Hebrews here? And Achish said to the princes of the Philistines, Is not this David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, who hath been with me these days, or these years, and I have found no fault in him since he fell to me to this day? <a href="/web/1_samuel/29.htm">World English Bible</a> Then the princes of the Philistines said, “What about these Hebrews?” Achish said to the princes of the Philistines, “Isn’t this David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, who has been with me these days, or rather these years? I have found no fault in him since he fell away until today.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/29.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the heads of the Philistines say, “What [are] these Hebrews?” And Achish says to the heads of the Philistines, “Is this not David, servant of Saul king of Israel, who has been with me these days or these years, and I have not found anything in him [wrong] from the day of his falling away until this day?” <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/29.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the heads of the Philistines say, 'What are these Hebrews?' and Achish saith unto the heads of the Philistines, 'Is not this David servant of Saul king of Israel, who hath been with me these days or these years, and I have not found in him anything wrong from the day of his falling away till this day.' <a href="/slt/1_samuel/29.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the chiefs of the rovers will say, What these Hebrews? and Achish will say to the chiefs of the rovers, Is not this David, servant of Saul king of Israel, who was with me these days or these years, and I found nothing in him from the day of his falling till this day.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/29.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the princes of the Philistines said to Achis: What mean these Hebrews? And Achis said to the princes of the Philistines: Do you not know David, who was the servant of Saul the king of Israel, and hath been with me many days, or years, and I have found no fault in him, since the day that he fled over to me until this day? <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/29.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the leaders of the Philistines said to Achish, “What do these Hebrews intend to do?” And Achish said to the leaders of the Philistines: “Could you be ignorant about David, who was the servant of Saul, the king of Israel, and who has been with me for many days, even years, and I have not found within him anything, from the day that he fled to me, even to this day?” <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/29.htm">New American Bible</a> The Philistine commanders asked, “What are those Hebrews doing here?” Achish answered them: “Why, that is David, the officer of Saul, king of Israel. He has been with me for a year or two, and from the day he came over to me until now I have never found fault in him.” <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/29.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> the commanders of the Philistines said, “What are these Hebrews doing here?” Achish said to the commanders of the Philistines, “Is this not David, the servant of King Saul of Israel, who has been with me now for days and years? Since he deserted to me I have found no fault in him to this day.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/29.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> - - - <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/29.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the Princes of the Philistines said to Akish: “Why are these passing through?” And Akish said to the Princes of the Philistines: “This is David the Servant of Shaul, King of Israel, who has been with us now season to season and some months, and I have not found anything in him from the day that he came to me and until today.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/29.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Then said the princes of the Philistines: 'What do these Hebrews here?' And Achish said unto the princes of the Philistines: 'Is not this David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, who hath been with me these days or these years, and I have found no fault in him since he fell away unto me unto this day?' <a href="/sep/1_samuel/29.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the lords of the Philistines said, Who are these that pass by? And Anchus said to the captains of the Philistines, Is not this David the servant of Saul king of Israel? He has been with us some time, even this second year, and I have not found any fault in him from the day that he attached himself to me even until this day. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/29-3.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=8545" 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/29.htm">The Philistines Reject David</a> …2As the Philistine leaders marched out their units of hundreds and thousands, David and his men marched behind them with Achish. 3<a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: śā·rê (N-mpc) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">Then the commanders</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.">of the Philistines</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">asked,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“What about</a> <a href="/hebrew/428.htm" title="428: hā·’êl·leh (Art:: Pro-cp) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">these</a> <a href="/hebrew/5680.htm" title="5680: hā·‘iḇ·rîm (Art:: N-proper-mp) -- Perhaps desc. of Eber, also another name for an Isr. Patronymic from Eber; an Eberite or descendant of Eber.">Hebrews?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/397.htm" title="397: ’ā·ḵîš (N-proper-ms) -- King of Gath. Of uncertain derivation; Akish, a Philistine king.">Achish</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></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.">replied,</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: śā·rê (N-mpc) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">“Is this</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: hă·lō·w- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: ḏā·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/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘e·ḇeḏ (N-msc) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">the servant</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ- (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">of King</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel?</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">He</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">has been</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> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">all these</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yā·mîm (N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">days,</a> <a href="/hebrew/176.htm" title="176: ’ōw- (Conj) -- Or. Presumed to be the constructive or genitival form of -av; short for 'avvah; desire; hence or, also if.">even</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8141.htm" title="8141: šā·nîm (N-fp) -- A year. (in plura or shanah; from shanah; a year.">years,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">and from</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: mî·yō·wm (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">the day</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: nā·p̄ə·lōw (V-Qal-Inf:: 3ms) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">he defected</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">until today</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: mā·ṣā·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To attain to, find. ">I have found</a> <a href="/hebrew/3972.htm" title="3972: mə·’ū·māh (N-ms) -- Anything. Apparently a form of m'uwm; properly, a speck or point, i.e. something; with negative, nothing.">no fault</a> <a href="/hebrew/ḇōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">in him.”</a> 4But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with Achish and told him, “Send that man back and let him return to the place you assigned him. He must not go down with us into battle only to become our adversary during the war. What better way for him to regain the favor of his master than with the heads of our men?…<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/27-8.htm">1 Samuel 27:8-12</a> Now David and his men went up and raided the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites. (From ancient times these people had inhabited the land extending to Shur and Egypt.) / Whenever David attacked a territory, he did not leave a man or woman alive, but he took the flocks and herds, the donkeys, camels, and clothing. Then he would return to Achish, / who would ask him, “What have you raided today?” And David would reply, “The Negev of Judah,” or “The Negev of Jerahmeel,” or “The Negev of the Kenites.” ... <a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm">1 Samuel 28:1-2</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.” / David replied, “Then you will come to know what your servant can do.” “Very well,” said Achish. “I will make you my bodyguard for life.” <a href="/1_samuel/30-1.htm">1 Samuel 30:1-6</a> On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down. / They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way. / When David and his men came to the city, they found it burned down and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. ... <a href="/2_samuel/1-1.htm">2 Samuel 1:1-4</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/12-19.htm">1 Chronicles 12:19-22</a> Some from Manasseh defected to David when he went with the Philistines to fight against Saul. (They did not help the Philistines because the Philistine rulers consulted and sent David away, saying, “It will cost us our heads if he defects to his master Saul.”) / When David went to Ziklag, these men of Manasseh defected to him: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai, chiefs of thousands in Manasseh. / They helped David against the raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor and commanders in the army. ... <a href="/2_kings/3-9.htm">2 Kings 3:9-12</a> So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom set out, and after they had traveled a roundabout route for seven days, they had no water for their army or for their animals. / “Alas,” said the king of Israel, “for the LORD has summoned these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab!” / But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Let us inquire of the LORD through him.” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.” ... <a href="/joshua/9-3.htm">Joshua 9:3-15</a> But the people of Gibeon, having heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, / acted deceptively and set out as envoys, carrying on their donkeys worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended. / They put worn, patched sandals on their feet and threadbare clothing on their bodies, and their whole supply of bread was dry and moldy. ... <a href="/judges/11-12.htm">Judges 11:12-28</a> Then Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites, saying, “What do you have against me that you have come to fight against my land?” / The king of the Ammonites answered Jephthah’s messengers, “When Israel came up out of Egypt, they seized my land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok and all the way to the Jordan. Now, therefore, restore it peaceably.” / Jephthah again sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites ... <a href="/2_samuel/15-19.htm">2 Samuel 15:19-22</a> Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you also go with us? Go back and stay with the new king, since you are both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland. / In fact, you arrived only yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I do not know where I am going? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness.” / But Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!” ... <a href="/2_kings/7-3.htm">2 Kings 7:3-5</a> Now there were four men with leprosy at the entrance of the city gate, and they said to one another, “Why just sit here until we die? / If we say, ‘Let us go into the city,’ we will die there from the famine in the city; but if we sit here, we will also die. So come now, let us go over to the camp of the Arameans. If they let us live, we will live; if they kill us, we will die.” / So they arose at twilight and went to the camp of the Arameans. But when they came to the outskirts of the camp, there was not a man to be found. <a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a> Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. <a href="/luke/16-8.htm">Luke 16:8</a> The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the sons of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the sons of light. <a href="/john/15-18.htm">John 15:18-19</a> If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. <a href="/acts/9-26.htm">Acts 9:26-28</a> When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. / Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and described how Saul had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him on the road to Damascus, and how Saul had spoken boldly in that city in the name of Jesus. / So Saul stayed with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. <a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a> If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then said the princes of the Philistines, What do these Hebrews here? And Achish said to the princes of the Philistines, Is not this David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, which has been with me these days, or these years, and I have found no fault in him since he fell to me to this day?these days<a href="/1_samuel/27-7.htm">1 Samuel 27:7</a> And the time that David dwelt in the country of the Philistines was a full year and four months.found<a href="/1_samuel/25-28.htm">1 Samuel 25:28</a> I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid: for the LORD will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord fighteth the battles of the LORD, and evil hath not been found in thee all thy days.<a href="/daniel/6-5.htm">Daniel 6:5</a> Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.<a href="/john/19-6.htm">John 19:6</a> When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/29-2.htm">Achish</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-30.htm">Commanders</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-2.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-21.htm">Hebrews</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-2.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-2.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/ruth/2-16.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-25.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-22.htm">Servant</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/29-6.htm">Achish</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-9.htm">Commanders</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-5.htm">David</a> <a href="/acts/6-1.htm">Hebrews</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-25.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-4.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-4.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-21.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-5.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-8.htm">Servant</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 29</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/29-1.htm">David marching with the Philistines</a> 3. <a href="/1_samuel/29-3.htm">is disallowed by their princes</a> 6. <a href="/1_samuel/29-6.htm">Achish dismisses him, with commendations of his fidelity</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/29.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/29.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then the commanders of the Philistines asked, “What about these Hebrews?” The Philistines were a significant military power and frequent adversaries of Israel. The presence of Hebrews among them would naturally raise suspicion. The term "Hebrews" is often used by outsiders to refer to the Israelites, highlighting their distinct ethnic and cultural identity. This question reflects the tension and distrust between the Philistines and the Israelites, as well as the unusual situation of David, an Israelite, being among them.Achish replied, “Is this not David, the servant of King Saul of Israel? Achish, the king of Gath, recognizes David's former allegiance to Saul, which underscores the complexity of David's position. David's reputation as a servant of Saul is well-known, and his presence among the Philistines is a testament to his complicated relationship with Saul, who sought his life. This acknowledgment by Achish also highlights David's past as a loyal servant, which is a recurring theme in his life story.He has been with me all these days, even years, David's time with the Philistines is marked by a period of refuge and alliance, which lasted for over a year and four months. This phrase indicates a significant duration, suggesting that David had established a level of trust and rapport with Achish. It also reflects David's strategic acumen in navigating his precarious situation while maintaining his safety from Saul.and from the day he defected until today I have found no fault in him.” Achish's statement about finding no fault in David is reminiscent of the biblical theme of integrity and blamelessness, often associated with God's chosen leaders. This echoes the New Testament portrayal of Jesus Christ, who was found blameless by Pilate (<a href="/luke/23-4.htm">Luke 23:4</a>). David's ability to maintain his integrity in a foreign land among potential enemies is a testament to his character and foreshadows his future role as king.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/philistine_commanders.htm">Philistine Commanders</a> Military leaders of the Philistine army, questioning the presence of Hebrews among them. 2. <a href="/topical/a/achish.htm">Achish</a> The king of Gath, a Philistine city, who had given refuge to David and trusted him. 3. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The future king of Israel, who had sought refuge with the Philistines while fleeing from King Saul. 4. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The first king of Israel, from whom David was fleeing due to Saul's jealousy and attempts on his life. 5. <a href="/topical/h/hebrews.htm">Hebrews</a> Referring to David and his men, highlighting their identity as Israelites among the Philistines.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_timing.htm">Trust in God's Timing</a> David's time with the Philistines shows the importance of trusting God's timing and provision, even when circumstances seem contrary to His promises. <a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_adversity.htm">Integrity in Adversity</a> Despite being in enemy territory, David maintained his integrity, as Achish found "no fault in him." This challenges us to uphold our values in difficult situations. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> The unfolding events demonstrate God's sovereignty in using even unlikely situations to prepare David for his future role as king. <a href="/topical/i/identity_and_allegiance.htm">Identity and Allegiance</a> The question "What about these Hebrews?" highlights the importance of maintaining our identity and allegiance to God, even when surrounded by those who do not share our faith. <a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_relationships.htm">Wisdom in Relationships</a> David's relationship with Achish shows the need for wisdom in navigating relationships with those outside our faith community.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_29.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 29</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 href="/q/why_do_tribes'_allegiance_shifts_vary.htm">(1 Chronicles 12:19–20) Why do some texts describe the tribes’ allegiance shifts differently, and are these accounts consistent with earlier biblical narratives?</a> <a href="/q/do_sources_confirm_1_samuel_29_events.htm">What extra-biblical sources, if any, corroborate or challenge the events and political dynamics described in 1 Samuel 29?</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 name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/29.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) These days, or these years.--An indefinite expression of time. The versions have translated it in various ways. The English Version here is literal. The Syrlac singularly renders, "this time, and time, and months." The LXX. is not very easy to understand here, but it apparently took the expression as signifying "two years." Maurer would translate, "who has been with me alway, for days, or rather for years." <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/29-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>The commanders שָׂרֵ֣י (śā·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8269.htm">Strong's 8269: </a> Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince of the Philistines פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים (p̄ə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia asked, וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “What [about] מָ֖ה (māh) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what these הָאֵ֑לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh) Article | Pronoun - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> These, those Hebrews?” הָעִבְרִ֣ים (hā·‘iḇ·rîm) Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5680.htm">Strong's 5680: </a> Hebrews -- perhaps descendant of Eber, also another name for an Israelite Achish אָכִ֜ישׁ (’ā·ḵîš) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_397.htm">Strong's 397: </a> Achish -- king of Gath replied, וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (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 “Is this זֶ֨ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that not הֲלֽוֹא־ (hă·lō·w-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no David, דָוִ֜ד (ḏā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse the servant עֶ֣בֶד ׀ (‘e·ḇeḏ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant of King מֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king Saul שָׁא֣וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites of Israel? יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc He אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that has been הָיָ֤ה (hā·yāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be with me אִתִּי֙ (’it·tî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> Nearness, near, with, by, at, among all these זֶ֤ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that days, יָמִים֙ (yā·mîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day even אוֹ־ (’ōw-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_176.htm">Strong's 176: </a> Desire, if years, שָׁנִ֔ים (šā·nîm) Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8141.htm">Strong's 8141: </a> A year and from וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no the day מִיּ֥וֹם (mî·yō·wm) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day he defected נָפְל֖וֹ (nā·p̄ə·lōw) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> To fall, lie until today עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> As far as, even to, up to, until, while I have found מָצָ֤אתִי (mā·ṣā·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present no fault מְא֔וּמָה (mə·’ū·māh) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3972.htm">Strong's 3972: </a> A speck, point, nothing in him.” בוֹ֙ (ḇōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_0.htm">Strong's 0: </a> 0 <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/29-3.htm">1 Samuel 29:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/29-3.htm">1 Samuel 29:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/29-3.htm">1 Samuel 29:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/29-3.htm">1 Samuel 29:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/29-3.htm">1 Samuel 29:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/29-3.htm">1 Samuel 29:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/29-3.htm">1 Samuel 29:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/29-3.htm">1 Samuel 29:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/29-3.htm">1 Samuel 29:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/29-3.htm">1 Samuel 29:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-3.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 29:3 Then said the princes of the Philistines (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/29-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 29:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 29:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/29-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 29:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 29:4" /></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>