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<!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 29:4 But 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?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/29-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/09_1Sa_29_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 29:4 - The Philistines Reject David" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But 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. 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He must not go with us into battle, or he will turn against us during the fighting. How better could he regain his master&#8217s favor than by taking the heads of our own men? <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/29.htm">New Living Translation</a> But the Philistine commanders were angry. “Send him back to the town you’ve given him!” they demanded. “He can’t go into the battle with us. What if he turns against us in battle and becomes our adversary? Is there any better way for him to reconcile himself with his master than by handing our heads over to him? <a href="/esv/1_samuel/29.htm">English Standard Version</a> But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with him. And the commanders of the Philistines said to him, “Send the man back, that he may return to the place to which you have assigned him. He shall not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he become an adversary to us. For how could this fellow reconcile himself to his lord? Would it not be with the heads of the men here? <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/29.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But 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? <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/29.htm">King James Bible</a> And the princes of the Philistines were wroth with him; and the princes of the Philistines said unto him, Make this fellow return, that he may go again to his place which thou hast appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he be an adversary to us: for wherewith should he reconcile himself unto his master? should it not be with the heads of these men? <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/29.htm">New King James Version</a> But the princes of the Philistines were angry with him; so the princes of the Philistines said to him, “Make this fellow return, that he may go back to the place which you have appointed for him, and do not let him go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he become our adversary. For with what could he reconcile himself to his master, if not with the heads of these men? <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/29.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with him, and the commanders of the Philistines said to him, “Make the man go back, so that he will return to his place where you have assigned him, and do not let him go down to battle with us, or in the battle he may become an adversary to us. For how could this man find favor with his lord? Would it not be with the heads of these men? <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/29.htm">NASB 1995</a> But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with him, and the commanders of the Philistines said to him, &#8220Make the man go back, that he may return to his place where you have assigned him, and do not let him go down to battle with us, or in the battle he may become an adversary to us. For with what could this man make himself acceptable to his lord? Would it not be with the heads of these men? <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/29.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with him, and the commanders of the Philistines said to him, “Make the man go back, that he may return to his place where you have assigned him, and do not let him go down to battle with us, lest in the battle he become an adversary to us. For with what could this man make himself acceptable to his lord? Would it not be with the heads of these men? <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/29.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with him, and the commanders of the Philistines said to him, “Make the man return, that he may return to his place where you have assigned him, and do not let him go down to battle with us, or in the battle he may become an adversary to us. For with what could this man make himself acceptable to his lord? Would it not be with the heads of these men? <a href="/amp/1_samuel/29.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But the Philistine commanders were angry with Achish and they said to him, “Make this man return, so that he may go back to his place where you have assigned him, and do not let him go down to battle with us, or in the battle he may [turn and] become our adversary. For how could David reconcile himself to his lord [Saul]? Would it not be with the heads of these [Philistine] men? <a href="/csb/1_samuel/29.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The Philistine commanders, however, were enraged 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 battle. What better way could he ingratiate himself with his master than with the heads of our men? <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/29.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The Philistine commanders, however, were enraged with Achish and told him, &#8220Send 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 battle. What better way could he regain his master&#8217s favor than with the heads of our men? <a href="/asv/1_samuel/29.htm">American Standard Version</a> But the princes of the Philistines were wroth with him; and the princes of the Philistines said unto him, Make the man return, that he may go back to his place where thou hast appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he become an adversary to us: for wherewith should this fellow reconcile himself unto his lord? should it not be with the heads of these men? <a href="/cev/1_samuel/29.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The Philistine army commanders were angry and shouted: Send David back to the town you gave him. We won't have him going into the battle with us. He could turn and fight against us! Saul would take David back as an officer if David brought him the heads of our soldiers. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/29.htm">English Revised Version</a> But the princes of the Philistines were wroth with him; and the princes of the Philistines said unto him, Make the man return, that he may go back to his place where thou hast appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he become an adversary to us: for wherewith should this fellow reconcile himself unto his lord? should it not be with the heads of these men? <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/29.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But the Philistine officers were angry with Achish. "Send the man back," the Philistine officers told him. "Return him to the place you assigned him. He shouldn't go with us into battle. He shouldn't [be allowed to] become our enemy during the battle. Is this man going to try to regain his master's favor? He'll do it with the lives of our men! <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/29.htm">Good News Translation</a> But the Philistine commanders were angry with Achish and said to him, "Send that fellow back to the town you gave him. Don't let him go into battle with us; he might turn against us during the fighting. What better way is there for him to win back his master's favor than by the death of our men? <a href="/isv/1_samuel/29.htm">International Standard Version</a> But the Philistine leaders were angry with him, so they pleaded with him, "Send the man back! Let him return to the place you assigned him. He mustn't go into battle with us. Otherwise, he may become our adversary in the battle! How could there be a better way for this fellow to reconcile himself with his lord? Wouldn't it be with the heads of these men? <a href="/msb/1_samuel/29.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But 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? <a href="/net/1_samuel/29.htm">NET Bible</a> But the leaders of the Philistines became angry with him and said to him, "Send the man back! Let him return to the place that you assigned him! Don't let him go down with us into the battle, for he might become our adversary in the battle. What better way to please his lord than with the heads of these men? <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/29.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But the leaders of the Philistines were angry with him, and said to him, "Send that man back to the place where you have assigned him, and he must not go down with us to battle, or in the battle he may become an adversary. For how could this fellow reconcile himself to his lord? Should it not be with the heads of these men? <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/29.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the princes of the Philistines were wroth with him; and the princes of the Philistines said to him, Make this man return, that he may go again to his place which thou hast appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he should be an adversary to us: for with what would he reconcile himself to his master? would it not be with the heads of these men? <a href="/web/1_samuel/29.htm">World English Bible</a> But the princes of the Philistines were angry with him; and the princes of the Philistines said to him, “Make the man return, that he may go back to his place where you have appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he become an adversary to us. For with what should this fellow reconcile himself to his lord? Should it not be with the heads of these men? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/29.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the heads of the Philistines are angry against him, and the heads of the Philistines say to him, “Send back the man, and he turns back to his place to where you have appointed him, and does not go down with us into battle, and is not for an adversary to us in battle; and with what does this one reconcile himself to his lord—is it not with the heads of those men? <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/29.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the heads of the Philistines are wroth against him, and the heads of the Philistines say to him, 'Send back the man, and he doth turn back unto his place whither thou hast appointed him, and doth not go down with us into battle, and is not to us for an adversary in battle; and wherewith doth this one reconcile himself unto his lord -- is it not with the heads of those men?' <a href="/slt/1_samuel/29.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the chiefs of the rovers will be angry with him; and the chiefs of the rovers will say to him, Cause this man to turn back, and he shall turn back to his place which thou didst set him there, and he shall not go down with us in the war, and he shall not be to us for an adversary in the war: and with what shall this satisfy to his lord? is it not with the heads of these men?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/29.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But the princes of the Philistines were angry with him, and they said to him: Let this man return, and abide in his place, which thou hast appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest he be an adversary to us, when we shall begin to fight: for how can he otherwise appease his master, but with our heads? <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/29.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then the leaders of the Philistines became angry against him, and they said to him: “Let this man return, and let him settle in his place, which you appointed for him. But let him not descend with us to battle, lest he become an adversary to us when we begin to fight. For in what other way will he be able to please his lord, except with our heads? <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/29.htm">New American Bible</a> But the Philistine commanders were angered at this and said to him: “Send that man back! Let him return to the place you picked out for him. He must not go down into battle with us; during the battle he might become our enemy. For how else can he win back his master’s favor, if not at the expense of our soldiers? <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/29.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with him; and the commanders of the Philistines said to him, “Send the man back, so that he may return to the place that you have assigned to him; he shall not go down with us to battle, or else he may become an adversary to us in the battle. For how could this fellow reconcile himself to his lord? Would it not be with the heads of the men here?<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 were angry with him and they said to him: “Take the man out and he will go to his place that you have authorized for him there, and he will not go with us to battle, and he shall not be to us a thorn in war, for by what is this man reconciled with his Master except with our heads?<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/29.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> But the princes of the Philistines were wroth with him; and the princes of the Philistines said unto him: 'Make the man return, that he may go back to his place where thou hast appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he become an adversary to us; for wherewith should this fellow reconcile himself unto his lord? should it not be with the heads of these men? <a href="/sep/1_samuel/29.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the captains of the Philistines were displeased at him, and they say to him, Send the man away, and let him return to his place, where thou didst set him; and let him not come with us to the war, and let him not be a traitor in the camp: and wherewith will he be reconciled to his master? Will it not be with the heads of those men? <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/29-4.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=8566" 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> …3Then 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.” 4<a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: śā·rê (N-mpc) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">But 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/7107.htm" title="7107: way·yiq·ṣə·p̄ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To be angry. A primitive root; to crack off, i.e. burst out in rage.">were angry</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">with Achish</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.">and told</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">him,</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/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/376.htm" title="376: hā·’îš (Art:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">“Send that man</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: hā·šêḇ (V-Hifil-Imp-ms) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">back</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/7725.htm" title="7725: wə·yā·šōḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.Jus-3ms) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">and let him return</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/4725.htm" title="4725: mə·qō·w·mōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Or maqom; also mqowmah; or mqomah; from quwm; properly, a standing, i.e. A spot; but used widely of a locality; also of a condition.">the place</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6485.htm" title="6485: hip̄·qaḏ·tōw (V-Hifil-Perf-2ms:: 3ms) -- To attend to, visit, muster, appoint. A primitive root; to visit; by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc.">you assigned</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">him.</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.">He must not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: yê·rêḏ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To come or go down, descend. ">go down</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·mā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with us</a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: bam·mil·ḥā·māh (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war.">into battle</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.">only</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yeh- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">to become</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- ">our</a> <a href="/hebrew/7854.htm" title="7854: lə·śā·ṭān (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- From satan; an opponent; especially Satan, the arch-enemy of good.">adversary</a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: bam·mil·ḥā·māh (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war.">during the war.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: ū·ḇam·meh (Conj-w, Prep-b:: Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">What better way</a> <a href="/hebrew/7521.htm" title="7521: yiṯ·raṣ·ṣeh (V-Hitpael-Imperf-3ms) -- To be pleased with, accept favorably. A primitive root; to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt.">for him to regain the favor</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/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/113.htm" title="113: ’ă·ḏō·nāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Lord. Or adon; from an unused root; sovereign, i.e. Controller.">of his master</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.">than</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: bə·rā·šê (Prep-b:: N-mpc) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">with the heads</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: hā·’ă·nā·šîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">of our men?</a> <a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: hā·hêm (Art:: Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they."></a> 5Is this not the David about whom they sing in their dances: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?”…<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/18-7.htm">1 Samuel 18:7-8</a> 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/21-11.htm">1 Samuel 21:11</a> But the servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David, the king of the land? Did they not sing about him in their dances, saying: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?” <a href="/1_samuel/27-12.htm">1 Samuel 27:12</a> So Achish trusted David, thinking, “Since he has made himself an utter stench to his people Israel, he will be my servant forever.” <a href="/1_samuel/18-15.htm">1 Samuel 18:15</a> When Saul saw that David was very successful, he was afraid of him. <a href="/1_samuel/18-29.htm">1 Samuel 18:29</a> he grew even more afraid of David. So from then on Saul was David’s enemy. <a href="/1_samuel/19-5.htm">1 Samuel 19:5</a> He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?” <a href="/1_samuel/24-17.htm">1 Samuel 24:17</a> and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil. <a href="/1_samuel/26-21.htm">1 Samuel 26:21</a> Then Saul replied, “I have sinned. Come back, David my son. I will never harm you again, because today you considered my life precious. I have played the fool and have committed a grave error!” <a href="/2_samuel/3-25.htm">2 Samuel 3:25</a> Surely you realize that Abner son of Ner came to deceive you and to track your movements and all that you are doing.” <a href="/2_samuel/19-6.htm">2 Samuel 19:6</a> You love those who hate you and hate those who love you! For you have made it clear today that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. I know today that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would have pleased you! <a href="/1_kings/2-5.htm">1 Kings 2:5</a> Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. <a href="/psalms/56-1.htm">Psalm 56:1-2</a> For the choirmaster. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack. / My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me. <a href="/psalms/56-5.htm">Psalm 56:5-6</a> All day long they twist my words; all their thoughts are on my demise. / They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps while they wait to take my life. <a href="/matthew/27-18.htm">Matthew 27:18</a> For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him. <a href="/mark/15-10.htm">Mark 15:10</a> For he knew it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the princes of the Philistines were wroth with him; and the princes of the Philistines said to him, Make this fellow return, that he may go again to his place which you have appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he be an adversary to us: for with which should he reconcile himself to his master? should it not be with the heads of these men?Make this fellow.<a href="/1_samuel/14-21.htm">1 Samuel 14:21</a> Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.<a href="/1_chronicles/12-19.htm">1 Chronicles 12:19</a> And there fell some of Manasseh to David, when he came with the Philistines against Saul to battle: but they helped them not: for the lords of the Philistines upon advisement sent him away, saying, He will fall to his master Saul to the jeopardy of our heads.<a href="/luke/16-8.htm">Luke 16:8</a> And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/28-16.htm">Adversary</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-7.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-30.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-30.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-16.htm">Master</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-3.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-3.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/leviticus/6-30.htm">Reconcile</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-8.htm">Wherewith</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-7.htm">Wroth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/19-22.htm">Adversary</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-7.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-10.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-9.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-30.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-13.htm">Master</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-7.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-7.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/job/22-21.htm">Reconcile</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-15.htm">Wherewith</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-8.htm">Wroth</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>But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with Achish The Philistine commanders' anger reflects the deep-seated mistrust between the Israelites and the Philistines, who were long-standing enemies. Achish, the king of Gath, had accepted David into his service, but the other Philistine leaders were not convinced of David's loyalty. This tension highlights the political and military complexities of the time, where alliances were often fragile and based on immediate needs rather than long-term trust.and told him, “Send that man back and let him return to the place you assigned him. The commanders' insistence on sending David back underscores their suspicion and fear of betrayal. David had been living in Ziklag, a town given to him by Achish, which served as a strategic location for David to maintain his autonomy while ostensibly serving the Philistines. This situation illustrates the precarious position David was in, balancing his survival with his loyalty to Israel.He must not go down with us into battle only to become our adversary during the war. The Philistine leaders feared that David might turn against them in battle, a concern rooted in David's reputation as a formidable warrior. This phrase reflects the broader theme of divine providence in David's life, as God often used the suspicions and actions of others to protect David and further His plans for Israel.What better way for him to regain the favor of his master than with the heads of our men? This statement reveals the Philistine commanders' understanding of David's relationship with Saul, the king of Israel. They assumed that David might seek to reconcile with Saul by turning against the Philistines. This reflects the cultural context of honor and loyalty, where warriors could restore their standing through acts of valor. The phrase also foreshadows David's eventual kingship, as he navigates complex political landscapes to fulfill God's promise to him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The future king of Israel, who at this time is living among the Philistines to escape King Saul's pursuit. 2. <a href="/topical/p/philistine_commanders.htm">Philistine Commanders</a> Military leaders of the Philistines who distrust David and fear he might turn against them in battle. 3. <a href="/topical/a/achish.htm">Achish</a> The Philistine king of Gath who trusts David and has given him refuge. 4. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The people of Israel, David's own nation, against whom the Philistines are preparing to fight. 5. <a href="/topical/z/ziklag.htm">Ziklag</a> The place assigned to David by Achish, where David and his men have been residing.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a> Despite the precarious situation, God is in control. David's rejection by the Philistine commanders is part of God's plan to protect him from fighting against his own people. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_alliances.htm">Discernment in Alliances</a> David's alliance with the Philistines was a temporary refuge, not a permanent solution. Believers should seek God's wisdom in forming alliances and partnerships. <a href="/topical/g/god's_protection_in_unlikely_ways.htm">God's Protection in Unlikely Ways</a> Sometimes, God's protection comes through unexpected means, such as the Philistine commanders' distrust of David, which ultimately spares him from a compromising situation. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_adversity.htm">Faithfulness in Adversity</a> David's life demonstrates the importance of remaining faithful to God even when circumstances are challenging or unclear. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_reputation.htm">The Importance of Reputation</a> The Philistine commanders' suspicion highlights the significance of maintaining a godly reputation, as it can influence others' perceptions and decisions.<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/evidence_of_philistines_capturing_ark.htm">Is there any archaeological evidence to support the Philistines' capture of the Ark in 1 Samuel 4?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_toxic_masculinity.htm">What happened to Ziklag when David returned from battle?</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_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>(4) Go down.--This is a technical military expression, used constantly, on account of the necessity of the troops descending from the hill country in which they were encamped to the plain in order to fight.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/29.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 4-6. - Angrily rejecting the testimony of Achish in David's favour, they say, Make this fellow (Hebrew, "the man") return, that he may go again to his place, i.e. to Ziklag. He shall not go down with us to battle. Though the Philistines marched up into the Israelite territory, yet they speak naturally of going down into battle, because while armies usually encamped on opposite ranges of hills, they descended into the plain between for the encounter. An adversary. Hebrew, "a satan," without the article, and so in <a href="/1_chronicles/21-1.htm">1 Chronicles 21:1</a>. As a proper name it has the article, as in the books of Job and Zechariah. Should he reconcile himself. The verb means, "to make himself pleasing," "to commend himself." The heads of these men, pointing to the Philistine ranks. David of whom they sang, etc. The song of the Jewish maidens seems to have been as well known in Philistia as in the land of Israel On the former occasion it had made the Philistines drive him away from the court of Achish (<a href="/1_samuel/21-11.htm">1 Samuel 21:11-15</a>); here, too, it made them drive him from their army, but he was thereby saved from the painful necessity of making war on his own country, and returned just in time to rescue his wives and property. ACHISH SENDS DAVID AWAY (vers. 6-11). <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/29-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>But 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 פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים (p̄ə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia were angry וַיִּקְצְפ֨וּ (way·yiq·ṣə·p̄ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7107.htm">Strong's 7107: </a> To crack off, burst out in rage with Achish עָלָ֜יו (‘ā·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against and told him, וַיֹּ֣אמְרוּ (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 “Send that man הָאִ֗ישׁ (hā·’îš) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person back הָשֵׁ֣ב (hā·šêḇ) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> To turn back, in, to retreat, again and let him return וְיָשֹׁב֙ (wə·yā·šōḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> To turn back, in, to retreat, again to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the place מְקוֹמוֹ֙ (mə·qō·w·mōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4725.htm">Strong's 4725: </a> A standing, a spot, a condition you assigned him. הִפְקַדְתּ֣וֹ (hip̄·qaḏ·tōw) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6485.htm">Strong's 6485: </a> To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit He must not וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no go down יֵרֵ֤ד (yê·rêḏ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> To come or go down, descend with עִמָּ֙נוּ֙ (‘im·mā·nū) Preposition | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with us into battle בַּמִּלְחָמָ֔ה (bam·mil·ḥā·māh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4421.htm">Strong's 4421: </a> A battle, war only וְלֹא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no to become יִֽהְיֶה־ (yih·yeh-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be our adversary לְשָׂטָ֖ן (lə·śā·ṭān) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7854.htm">Strong's 7854: </a> An opponent -- Satan, the arch-enemy of good during the war. בַּמִּלְחָמָ֑ה (bam·mil·ḥā·māh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4421.htm">Strong's 4421: </a> A battle, war What better way וּבַמֶּ֗ה (ū·ḇam·meh) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what for him to regain the favor יִתְרַצֶּ֥ה (yiṯ·raṣ·ṣeh) Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7521.htm">Strong's 7521: </a> To be pleased with, to satisfy a, debt of his master אֲדֹנָ֔יו (’ă·ḏō·nāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_113.htm">Strong's 113: </a> Sovereign, controller than הֲל֕וֹא (hă·lō·w) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no with the heads בְּרָאשֵׁ֖י (bə·rā·šê) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> The head of our men? הָאֲנָשִׁ֥ים (hā·’ă·nā·šîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_582.htm">Strong's 582: </a> Man, mankind <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/29-4.htm">1 Samuel 29:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/29-4.htm">1 Samuel 29:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/29-4.htm">1 Samuel 29:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/29-4.htm">1 Samuel 29:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/29-4.htm">1 Samuel 29:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/29-4.htm">1 Samuel 29:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/29-4.htm">1 Samuel 29:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/29-4.htm">1 Samuel 29:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/29-4.htm">1 Samuel 29:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/29-4.htm">1 Samuel 29:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-4.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 29:4 But the princes of the Philistines were (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/29-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 29:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 29:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/29-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 29:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 29:5" /></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>