Philistines

29:1 at Aphek Resumes the story from 28:2. This is the second time in 1 Samuel the Philistines have gathered their forces at Aphek (4:1).

29:2 The rulers of the Philistines See 5:8 and note.

at the rear The perfect position for a surprise attack. In the midst of the battle, David and his 600 troops could attack the king from behind while Saul engaged them at the front battle line.

29:3 these Hebrews The Philistines typically referred to the Israelites as Hebrews (4:6, 9; 13:3, 19; 14:11).

I have not found anything threatening in him Like Eli and Saul, Achish is not a good judge of character.

29:4 his place where you have assigned him Refers to Ziklag (1 Sam 27:6).

he does not become an adversary Understandably, they were cautious that David would turn on them and fight for Israel. The last time Israelites were in the Philistine ranks, they did switch sides during the battle (14:21).

the heads of these men Perhaps an allusion to David’s taking of Goliath’s head in 17:51–54 (compare 28:2 and note). As with the Philistine giant, David would give the heads of these Philistines to King Saul, winning back his favor.

29:5 David See 18:7; 21:11.

29:6 As Yahweh lives Israel’s greatest enemy uses the covenant name of Israel’s God, Yahweh. Either David persuaded Achish to become a follower of Yahweh, or Achish is making a vow in the name of David’s God out of courtesy to David.

you were honest An ironic statement in light of 27:8–12. David had thoroughly deceived Achish.

29:8 my lord the king David uses this title of Saul elsewhere in 1 Samuel (24:8; 26:17). It is possible that he was being intentionally ambiguous, and that Saul was the king he had in mind here. He wants to fight against Saul’s enemies: the Philistines.

29:11 David set out early, he and his men, to leave This plot point distances David from the scene of Saul’s death.