David’s faith in God is very evident in this chapter as he continually refused to be tempted to join Achish and fight against the Israelites, 1 Corinthians 10:13 / Psalms 26:4-5. The Philistines gathered all their army at Aphek, and Israel camped by the spring in Jezreel, 1 Samuel 29:1. As the Philistine rulers marched with their units of hundreds and thousands, David and his men were marching at the rear with Achish, 1 Samuel 29:2.
Barnes, in his commentary, says the following.
‘The military divisions of the Philistine army were by hundreds and by thousands, like those of the Israelites, 1 Samuel 8:12. David and his men formed a body-guard to Achish, 1 Samuel 28:2.’
The use of the word ‘Hebrews’ 1 Samuel 29:3, was used in an insulting way and although Achish was loyal to David and his men, the other Philistine leaders didn’t agree with his association with the Hebrews, 1 Samuel 29:3-4.
Clarke, in his commentary, says the following.
‘It is strange that they had not yet heard of David’s destruction of a village of the Geshurites, Girzites, and Amalekites, 1 Samuel 27:8-9. Had they heard of this, they would have seen much more cause for suspicion.’
David’s reputation was so great not only among his own people but these other Philistine leaders appeared to recognise David and even quote the song which the Israelites sang concerning David killing tens of thousands, 1 Samuel 29:5. Because David had been with Achish for over a year, 1 Samuel 27:7, he seems to think that they could become friends with the Israelites but history shows that this would never happen.
Willis in his commentary, gives us four reasons as to why the leaders of the Philistines rejected the intention of Achish to take David and his men into the battle against Israel.
1. The long enmity between the Philistines and the Hebrews had resulted in deep mistrust on both sides.
2. In the battle of Geba, 1 Samuel 14:21, the Hebrews who had deserted to the Philistines defected to their fellow Israelites and aided Saul in destroying the Philistines.
3. If David and his men decided to go back to Saul, they would easily do so by slaughtering the Philistines, any great number of them, and taking their heads to Saul. An opportunity like that, the lords of the Philistines were determined not to put into the hands of David.
4. David had a reputation of having slain ‘tens of thousands’ of Philistines, and the lords of the Philistines were not about to forget it.
Even though Achish thought that David was reliable, 1 Samuel 29:6, he goes on to apologise to David and tells him to go home, but don’t upset the Philistine rulers, 1 Samuel 29:7. David asks what is it he has done that he can’t go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king? 1 Samuel 29:8.
Achish tells David he has been as pleasing in his eyes as an angel of God, 1 Samuel 29:9 / Zechariah 12:8. It must be noted that he didn’t use the name Yahweh, he uses the phrase ‘ha Elohim’, which is a general reference to ‘the gods’. Achish then tell him, ‘get up early, along with your master’s servants’, 1 Samuel 29:10 / 1 Chronicles 12:19-21.
Cook, in his commentary, says the following.
‘The way to understand it is found in 1 Chronicles 12:19-21, where it appears that a considerable number of Manassites fell to David just at this time, and went back with him to Ziklag.’
Because David had dealt fairly with Achish, Achish returned the favour. And so, David accepted and followed his advice and returned home, 1 Samuel 29:11, knowing that he wouldn’t go to war against his fellow Israelites.