1 Samuel 29 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

This chapter continues the part of the book that describes how David became king ([chapters 16–31](../16/01.md)). It describes how the Philistine lords refused to have David and his men accompany them into battle against the Israelites.Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic song in [29:5](../29/05.md).

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Did David want to fight in the Philistine army against the Israelites?

It is unclear whether David wanted to go into battle with the Philistines against the Israelites. He would have been fighting against Saul, an enemy who was determined to kill him. But he also would have been fighting against the soldiers of his own people group, and they were not his enemies. Some scholars believe that David planned to turn against the Philistines during the battle, as the Philistine lords were afraid he would do. But the author does not say that specifically. As David speaks with Achish in [29:6–10](../29/06.md), he insists that he wants to fight in his army (as he also does in [28:1–2](../28/01.md)). However, David may have said that for his own protection while he was among the Philistines and not really meant it. Since David’s wishes are unclear, we recommend that you not suggest anything about them in the text of your translation or in a footnote.