King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 29:11 Mean?
“So David and his men rose up early to depart in the morning, to return into the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel.”
1 Samuel 29:11 · KJV
Context
9
And Achish answered and said to David, I know that thou art good in my sight, as an angel of God: notwithstanding the princes of the Philistines have said, He shall not go up with us to the battle.
10
Wherefore now rise up early in the morning with thy master's servants that are come with thee: and as soon as ye be up early in the morning, and have light, depart.
11
So David and his men rose up early to depart in the morning, to return into the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe chapter's conclusion, noting David's early departure and the Philistines' advance to Jezreel, sets the stage for simultaneous narratives: David returning to Ziklag and the Philistines marching to battle. The separation of these storylines creates dramatic tension. While David travels south, the battle that will change Israel's history proceeds north. Divine providence has extracted David from the conflict that will kill Saul and Jonathan, preserving him for the throne while removing the barriers to his succession.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The three-day journey from Aphek to Ziklag would have David arriving approximately when the battle at Gilboa occurred. The geographic and temporal separation meant David was clearly absent from both armies during the decisive confrontation.
Reflection Questions
- How does God's timing in one area of life connect to developments in others?
- What does David's absence from the battle suggest about God's preparation of future leaders?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 13 wordsוַיַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם1 of 13
“rose up early”
H7925literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning
ה֤וּא3 of 13
H1931he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וַֽאֲנָשָׁיו֙4 of 13
“and his men”
H582properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
לָשׁ֖וּב7 of 13
“to return”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
עָל֥וּ12 of 13
“went up”
H5927to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
יִזְרְעֶֽאל׃13 of 13
“to Jezreel”
H3157jizreel, the name of two places in palestine and of two israelites
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Samuel 29:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 1 Samuel 29:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge