King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 29:7 Mean?
“Wherefore now return, and go in peace, that thou displease not the lords of the Philistines. displease: Heb. do not evil in the eyes of the lords”
1 Samuel 29:7 · KJV
Context
5
Is not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands?
6
Then Achish called David, and said unto him, Surely, as the LORD liveth, thou hast been upright, and thy going out and thy coming in with me in the host is good in my sight: for I have not found evil in thee since the day of thy coming unto me unto this day: nevertheless the lords favour thee not. the lords: Heb. thou art not good in the eyes of the lords
7
Wherefore now return, and go in peace, that thou displease not the lords of the Philistines. displease: Heb. do not evil in the eyes of the lords
8
And David said unto Achish, But what have I done? and what hast thou found in thy servant so long as I have been with thee unto this day, that I may not go fight against the enemies of my lord the king? with: Heb. before thee
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.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAchish's dismissal, 'return, and go in peace,' releases David from the impossible obligation with honor intact. The phrase 'that thou displease not the lords' (Hebrew: 'al-ta'aseh ra' be'eney seraney pelishtim') acknowledges the political reality that Achish cannot override the coalition's decision. David's departure 'in peace' (Hebrew: 'lech beshalom') preserves his relationship with Gath while freeing him from fighting Israel. What appeared as rejection becomes deliverance, demonstrating God's providential orchestration of political circumstances.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The dismissal with honor meant David retained his base at Ziklag and his relationship with Achish. This would prove valuable when David needed refuge after the Amalekite raid (chapter 30) and when he later became king and needed non-aggression from Gath.
Reflection Questions
- When has being excluded from something turned out to be divine protection?
- How do you recognize God's hand in doors that close unexpectedly?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsשׁ֖וּב2 of 10
“Wherefore now return”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
בְּשָׁל֑וֹם4 of 10
“in peace”
H7965safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
וְלֹֽא5 of 10
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַעֲשֶׂ֣ה6 of 10
“that thou displease”
H6213to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בְּעֵינֵ֖י8 of 10
H5869an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
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 29:7 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 29:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge