Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Samuel 29:10

Albert Barnes Commentary

1 Samuel 29:10

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

1 Samuel 29:10

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"Wherefore now rise up early in the morning with the servants of thy lord that are come with thee; and as soon as ye are up early in the morning, and have light, depart." — 1 Samuel 29:10 (ASV)

With your master’s servants - The clue to this may be found in 1 Chronicles 12:19–21, where it appears that a considerable number of Manassites “fell” to David at this time and went back with him to Ziklag. It is therefore to these newcomers that Achish applies the expression.

It is impossible not to recognize here a merciful interposition of Providence, by which David was not only saved from fighting against his king and country, but was sent home just in time to recover his wives and property from the Amalekites (1 Samuel 30:1).

That David maintained his position by subtlety and falsehood—which were the invariable characteristics of his age and nation—is not in the least to be wondered at. No sanction is given by this narrative to the use of falsehood.