Achish Sends David Back to Ziklag

1 Samuel 29:1-11

ntroduction

How do you determine whether or not you should trust someone?

tudy

The Battle at Gilboa (gif 12KB)

David pretended loyalty to Achish, but when war broke out with Israel, he was sent to Ziklag from Aphek. The Philistines defeated the Israelites at Mount Gilboa. David returned to Ziklag to find that the Amalekites had destroyed Ziklag. So David and his men pursued the Amalekite raiders and slaughtered them, recovering all that was taken.

I. The Philistine rulers react

The Philistines gathered all their forces at Aphek, and Israel camped by the spring in Jezreel. As the Philistine rulers marched with their units of hundreds and thousands, David and his men were marching at the rear with Achish. The commanders of the Philistines asked, "What about these Hebrews?"

Achish replied, "Is this not David, who was an officer of Saul king of Israel? He has already been with me for over a year, and from the day he left Saul until now, I have found no fault in him."

But the Philistine commanders were angry with him and said, "Send the man back, that he may return to the place you assigned him. He must not go with us into battle, or he will turn against us during the fighting. How better could he regain his master's favor than by taking the heads of our own men? Isn't this the David they sang about in their dances:

"'Saul has slain his thousands,
and David his tens of thousands'?" 1 Samuel 29:1-5, NIV

What was significant about Jezreel? (1 Samuel 25:43)
How large was David's army in comparison to the Philistine army?

Gath was one of five principal cities in Philistia, and Achish was one of five corulers.

Why didn't the other Philistine commanders want David and his men to accompany them into battle? (1 Samuel 17:32-54; 18:27; 21:11)
What did Achish say on David's behalf?
What did the other Philistine commanders fear that David would do in battle?
How did God use the suspicion of the other Philistine commanders?
What do you think David intended to do in battle?

II. Achish dismisses David

So Achish called David and said to him, "As surely as the LORD lives, you have been reliable, and I would be pleased to have you serve with me in the army. From the day you came to me until now, I have found no fault in you, but the rulers don't approve of you. Turn back and go in peace; do nothing to displease the Philistine rulers."

"But what have I done?" asked David. "What have you found against your servant from the day I came to you until now? Why can't I go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?"

Achish answered, "I know that you have been as pleasing in my eyes as an angel of God; nevertheless, the Philistine commanders have said, 'He must not go up with us into battle.' Now get up early, along with your master's servants who have come with you, and leave in the morning as soon as it is light."

So David and his men got up early in the morning to go back to the land of the Philistines, and the Philistines went up to Jezreel. 1 Samuel 29:6-11, NIV

What did Achish say to David?
What did David say to Achish in his own defense? What did David imply?
What did David do in response to Achish's command?

pplication

How should you judge another person's character?
Is it lying to ask misleading questions?
What have you said or done that would cause others to trust you? To mistrust you?
When have you seen God work in your life through the decisions of non-believers around you?

ssignment

Study 1 Samuel 30:1-31, David Destroys the Amalekites.

Please email your questions or comments to me.
Dave Bowser (davebowser@attbi.com)