1 Samuel 29:9
New International Version
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.’

New Living Translation
But Achish insisted, “As far as I’m concerned, you’re as perfect as an angel of God. But the Philistine commanders are afraid to have you with them in the battle.

English Standard Version
And Achish answered David and said, “I know that you are as blameless in my sight as an angel of God. Nevertheless, the commanders of the Philistines have said, ‘He shall not go up with us to the battle.’

Berean Standard Bible
Achish replied, “I know that you are as pleasing in my sight as an angel of God. But the commanders of the Philistines have said, ‘He must not go into battle with us.’

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Then Achish answered and said to David, “I know that you are as good in my sight as an angel of God; nevertheless the princes of the Philistines have said, ‘He shall not go up with us to the battle.’

New American Standard Bible
But Achish replied to David, “I know that you are pleasing in my sight, like an angel of God; nevertheless the commanders of the Philistines have said, ‘He must not go up with us into the battle.’

NASB 1995
But Achish replied to David, “I know that you are pleasing in my sight, like an angel of God; nevertheless the commanders of the Philistines have said, ‘He must not go up with us to the battle.’

NASB 1977
But Achish answered and said to David, “I know that you are pleasing in my sight, like an angel of God; nevertheless the commanders of the Philistines have said, ‘He must not go up with us to the battle.’

Legacy Standard Bible
But Achish answered and said to David, “I know that you are pleasing in my sight, like an angel of God; nevertheless the commanders of the Philistines have said, ‘He must not go up with us to the battle.’

Amplified Bible
Achish answered David, “I know that you are blameless in my sight, like an angel of God; nevertheless the commanders of the Philistines have said, ‘He must not go up with us to the battle.’

Christian Standard Bible
Achish answered David, “I’m convinced that you are as reliable as an angel of God. But the Philistine commanders have said, ‘He must not go into battle with us.’

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Achish answered David, “I’m convinced that you are as reliable as the Angel of God. But the Philistine commanders have said, ‘He must not go into battle with us.’

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
Achish said: I believe that you're as good as an angel of God, but our army commanders have decided that you can't fight in this battle.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Achish answered David, "I admit that in my judgment you're as good as God's Messenger. However, the Philistine officers said, 'He shouldn't go into battle with us.'

Good News Translation
"I agree," Achish replied. "I consider you as loyal as an angel of God. But the other kings have said that you can't go with us into battle.

International Standard Version
Achish answered David, "I know that I'm pleased with you. You're like an angel of God. But the Philistine leaders have said, 'He mustn't go into battle with us.'

Majority Standard Bible
Achish replied, ?I know that you are as pleasing in my sight as an angel of God. But the commanders of the Philistines have said, ?He must not go into battle with us.?

NET Bible
Achish replied to David, "I am convinced that you are as reliable as the angel of God! However, the leaders of the Philistines have said, 'He must not go up with us in the battle.'

New Heart English Bible
Achish answered David, "I know that you are good in my sight, as an angel of God. Nevertheless the leaders of the Philistines have said, 'He shall not go up with us to the battle.'

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
Achish answered David, “I know that you are 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.’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Achish answers and says to David, “I have known that you [are] good in my eyes as a messenger of God; only, the princes of the Philistines have said, He does not go up with us into battle;

Young's Literal Translation
And Achish answereth and saith unto David, 'I have known that thou art good in mine eyes as a messenger of God; only, the princes of the Philistines have said, He doth not go up with us into battle;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Achish will answer and say to David, I knew that thou art good in mine eyes as a messenger of God: but the chiefs of the rovers said, He shall not go up with us in the war.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Achis answering said to David: I know that thou art good in my sight, as an angel of God: but the princes of the Philistines have said: He shall not go up with us to the battle.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And in response, Achish said to David: “I know that you are good in my sight, like an angel of God. But the leaders of the Philistines have said: ‘He shall not go up with us to the battle.’

New American Bible
“I recognize,” Achish answered David, “that you are trustworthy, like an angel of God. But the Philistine commanders are saying, ‘He must not go with us into battle.’

New Revised Standard Version
Achish replied to David, “I know that you are as blameless in my sight as an angel of God; nevertheless, the commanders of the Philistines have said, ‘He shall not go up with us to the battle.’
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
- - -

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Akish answered and said to David: “I know that you are good in my eyes, as an Angel of God, however the Princes of the Philistines say, ‘He shall not go with us to battle’
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Anchus answered David, I know that thou art good in my eyes, but the lords of the Philistines say, He shall not come with us to the war.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Philistines Reject David
8“But what have I done?” David replied. “What have you found against your servant, from the day I came to you until today, to keep me from going along to fight against the enemies of my lord the king?” 9Achish replied, “I know that you are as pleasing in my sight as an angel of God. But the commanders of the Philistines have said, ‘He must not go into battle with us.’ 10Now then, get up early in the morning, along with your master’s servants who came with you, and go as soon as it is light.”…

Cross References
1 Samuel 18:12-15
So Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul. / Therefore Saul sent David away and gave him command of a thousand men. David led the troops out to battle and back, / and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him. ...

1 Samuel 21:10-15
That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath. / But the servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David, the king of the land? Did they not sing about him in their dances, saying: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?” / Now David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish the king of Gath. ...

1 Samuel 27:1-4
David, however, said to himself, “One of these days now I will be swept away by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will stop searching for me all over Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.” / So David set out with his six hundred men and went to Achish son of Maoch, the king of Gath. / David and his men settled in Gath with Achish. Each man had his family with him, and David had his two wives: Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail of Carmel, the widow of Nabal. ...

1 Samuel 28:1-2
Now in those days the Philistines gathered their forces for warfare against Israel. So Achish said to David, “You must understand that you and your men are to go out to battle with me.” / David replied, “Then you will come to know what your servant can do.” “Very well,” said Achish. “I will make you my bodyguard for life.”

1 Samuel 30:1-6
On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down. / They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way. / When David and his men came to the city, they found it burned down and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. ...

2 Samuel 15:19-22
Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you also go with us? Go back and stay with the new king, since you are both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland. / In fact, you arrived only yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I do not know where I am going? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness.” / But Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!” ...

2 Kings 18:7
And the LORD was with Hezekiah, and he prospered wherever he went. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and refused to serve him.

Psalm 56:1-4
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack. / My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me. / When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. ...

Psalm 34:1-4
Of David, when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, so that the king drove him away. I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. / My soul boasts in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice. / Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together. ...

Psalm 18:43-45
You have delivered me from the strife of the people; You have made me the head of nations; a people I had not known shall serve me. / When they hear me, they obey me; foreigners cower before me. / Foreigners lose heart and come trembling from their strongholds.

Matthew 10:16
Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Matthew 5:10-12
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.

Luke 6:22-23
Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man. / Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For their fathers treated the prophets in the same way.

John 15:18-21
If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. / Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well. ...

Acts 5:29
But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.


Treasury of Scripture

And Achish answered and said to David, I know that you are 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.

as an angel

2 Samuel 14:17,20
Then thine handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall now be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad: therefore the LORD thy God will be with thee…

2 Samuel 19:27
And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes.

Galatians 4:14
And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.

the princes

1 Samuel 29:4
And the princes of the Philistines were wroth with him; and the princes of the Philistines said unto him, Make this fellow return, that he may go again to his place which thou hast appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he be an adversary to us: for wherewith should he reconcile himself unto his master? should it not be with the heads of these men?

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Acceptable Achish A'chish Angel Battle Blameless Commanders David Eyes Messenger Nevertheless Notwithstanding Philistine Philistines Pleasing Princes Rulers Sight True.
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Acceptable Achish A'chish Angel Battle Blameless Commanders David Eyes Messenger Nevertheless Notwithstanding Philistine Philistines Pleasing Princes Rulers Sight True.
1 Samuel 29
1. David marching with the Philistines
3. is disallowed by their princes
6. Achish dismisses him, with commendations of his fidelity














Achish replied
Achish, the king of Gath, is a Philistine ruler who has shown favor to David. This relationship is significant as it highlights the complex political dynamics between Israel and the Philistines. David, though anointed as the future king of Israel, finds refuge among Israel's enemies, showcasing God's providence and the unexpected ways He can protect His chosen ones.

I know that you are as pleasing in my sight
Achish's favorable view of David underscores David's ability to gain trust and respect, even among foreign leaders. This reflects David's wisdom and charisma, traits that are evident throughout his life. It also illustrates the theme of God's favor upon David, which is a recurring motif in his story.

as an angel of God
The comparison to an "angel of God" indicates a high level of trust and admiration. In biblical terms, angels are messengers and servants of God, often associated with divine presence and favor. This phrase suggests that Achish sees David as someone who carries a divine blessing, which is ironic given David's true allegiance to Israel.

But the commanders of the Philistines have said
The Philistine commanders' opposition to David highlights the tension and mistrust within the Philistine ranks. Despite Achish's trust, the other leaders are wary of David, likely due to his reputation as a formidable warrior against the Philistines. This internal conflict among the Philistines sets the stage for God's providential intervention in David's life.

‘He must not go into battle with us.’
The decision to exclude David from the battle is pivotal. It prevents David from fighting against his own people, preserving his integrity and future kingship. This moment reflects God's sovereignty in guiding David's path, ensuring that he remains blameless in the eyes of Israel. It also foreshadows David's eventual rise to power, as he is kept from actions that could compromise his future role as king.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Achish
The king of Gath, a Philistine city. He had a favorable view of David, seeing him as trustworthy and valuable, akin to an "angel of God."

2. David
The future king of Israel, who was living among the Philistines to escape King Saul. Despite his loyalty to Achish, he was not trusted by the other Philistine commanders.

3. Philistine Commanders
Military leaders of the Philistines who distrusted David, fearing he might turn against them in battle.

4. Gath
A major Philistine city where Achish ruled and where David sought refuge.

5. Battle
The impending conflict between the Philistines and Israelites, from which David was excluded due to the commanders' distrust.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's Sovereignty
Despite human plans and opinions, God's purposes prevail. David's exclusion from battle was part of God's protection and plan for him.

Integrity in Adversity
David maintained his integrity and loyalty to Achish, even when misunderstood. Believers are called to uphold their character in challenging situations.

Discernment in Alliances
Not all alliances are beneficial. David's situation reminds us to seek God's wisdom in our relationships and commitments.

God's Protection
Sometimes, what seems like a setback is God's way of protecting us from greater harm. Trust in His divine protection and timing.

Reputation and Witness
David's reputation as "an angel of God" among the Philistines challenges us to consider how we are perceived by those outside our faith community.(9) As an angel of God.--Again a simile, which Achish most likely borrowed from Hebrew thought, and made use of in his graceful courtesy as likely to be acceptable to David.

Verse 9. -

1 know that, etc. Rather, "I know it, for thou art good in my sight," i.e. 1 know all that thou wouldst say as to thy trustworthiness, and assent to it. As an angel of God. I.e. as a messenger of God, as one set to me by God.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Achish
אָכִישׁ֮ (’ā·ḵîš)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 397: Achish -- king of Gath

replied,
וַיַּ֣עַן (way·ya·‘an)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond

“I know
יָדַ֕עְתִּי (yā·ḏa‘·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3045: To know

that
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

you [are]
אַתָּ֛ה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

as pleasing
ט֥וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

in my sight
בְּעֵינַ֖י (bə·‘ê·nay)
Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | first person common singular
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

as an angel
כְּמַלְאַ֣ךְ (kə·mal·’aḵ)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel

of God.
אֱלֹהִ֑ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

But
אַ֣ךְ (’aḵ)
Adverb
Strong's 389: A particle of affirmation, surely

the commanders
שָׂרֵ֤י (śā·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

of the Philistines
פְלִשְׁתִּים֙ (p̄ə·liš·tîm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia

have said,
אָֽמְר֔וּ (’ā·mə·rū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

‘He must not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

go
יַעֲלֶ֥ה (ya·‘ă·leh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

into battle
בַּמִּלְחָמָֽה׃ (bam·mil·ḥā·māh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war

with us.’
עִמָּ֖נוּ (‘im·mā·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 5973: With, equally with


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OT History: 1 Samuel 29:9 Achish answered David I know that you (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 29:8
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