1 Samuel 29:5

Is not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands?

EXPOSITORY (ENGLISH BIBLE)

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(5) Of whom they sang.—The folk-songs, which had originally excited Saul’s jealousy of the young hero David, were current among the Philistines, who seem to have been a musical people. David’s having apparently learned and practised Philistine music when in Gath, which he subsequently introduced into Jerusalem, has been already noticed.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

29:1-5 David waited with a secret hope that the Lord would help him out of his difficulty. But he seems to have been influenced too much by the fear of man, in consenting to attend Achish. It is hard to come near to the brink of sin, and not to fall in. God inclined the princes of the Philistines to oppose David's being employed in the battle. Thus their dislike befriended him, when no friend could do him such a kindness.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

He fell unto me - The regular word for deserting and going over to the other side. See Jeremiah 37:13; Jeremiah 38:19.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

4. the princes of the Philistines were wroth with him—It must be considered a happy circumstance in the overruling providence of God to rescue David out of the dangerous dilemma in which he was now placed. But David is not free from censure in his professions to Achish (1Sa 29:8), to do what he probably had not the smallest purpose of doing—of fighting with Achish against his enemies. It is just an instance of the unhappy consequences into which a false step—a departure from the straight course of duty—will betray everyone who commits it.

Matthew Poole's Commentary

No text from Poole on this verse.

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

Is not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances,.... Long ago:

saying, Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands; so that he is an old sworn enemy of ours; and the more valiant and victorious he has been, the less is he to be trusted, see 1 Samuel 18:7.

Geneva Study Bible

Is not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands?

EXEGETICAL (ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)

Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

5. of whom they sang] “Of whom they sing one to another in the dances;” i.e. in popular songs at festivals. See on 1 Samuel 21:11.

1 Samuel 29:5

Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament

To justify their suspicion, the princes reminded him of their song with which the women in Israel had celebrated David's victory over Goliath (1 Samuel 18:7).