1 Samuel 29 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study

1 Samuel 29 Summary - A Quick Overview

WHEN:

• Israel’s first king, Saul, was appointed in approximately 1050 B.C.

• The events documented in 1 Samuel 29 took place between approximately 1015-1010 B.C.

• David lived in the land of the Philistines for 1 year and 4 months (27:7).

CHARACTERS:

• David – Samuel anointed him to be the second king of Israel. During these days, David lived amongst the Philistines because Saul, the first king of Israel, was trying to kill him.  

• Achish – The king of Gath. David was his bodyguard (28:2).

WHERE:

• The Philistine army camped at Aphek.

• The Israelite army camped at the spring of Jezreel (see the city of Jezreel in the territory of Issachar).

OUTLINE:

• THE PHILISTINE LORDS DISMISS DAVID FROM THEIR ARMY (29:1-5):

  • The Philistine army gathered at Aphek before attacking the Israelites.

  • When Achish’s company passed by, the lords of the Philistines took notice of David and his men because they were Israelites.

  • They asked Achish, “What are these Hebrews doing here?”

  • Achish informed the lords that the Hebrews were led by David, a man who had deserted to him from Israel and had been his loyal servant ever since.

  • The lords of the Philistines knew David, and how he had been a fierce warrior in Israel.

  • They didn’t want David fighting alongside them.

  • They feared he would turn against them in the battle to win favor with the Israelites.

• ACHISH SENDS DAVID HOME (29:6-11):

  • Achish went to David and told him the news.

  • He acknowledged David’s loyalty but told him he would need to return home to Ziklag.

  • In the morning, David headed south to Ziklag, and the Philistine army moved north to Jezreel.

APPLICATION:

• Rejection can be a gift from God.

• David was ready to fight against Saul and God’s people until the Philistine lords turned him away.

• God had another destiny for David as the leader of Israel rather than their adversary.

• When we experience rejection, even rejection that seems unfair or unjust, remember how David’s moment of rejection changed the trajectory of his life for the better.