1 Samuel 29:6 Commentary and Bible Study

Achish is forced to pass on to David the decision of the lords of the Philistines. He almost apologises for doing so, and seems to want to assure David that the decision has nothing to do with him. He still retains complete confidence in David, and is anxious to show that he has found no cause whatsoever to distrust him. The blame for this unwelcome message – as he imagines – is entirely due to the other four lords. David plays along with this, and continues to act out his deception, though secretly he must have been immensely relieved. He is still trying to protect himself. To his relief he is being turfed out and sent home, but he wants the goodwill of Achish to get out of the city, as it were. He has got to be delivered from this make-believe life that he is presenting to the king, and this will be the next part of God’s deliverance. There is a tremendous phrase here: ‘Then Achish called David, and said unto him, Surely, as the LORD liveth.’ What is this? Which Lord? There were, of course, several Philistine gods, but it is in the singular. It is almost as though Achish is strongly influenced by David, even though they are not anywhere near each other in proximity in their dwellings. The chief lord of the Philistines, the king of Gath, Achish, using Israel's language? He is a polytheist! He utters the divine name of the Israelites expressed in capital letters here, the word LORD – ‘As the LORD liveth.’ Is he being ultra polite to David, to use the name of his God, or is he sincere? As you look at Achish, he seems to be half a Christian, so to speak, half an Israelites. But half a believer is still a Philistine; don't let us be overimpressed.