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1 Samuel 28

And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said unto David, Know thou assuredly, that thou shalt go out with me to battle, thou and thy men.

And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever.

Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.

And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.

And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.

And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams nor by Urim, nor by prophets.

Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.

And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee.

And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die?

And Saul sware to her by the LORD, saying, As the LORD liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing.

Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel.

And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.

And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth.

And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.

And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.

Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?

And the LORD hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David:

Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the LORD, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath the LORD done this thing unto thee this day.

Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.

Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night.

And the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said unto him, Behold, thine handmaid hath obeyed thy voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have hearkened unto thy words which thou spakest unto me.

Now therefore, I pray thee, hearken thou also unto the voice of thine handmaid, and let me set a morsel of bread before thee; and eat, that thou mayest have strength, when thou goest on thy way.

But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed.

And the woman had a fat calf in the house; and she hasted, and killed it, and took flour, and kneaded it, and did bake unleavened bread thereof:

And she brought it before Saul, and before his servants; and they did eat. Then they rose up, and went away that night.

What does 1 Samuel 28:2 mean?

1 Samuel 28:2

"And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever."

Explanation

1 Samuel 28:2 recounts a conversation between David and Achish, the Philistine king of Gath. David had been living among the Philistines to escape King Saul, who viewed him as a threat and sought to kill him.

In this verse, David seems to express his loyalty to Achish, indicating his willingness to serve him. Achish, in turn, demonstrates his trust in David by stating he will make David his personal bodyguard indefinitely ("keeper of mine head for ever").

It suggests a significant level of trust on Achish's part, despite David being an Israelite and previously an adversary to the Philistines.

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Historical Context

The verse is set during a time of conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines.

David, while anointed as the future king of Israel, is not yet in that position and is fleeing from current King Saul.

David finds refuge with the Philistines, Israel's enemies, which presents a complex political and personal situation.

At this point, the Philistines are preparing for another battle against Israel, and David's position is precarious as he must navigate his loyalties between Saul, his people, and his Philistine hosts.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse illustrates themes of divine providence and the complex moral choices that individuals face. It raises questions about David's intentions and his faithfulness to God while living among pagans.

Some theologians might argue that David's actions show prudence and his trust in God's plan, while others might see a darker moment in David's life where he appears to align with God's enemies.

Practical Applications

In a modern context, this verse can be viewed as a lesson in diplomacy and the art of survival in adverse conditions.

It teaches the importance of wisdom and discretion when navigating between conflicting loyalties.

It could also serve as a reminder to be discerning about whom we place our trust in and how we demonstrate loyalty in our relationships.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 27:1: "And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines..."
Psalm 56:1: "...when the Philistines took him in Gath."
2 Samuel 15:19: "Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile."

Language Study

The key phrase "keeper of mine head" merits attention.

In the original Hebrew text, "head" (rosh) can be interpreted as "life" or "person," and "keeper" (shamar) connotes "guarding" or "protecting." Thus, Achish is effectively saying he wants David to be his personal bodyguard or protector, reflecting a significant level of trust and honor.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a foreigner serving as a close protector or high-ranking military official appears in other cultures, such as the Mamluks in medieval Islamic societies or the Varangian Guard in the Byzantine Empire.

It is an example of how practical political needs can transcend cultural and religious boundaries.

Scientific Perspectives

While there may not be direct scientific perspectives on this verse, in general, the study of ancient military tactics and ruler bodyguard practices can offer insight into the historical accuracy of the relationships depicted in this text.

commentaries

Commentators such as Matthew Henry interpret this verse as a display of David's cunning, suggesting that he is deliberately ambiguous in his words to Achish to maintain his safety without directly betraying his Israelite heritage.

Others, like John Gill, note the irony in Achish's unknowingly placing his trust in the future king of his adversaries.

Critical commentators might focus on the verse's portrayal of realpolitik and the moral compromises that can accompany survival and power.

1 Samuel 28

1 Samuel 28

What does 1 Samuel 28:2 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 1 Samuel Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does 1 Samuel 28:2 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 1 Samuel Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?