1 Samuel 21:11
And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?
Original Language Analysis
הֲלוֹא
H3808
הֲלוֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לָזֶ֗ה
one to another of him
H2088
לָזֶ֗ה
one to another of him
Strong's:
H2088
Word #:
6 of 19
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
הֲל֣וֹא
H3808
הֲל֣וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לָזֶ֗ה
one to another of him
H2088
לָזֶ֗ה
one to another of him
Strong's:
H2088
Word #:
11 of 19
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
יַֽעֲנ֤וּ
did they not sing
H6030
יַֽעֲנ֤וּ
did they not sing
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
הִכָּ֤ה
hath slain
H5221
הִכָּ֤ה
hath slain
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
15 of 19
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
בַּֽאֲלָפָ֔ו
his thousands
H505
בַּֽאֲלָפָ֔ו
his thousands
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
17 of 19
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
Cross References
1 Samuel 29:5Is not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands?1 Samuel 16:1And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.
Historical Context
The Philistines maintained extensive intelligence about Israel's leadership and military heroes. Victory songs celebrating military achievements were common throughout the ancient Near East and would have been known to neighboring peoples through various channels.
Questions for Reflection
- How has your reputation or past achievements created unexpected challenges?
- What does the Philistines' recognition of David teach about how God's work becomes visible even to unbelievers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?
The Philistine servants' recognition exposes David's perilous position. Their reference to the victory song (first recorded in 18:7) shows how David's fame had spread even to Israel's enemies. The phrase 'king of the land' (Hebrew 'melek ha'aretz') reveals the Philistines perceived David's true significance before Israel formally acknowledged it. Their knowledge of Hebrew songs and dances indicates significant cultural exchange between the peoples despite ongoing warfare. David's reputation, which should have brought honor, now threatened his life—demonstrating how the same qualities that elevate us can also endanger us in hostile contexts.