1 Samuel 28:1
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיְהִי֙
H1961
וַֽיְהִי֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 22
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בַּיָּמִ֣ים
And it came to pass in those days
H3117
בַּיָּמִ֣ים
And it came to pass in those days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 22
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
פְלִשְׁתִּ֤ים
that the Philistines
H6430
פְלִשְׁתִּ֤ים
that the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
5 of 22
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה
their armies
H4264
בַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה
their armies
Strong's:
H4264
Word #:
7 of 22
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
לַצָּבָ֔א
for warfare
H6635
לַצָּבָ֔א
for warfare
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
8 of 22
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
with Israel
H3478
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
with Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
10 of 22
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
תֵּדַ֗ע
Know
H3045
תֵּדַ֗ע
Know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
15 of 22
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
תֵּדַ֗ע
Know
H3045
תֵּדַ֗ע
Know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
16 of 22
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
17 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִתִּי֙
H854
אִתִּי֙
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
18 of 22
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
תֵּצֵ֣א
that thou shalt go out
H3318
תֵּצֵ֣א
that thou shalt go out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
19 of 22
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
Historical Context
The Philistine confederation periodically united against Israel, pooling resources from their five major cities. This campaign, which would culminate at Mount Gilboa, represented a major offensive that would reshape the political landscape of the region.
Questions for Reflection
- When have compromises you made for short-term safety created impossible situations later?
- How do you respond when conflicting loyalties finally demand a choice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Philistine mobilization for war against Israel creates the crisis that will expose both David's compromised position and Saul's spiritual bankruptcy. Achish's command that David join the battle ('thou shalt go out with me to battle') forces the conflict David had avoided: fighting against his own people alongside pagan enemies. The Hebrew 'yatso' (go out) in military context means active combat participation, not merely accompanying the army. David faces the consequences of his Philistine alliance.