1 Samuel 29:11
So David and his men rose up early to depart in the morning, to return into the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם
rose up early
H7925
וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם
rose up early
Strong's:
H7925
Word #:
1 of 13
literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning
ה֤וּא
H1931
ה֤וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
3 of 13
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וַֽאֲנָשָׁיו֙
and his men
H582
וַֽאֲנָשָׁיו֙
and his men
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
לָלֶ֣כֶת
H1980
לָלֶ֣כֶת
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
5 of 13
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בַּבֹּ֔קֶר
in the morning
H1242
בַּבֹּ֔קֶר
in the morning
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
לָשׁ֖וּב
to return
H7725
לָשׁ֖וּב
to return
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
7 of 13
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
וּפְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
And the Philistines
H6430
וּפְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
And the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
10 of 13
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
וּפְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
And the Philistines
H6430
וּפְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
And the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
11 of 13
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
Historical Context
The three-day journey from Aphek to Ziklag would have David arriving approximately when the battle at Gilboa occurred. The geographic and temporal separation meant David was clearly absent from both armies during the decisive confrontation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's timing in one area of life connect to developments in others?
- What does David's absence from the battle suggest about God's preparation of future leaders?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The chapter's conclusion, noting David's early departure and the Philistines' advance to Jezreel, sets the stage for simultaneous narratives: David returning to Ziklag and the Philistines marching to battle. The separation of these storylines creates dramatic tension. While David travels south, the battle that will change Israel's history proceeds north. Divine providence has extracted David from the conflict that will kill Saul and Jonathan, preserving him for the throne while removing the barriers to his succession.