“Is not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands?”
Context:The book of 1 Samuel provides an account of the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. In this particular chapter, we find the Philistines preparing for battle against Israel, and David, who had been serving as a mercenary under Achish, the king of Gath, is also part of their forces.
Historical background:At this point in David’s life, he was on the run from King Saul, who was envious of David’s military success and popularity. David sought refuge with the Philistine king Achish, and he was given the city of Ziklag to reside in. However, when the Philistines gathered for war against Israel, Achish insisted that David join them. David agreed but was secretly planning to side with Israel rather than fight against them.
The reputation of David:Verse 5 refers to the popular praise that was given to David for his military achievements. The people used to sing a song praising both Saul and David, but David’s accomplishments were seen as surpassing Saul’s. The people celebrated David, attributing tens of thousands of slain enemies to him, while Saul was only credited with thousands. This song of praise became well‑known among the Israelites and was remembered by the Philistines as well.
Irony and conflict:In the context of the chapter, the Philistine commanders were suspicious of David’s loyalty. They questioned his presence in their ranks, expressing concern that he might turn against them in the midst of battle. Their skepticism arises from their understanding of David’s reputation and his earlier interactions with the Philistines, where he pretended to be insane to avoid capture.
God’s providence:Although the specific phrase “God” is not mentioned in this verse, it is essential to consider the broader context of David’s life and God’s role in his story. Throughout David’s journey, God had been guiding and protecting him, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. Despite the precarious situation David found himself in, God ultimately prevented him from fighting against his own people, the Israelites.
Key Takeaways:Reputation:David gained significant renown for his military exploits, and his fame spread among both the Israelites and the Philistines. Irony:The Philistines questioned David’s loyalty due to his reputation as a warrior, creating a conflict of interest between David and his Philistine allies. Divine intervention:Although not explicitly mentioned in this verse, God’s providence can be seen throughout David’s life, guiding and protecting him, and ultimately preventing him from fighting against his own people. By studying this verse, we gain insights into the reputation and challenges faced by David and see how God’s providence was at work even in the midst of complex situations.
