1 Samuel – Chapter 29

Old Testament • 11 Verses

Chapter Summary

"Now all the troops of the Philistines were gathered together to Aphec: and Israel also encamped by the fountain, which is in Jezrahel." — so begins 1 Samuel 29. The chapter centers on David and Saul. Across its 11 verses, two threads run through the text: sin and divine judgment and God's kingdom and kingship. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1Now all the troops of the Philistines were gathered together to Aphec: and Israel also encamped by the fountain, which is in Jezrahel.

2And the lords of the Philistines marched with their hundreds and their thousands: but David and his men were in the rear with Achis.

3And the princes of the Philistines said to Achis: What mean these Hebrews? And Achis said to the princes of the Philistines: Do you not know David who was the servant of Saul, the king of Israel, and hath been with me many days, or years, and I have found no fault in him, since the day that he fled over to me until this day?

4But the prices of the Philistines were angry with him, and they said to him: Let this man return, and abide in his place, which thou hast appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest he be an adversary to us, when we shall begin to fight: for how can he otherwise appease his master, but with our heads?

5Is not this David, to whom they sung in their dances, saying: Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands?

6Then Achis called David, and said to him: As the Lord liveth, thou art upright and good in my sight: and so is thy going out, and thy coming in with me in the army: and I have not found any evil in thee, since the day that thou camest to me unto this day: but thou pleasest not the lords.

7Return therefore, and go in peace, and offend not the eyes of the princes of the Philistines.

8And David said to Achis: But what have I done, or what hast thou found in me thy servant, from the day that I have been in thy sight until this day, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?

9And Achis answering, said to David: I know that thou art good in my sight, as an angel of God: But the princes of the Philistines have said: He shall not go up with us to the battle.

10Therefore arise in the morning, thou, and the servants of thy lord, who came with thee: and when you are up before day, and it shall begin to be light, go on your way.

11So David and his men arose in the night, that they might set forward in the morning, and returned to the land of the Philistines: and the Philistines went up to Jezrahel.

Important Verses in 1 Samuel 29

“Now all the troops of the Philistines were gathered together to Aphec: and Israel also encamped by the fountain, which is in Jezrahel.”

1 Samuel 29:1

“But the prices of the Philistines were angry with him, and they said to him: Let this man return, and abide in his place, which thou hast appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest he be an adversary to us, when we shall begin to fight: for how can he otherwise appease his master, but with our heads?”

1 Samuel 29:4

“Return therefore, and go in peace, and offend not the eyes of the princes of the Philistines.”

1 Samuel 29:7

“Therefore arise in the morning, thou, and the servants of thy lord, who came with thee: and when you are up before day, and it shall begin to be light, go on your way.”

1 Samuel 29:10

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, 1 Samuel was written with israel reflecting on the origins and meaning of kingship under God in view. Chapter 29 of 31 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 11 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. David and Saul appear at the center of the events recorded here. It opens with the line: "Now all the troops of the Philistines were gathered together to Aphec: and Israel also encamped by the fountain, which…" The final verse reads: "So David and his men arose in the night, that they might set forward in the morning, and returned to the land of the…" Read against its original backdrop, First Samuel narrates Israel's transition from the age of the judges to the monarchy: the birth and call of Samuel, the demand for a king, the tragic reign of Saul, and the rise of David. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Events of the 11th century BC; compiled during the monarchy or exile.

Who Wrote It

Traditions associated with Samuel, Nathan, and Gad, compiled by later inspired editors

When It Was Written

Events of the 11th century BC; compiled during the monarchy or exile

Catholic Commentary

Read at the narrative level, this chapter describes real persons, decisions, and consequences within the transition from judges to monarchy. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Now all the troops of the Philistines were gathered together to Aphec: and Israel also encamped by the fountain, which is in Jezrahel." The passage repeatedly touches on sin and divine judgment.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 2466). Here, the anointing of kings prefigures Christ, the Anointed One (CIC 436). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize sin and divine judgment as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God looks at the heart, not outward appearance. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, 1 Samuel 29 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • ✓Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • ✓God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.

People in This Chapter

David8 mentionsSaul2 mentions

Reflection for Today

The late section of 1 Samuel—Chapter 29 of 31—opens a particular moment in the story of the transition from judges to monarchy.

According to Catholic teaching, the anointing of kings prefigures Christ, the Anointed One (CIC 436). This chapter especially highlights the role of the sacraments in sanctification, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 1362).

Let 1 Samuel Chapter 29 deepen your love for the Eucharist, where the Word made flesh continues to feed His people. The same Christ who speaks in Scripture offers Himself sacramentally on the altar.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 1 Samuel Chapter 29 about?

1 Samuel 29 contains 11 verses. It opens with "Now all the troops of the Philistines were gathered together to Aphec: and Israel also encamped by the fountain, which…" and closes with "So David and his men arose in the night, that they might set forward in the morning, and returned to the land of the…". The book as a whole is historical narrative.

What is a key verse in 1 Samuel 29?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Now all the troops of the Philistines were gathered together to Aphec: and Israel also encamped by the fountain, which is in Jezrahel." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in 1 Samuel Chapter 29?

This chapter mentions David, Saul.

Who wrote 1 Samuel and when?

Traditions associated with Samuel, Nathan, and Gad, compiled by later inspired editors. Events of the 11th century BC; compiled during the monarchy or exile.

Related Chapters

2 Samuel 2Shares people and themes with this chapter1 Chronicles 10Shares people and themes with this chapterPsalms 58Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Act of Contrition🙏Kyrie Eleison🙏The Our Father🙏Novena to Christ the King

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