Is not this David, of whom they sing to one another in dances, ‘Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands’?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Notice how the women's song about David's victories isn't just praise, but a subtle, almost accidental, reordering of power. It highlights David's accomplishments in a way that naturally outshines Saul's, setting the stage for his future kingship in a way that even he, at this moment, might not fully grasp.
Is not this David, of whom they sing to one another in dances, ‘Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands’?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
David, seeking refuge from King Saul, has joined the Philistine army and is now marching with them to fight against Israel. This means David is literally about to go to battle against his own people, a deeply compromising and dangerous situation that sets up his desperate plea to the Philistine commanders to be sent home. The verses immediately following will show how David is sent back, narrowly avoiding this disastrous confrontation.
David had achieved legendary status, but not where he might have expected. His fame was a double-edged sword, creating a dangerous situation.
The Unseen Repercussions of Fame
David, the rising hero of Israel, is now living among the Philistines, their sworn enemy. Here, his fame has preceded him in a way that is both a testament to his skill and a source of immense peril.
The same achievements that made David a hero in Israel turned him into a potential enemy in Philistia. His song of glory became a song of danger.
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Fame's Double Edge: Israel vs. Philistia
The verse starkly contrasts how David's reputation is perceived and functions in two different worlds.
The verse highlights the dramatic irony of David's situation: the very people who once sang songs of his prowess against their own people (the Israelites) now have him in their camp, ready to fight against his own countrymen.
c. 1030 BC
Saul Anointed King
Samuel anoints Saul as the first king of Israel, marking a shift from tribal confederation to monarchy.
c. 1020 BC
David Slays Goliath
A young David defeats the Philistine champion Goliath, becoming a national hero and earning widespread acclaim.
c. 1020-1015 BC
David's Rise and Saul's Jealousy
David gains popularity through military victories, serving in Saul’s army, but Saul becomes intensely jealous and attempts to kill him.
c. 1015-1012 BC— this verse
David Flees Saul
David spends several years as a fugitive, hiding in various wilderness locations and even living among the Philistines briefly to escape Saul.
c. 1012 BC
David Serves the Philistines
David, leading a large band of followers, pledges allegiance to Achish, king of Gath, and raids surrounding territories for the Philistines.
c. 1010 BC
Battle of Mount Gilboa
Saul and his sons are killed in battle against the Philistines, ending Saul's reign and paving the way for David's eventual kingship over all Israel.
This passage directly echoes the sentiment of the women's song mentioned in 1 Samuel 29:5, showing the incredible fame and admiration David had already earned.
2 Samuel 5:1-3This passage highlights how David, after becoming king, was recognized by all Israel as the one God had chosen to lead them, reflecting the 'ten thousands' David had struck down in popular acclaim.
Psalm 18:34-35In this psalm, David attributes his skill in battle and his strength to God, mirroring the idea that his victories and subsequent fame were not solely his own, but divinely enabled.
1 Samuel 21:11This shows how David's reputation had preceded him even to the enemy camp of the Philistines, demonstrating the widespread knowledge of his prowess as a warrior that made him a threat.
Notice how the women's song about David's victories isn't just praise, but a subtle, almost accidental, reordering of power. It highlights David's accomplishments in a way that naturally outshines Saul's, setting the stage for his future kingship in a way that even he, at this moment, might not fully grasp.
David, seeking refuge from King Saul, has joined the Philistine army and is now marching with them to fight against Israel. This means David is literally about to go to battle against his own people, a deeply compromising and dangerous situation that sets up his desperate plea to the Philistine commanders to be sent home. The verses immediately following will show how David is sent back, narrowly avoiding this disastrous confrontation.
David, seeking refuge from King Saul, has joined the Philistine army and is now marching with them to fight against Israel. This means David is literally about to go to battle against his own people, a deeply compromising and dangerous situation that sets up his desperate plea to the Philistine commanders to be sent home. The verses immediately following will show how David is sent back, narrowly avoiding this disastrous confrontation.
"Is not this David, of whom they sing to one another in dances,
‘Saul has struck down his thousands,
and David his ten thousands’?”" — Notice how the women's song about David's victories isn't just praise, but a subtle, almost accidental, reordering of power. It highlights David's accomplishments in a way that naturally outshines Sa…
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Last reviewed October 2026