Bible Strands
1 Samuel 29:7
Therefore turn back now and go in peace, so that you will not do anything to displease the leaders of the Philistines.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Achish speaks to David at the Philistine camp just before battle. He orders David to withdraw to prevent the Philistine commanders from objecting to an enemy ally fighting on their behalf.
The words — שׁוּב (shuv) means "turn back" and בְּשָׁלוֹם (be'shalom) means "in peace." Together they command a peaceful departure rather than a hostile exit.
The thread — The phrase "in peace" echoes the diplomatic dismissal motif found in Numbers 22:34, where a character acknowledges a forced reversal of course to avoid conflict. The command to avoid doing "evil" (רָע) in the eyes of others parallels the recurring biblical pattern of yielding to political pressure to preserve broader stability.
Why it lands — It requires the reader to acknowledge that strategic withdrawal sometimes serves a greater purpose than immediate confrontation. The verse demonstrates that preserving alliances and avoiding unnecessary provocation can require temporary compliance with unjust demands.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Wherefore now return, and go in peace, that thou displease not the lords of the Philistines.
Cross-references
- Numbers 22:34 “I have sinned,” Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, “for I did not realize that you were standing in the road to confront me. And now, if this is displeasing in your sight, I will go back home.”