5 And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.
5 When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart.
5 When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly.
5 But when Saul saw the Philistine troops, he shook in his boots, scared to death.
5 When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly.
5 When Saul saw the vast Philistine army, he became frantic with fear.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:5
Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:1-6
(Read 1 Samuel 28:1-6)
David could not refuse Achish without danger. If he promised assistance, and then stood neuter, or went over to the Israelites, he would behave with ingratitude and treachery. If he fought against Israel, he would sin greatly. It seemed impossible that he should get out of this difficulty with a clear conscience; but his evasive answer, intended to gain time, was not consistent with the character of an Israelite indeed. Troubles are terrors to the children of disobedience. In his distress, Saul inquired of the Lord. He did not seek in faith, but with a double, unstable mind. Saul had put the law in force against those that had familiar spirits, Exodus 22:18. Many seem zealous against, sin, when they are any way hurt by it, who have no concern for the glory of God, nor any dislike of sin as sin. Many seem enemies to sin in others, while they indulge it in themselves. Saul will drive the devil out of his kingdom, yet harbours him in his heart by envy and malice. How foolish to consult those whom, according to God's law, he had endeavoured to root out!