1Samuel 29

The Philistines Reject David

29The entire Philistine army now mobilized at Aphek, and the Israelites camped at the spring in Jezreel.H6430H6908H4264H663H3478H2583H5869H31572As the Philistine rulers were leading out their troops in groups of hundreds and thousands, David and his men marched at the rear with King Achish.H5633H6430H5674H3967H505H1732H582H5674H314H3973But the Philistine commanders demanded, "What are these Hebrews doing here?" And Achish told them, "This is David, the servant of King Saul of Israel. He's been with me for years, and I've never found a single fault in him from the day he arrived until today."H559H8269H6430H5680H397H559H8269H6430H1732H5650H7586H4428H3478H3117H8141H4672H3972H3117H5307H31174But the Philistine commanders were angry. "Send him back to the town you've given him!" they demanded. "He can't go into the battle with us. What if he turns against us in battle and becomes our adversary? Is there any better way for him to reconcile himself with his master than by handing our heads over to him?H8269H6430H7107H8269H6430H559H7725H376H7725H7725H4725H6485H3381H4421H4421H7854H7521H113H7218H5825Isn't this the same David about whom the women of Israel sing in their dances, 'Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands'?"H1732H6030H4246H559H7586H5221H505H1732H72336So Achish finally summoned David and said to him, "I swear by the LORD that you have been a trustworthy ally. I think you should go with me into battle, for I've never found a single flaw in you from the day you arrived until today. But the other Philistine rulers won't hear of it.H397H7121H1732H559H3068H2416H3477H3318H935H4264H2896H5869H4672H7451H3117H935H3117H5633H2896H58697Please don't upset them, but go back quietly."H7725H3212H7965H6213H7451H5869H5633H64308"What have I done to deserve this treatment?" David demanded. "What have you ever found in your servant, that I can't go and fight the enemies of my lord the king?"H1732H559H397H6213H4672H5650H3117H6440H3117H935H3898H341H113H44289But Achish insisted, "As far as I'm concerned, you're as perfect as an angel of God. But the Philistine commanders are afraid to have you with them in the battle.H397H6030H559H1732H3045H2896H5869H4397H430H8269H6430H559H5927H442110Now get up early in the morning, and leave with your men as soon as it gets light."H7925H1242H113H5650H935H7925H1242H215H321211So David and his men headed back into the land of the Philistines, while the Philistine army went on to Jezreel.H1732H582H7925H3212H1242H7725H776H6430H6430H5927H3157