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Philistines Reject David

¹ The Philistines^(C1) brought all their military units together at Aphek^(C2) while Israel was camped by the spring in Jezreel.^{(C3) 2} As the Philistine leaders were passing in review with their units of hundreds and thousands, David and his men^(C1) were passing in review behind them with Achish. ³ Then the Philistine commanders asked, “What are these Hebrews doing here?”

Achish answered the Philistine commanders, “That is David, servant of King Saul of Israel. He has been with me a considerable period of time.^(F1) From the day he defected until today, I’ve found no fault with him.”^(C1)

⁴ The Philistine commanders, however, were enraged with Achish and told him, “Send that man back and let him return to the place you assigned him.^(C1) He must not go down with us into battle only to become our adversary during the battle.^(C2) What better way could he ingratiate himself with his master than with the heads of our men? ⁵ Isn’t this the David they sing about during their dances:

⁶ So Achish summoned David and told him, “As the Lord lives, you are an honorable man. I think it is good^(F1) to have you fighting^(F2) in this unit with me, because I have found no fault in you from the day you came to me until today.^(C1) But the leaders don’t think you are reliable. ⁷ Now go back quietly and you won’t be doing anything the Philistine leaders think is wrong.”

⁸ “But what have I done?” ^(C1) David replied to Achish. “From the first day I entered your service until today, what have you found against your servant to keep me from going to fight against the enemies of my lord the king?”

⁹ Achish answered David, “I’m convinced that you are as reliable as an angel of God.^(C1) But the Philistine commanders have said, ‘He must not go into battle with us.’^{(C2) 10} So get up early in the morning, you and your masters’ servants who came with you.^(F1)(C1) When you’ve all gotten up early, go as soon as it’s light.” ¹¹ So David and his men got up early in the morning to return to the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel.