1 Samuel 27:8-12 ▼

8 Now David (beloved) and his men went up and raided the Geshurites, the Girzites (a portion), and the Amalekites (dwellers in a valley). (From ancient times these people had inhabited the land extending to Shur (wall) and Egypt (land of bondage).)

9 Whenever David (beloved) attacked a territory, he did not leave a man or woman alive, but he took the flocks and herds, the donkeys, camels, and clothing. Then he would return to Achish (I will blacken),

10 who (I will blacken) would ask him, “What have you⁺ raided today?” And David (beloved) would reply, “The Negev (southland) of Judah (praised),” or “The Negev of Jerahmeel,” or “The Negev of the Kenites (smiths).”

11 David (beloved) did not leave a man or woman alive to be brought to Gath (winepress), for he said, “Otherwise they will report us, saying, ‘This is what David did.’” And this was David’s custom the whole time he lived in Philistine (immigrants) territory.

12 So Achish (I will blacken) trusted David (beloved), thinking, “Since he has made himself an utter stench to his people Israel (he wrestles with God), he will be my servant forever.”