1 Samuel 29:3-8 ▼

3 The Philistine leaders said, |What are these Hebrews doing here?| Achish asked the Philistine leaders, |Isn't this David, the servant of King Saul of Israel, who has been with me these days, or rather these years? I've found no fault in him from the day he deserted until now.|

4 But the Philistine leaders were angry with him, so they pleaded with him, |Send the man back! Let him return to the place you assigned him. He mustn't go into battle with us. Otherwise, he may become our adversary in the battle! How could there be a better way for this fellow to reconcile himself with his lord? Wouldn't it be with the heads of these men?

5 Isn't this the same David about whom the maidens sang when they were dancing, 'Saul has struck down his thousands, but David his ten thousands'?|

6 Then Achish summoned David and told him, |As surely as the LORD lives, you are trustworthy, and it seems good to me for you to campaign with me as part of the army. Indeed, I've not found any evil in you from the time you came to me until now. But the leaders don't approve of you.

7 Now return and go in peace, so you do nothing to displease the Philistine leaders.|

8 David told Achish, |What have I done, and what have you found in your servant from the time I came before you until this very moment, that I shouldn't go out and fight the enemies of your majesty?|