AB - I Samuel - 29

29:1  And the Philistines gathered all their armies to Aphek, and Israel encamped in Endor, which is in Jezreel.

29:2  And the lords of the Philistines went on by hundreds and thousands, and David and his men went on in the rear with Achish.

29:3  And the lords of the Philistines said, Who are these that pass by? And Achish said to the captains of the Philistines, Is not this David the servant of Saul king of Israel? He has been with us some time, even this second year, and I have not found any fault in him from the day that he attached himself to me, even until this day.

29:4  And the captains of the Philistines were displeased at him, and they said to him, Send the man away, and let him return to his place, which you have appointed for him; and let him not come with us to the war, and let him not be a traitor in the camp. And with what will he be reconciled to his master? Will it not be with the heads of those men?

29:5  Is not this David whom they celebrated in dances, saying, Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands?

29:6  And Achish called David and said to him, As the Lord lives, you are right and approved in my eyes, and so is your going out and your coming in with me in the army, and I have not found any evil to charge against you from the day that you came to me until this day. But you are not approved in the eyes of the lords.

29:7  Now then return and go in peace, thus you shall not do evil in the sight of the lords of the Philistines.

29:8  And David said to Achish, What have I done to you? And what have you found in your servant from the first day that I was before you, even until this day, that I should not come and war against the enemies of the lord my king?

29:9  And Achish answered David, I know that you are good in my eyes, but the lords of the Philistines say, He shall not come with us to the war.

29:10  Now then rise up early in the morning, you and the servants of your lord that have come with you, and go to the place where I appointed you, and entertain no evil thought in your heart, for you are good in my sight. And rise early for your journey when it is light, and depart.

29:11  So David arose early, he and his men, to depart and guard the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel to battle.