29 Meanwhile, the Philistines had gathered in their camp at Afek, while the Israelis were camped near the Yezreel spring. 2 As the Philistine leaders marched out groups of hundreds and thousands, David and his men were behind them with King Akish. 3 But the Philistine commanders asked, “What are those Hebrews doing here?”

“That’s David,” Akish replied. “He was the servant of King Sha’ul of Israel, but he’s been with me for over a year, and I haven’t found anything distrustful in him from when he lost favour until today?”

4 But the Philistine commanders were furious at him and told him, “Send that man back to whatever place you’ve given him! There’s no way he’s joining us in the battle! What if he turned against us during the fight? What better way could he have to win back his master’s favour than by killing our men? 5 Isn’t this the David that when they dance they sing,[ref]

‘Sha’ul has struck down his thousands,

≈and David his ten thousands’?”

6 So Achish called David and told him, “As Yahweh lives, you’ve definitely been honest, and everything I’ve seen of your activities has been good, because I haven’t seen you do anything wrong since the day you first arrived. However, these rulers don’t approve of you, 7 so turn back and go in peace so that you don’t do anything to displease them.”

8 “But what have I done?” David rebutted. “What wrong have you found in your servant from the day I arrived at your place until now? Why can’t I come and fight against the enemies of my master the king?”

9 “All I know, is that as far as I’m concerned you’re as reliable as a messenger from God.” Akish responded. “Nevertheless, the Philistine commanders have said, ‘He can’t join our side in the battle.’ 10 So you and your master’s servants who came with you should get up with the early morning light and leave.”

11 So David and his men packed up early in the morning to return to the Philistines region, but the Philistine warriors headed towards Yezreel.