1The Philistines assembled all their forces at Aphek, while Israel camped near the spring at Jezreel.
2As the Philistine rulers marched with their units of hundreds and thousands, David and his men were marching in the rear with Achish.
3The Philistine commanders asked, 'What are these Hebrews doing here?' Achish replied, 'Is this not David, who served Saul king of Israel? He has been with me for over a year. I have found nothing to criticize since he came over to me.'
4But the commanders were angry. They told Achish, 'Send this man back! He must return to the town you gave him. He cannot go into battle with us — he might turn against us in the fight. What better way could he win back his master's favor than by taking the heads of our own men?'
5'Is this not the David they sing about in their dances: Saul has killed his thousands, and David his tens of thousands?'
6So Achish called David and said to him, 'I swear by the LORD you have been loyal, and I would be pleased to have you serve with me in battle. I have found no fault in you since you arrived. But the other rulers don't approve of you.'
7'So turn back and go in peace, and do nothing to displease the Philistine rulers.'
8David asked, 'But what have I done? What have you found against me during all the time I have been with you? Why can't I go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?'
9Achish replied, 'I know you have been as blameless as an angel of God in my eyes. But the Philistine commanders have said, He shall not go with us into battle.'
10'So rise early in the morning along with your master's servants who came with you. As soon as it is light, leave.'
11So David and his men got up early to leave that morning and return to Philistine territory, while the Philistines marched on to Jezreel.