David rescues the families of his troops

The Philistines send David back

1The Philistines had brought their whole army to Aphek,29.1 Aphek: The events of chapter 29 probably took place as the Philistine army was on its way to Shunem, which they reached in 28.4. while Israel's army was camping near Jezreel Spring. 2-3The Philistine rulers and their troops were marching past the Philistine army commanders in groups of a hundred and a thousand. When David and his men marched by at the end with Achish, the commanders said, “What are these worthless Israelites doing here?”

“They are David's men,” Achish answered. “David used to be one of Saul's officers, but he left Saul and joined my army a long time ago. I've never had even one complaint about him.”

4The Philistine army commanders were angry and shouted:

Send David back to the town you gave him. We won't have him going into the battle with us. He could turn and fight against us! Saul would take David back as an officer if David brought him the heads of our soldiers. 5The Israelites even dance and sing,29.5: 1 S 18.7; 21.11.

“Saul has killed

a thousand enemies;

David has killed

ten thousand enemies!”

6Achish called David over and said:

I swear by the living LORD that you've been honest with me, and I want you to fight by my side. I don't think you've done anything wrong from the day you joined me until this very moment. But the other Philistine rulers don't want you to come along. 7Go back home and try not to upset them.

8“But what have I done?” David asked. “Do you know of anything I've ever done that would keep me from fighting the enemies of my king?”29.8 my king: David may be referring to either Saul or Achish.

9Achish said:

I believe that you're as good as an angel of God, but our army commanders have decided that you can't fight in this battle. 10You and your troops will have to go back to the town I gave you.29.10 go…you: One ancient translation; these words are not in the Hebrew text. Get up and leave tomorrow morning as soon as it's light. I am pleased with you, so don't let any of this bother you.29.10 I am…bother you: One ancient translation; these words are not in the Hebrew text.

11David and his men got up early in the morning and headed back towards Philistia, while the Philistines left for Jezreel.