1 Samuel 29:2-4

Christian Standard Bible

² As the Philistine leaders were passing in review with their units of hundreds and thousands, David and his men^(A) were passing in review behind them with Achish. ³ Then the Philistine commanders asked, “What are these Hebrews doing here?”

Achish answered the Philistine commanders, “That is David, servant of King Saul of Israel. He has been with me a considerable period of time.^[a] From the day he defected until today, I’ve found no fault with him.”^(B)

⁴ The Philistine commanders, however, were enraged with Achish and told him, “Send that man back and let him return to the place you assigned him.^(C) He must not go down with us into battle only to become our adversary during the battle.^(D) What better way could he ingratiate himself with his master than with the heads of our men?