¹¹ The Ekronites called all the Philistine rulers together.^(A) They said, “Send the ark of Israel’s God away. Let it return to its place so it won’t kill us and our people!” ^[a] For the fear of death pervaded the city; God’s hand was oppressing them.^(B)

⁶ So Achish summoned David and told him, “As the Lord lives, you are an honorable man. I think it is good^[a] to have you fighting^[b] in this unit with me, because I have found no fault in you from the day you came to me until today.^(A) But the leaders don’t think you are reliable. ⁷ Now go back quietly and you won’t be doing anything the Philistine leaders think is wrong.”

⁸ “But what have I done?” ^(B) David replied to Achish. “From the first day I entered your service until today, what have you found against your servant to keep me from going to fight against the enemies of my lord the king?”

⁹ Achish answered David, “I’m convinced that you are as reliable as an angel of God.^(C) But the Philistine commanders have said, ‘He must not go into battle with us.’^{(D) 10} So get up early in the morning, you and your masters’ servants who came with you.^[c](E) When you’ve all gotten up early, go as soon as it’s light.” ¹¹ So David and his men got up early in the morning to return to the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel.