The Philistines Send David Back

¹The Philistines had brought their whole army to Aphek, while Israel's army was camping near Jezreel Spring.[#29.1 The events of chapter 29 probably took place as the Philistine army was on its way to Shunem, which they reached in 28.4.]

^2-3The Philistine rulers and their troops were marching past the Philistine army commanders in groups of 100 and 1,000. 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:

“Saul has killed

a thousand enemies;

David has killed

ten thousand!”

⁶Achish called David over and said:

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 David may be referring to either Saul or Achish.]

⁹Achish said:

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