1 Samuel 29
All 11 verses in the Clear Bible Translation. Tap a verse to compare the KJV and read what it means.
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- 1The Philistines assembled their entire army at Aphek, while the Israelites set up camp by the spring in Jezreel.
- 2The Philistine commanders marched past in units of hundreds and thousands. David and his men marched at the rear of the column with Achish.
- 3The Philistine commanders demanded, "What are these Hebrews doing here?" Achish told them, "This is David, the servant of King Saul of Israel. He has been with me for some time, whether days or years, and I have found no fault in him since the day he came to me."
- 4But the Philistine commanders were furious with Achish. "Send this man back to whatever place you've assigned him!" they said. "He's not coming into battle with us. What if he turns on us in the middle of the fight? What better way to win back his old master's favor than by handing him our heads?"
- 5Isn't this David, about whom they sang to each other in dances, saying, 'Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands'?
- 6Achish called David and said to him, "As surely as the LORD lives, you have been upright. I am pleased with your service beside me in the army. I have found no evil in you from the day you came to me until today. Still, the lords do not favor you."
- 7"So please, go back in peace. I don't want you doing anything that would upset the Philistine lords."
- 8David protested, "But what have I done? What fault have you found in me the entire time I've served you, that I can't go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?"
- 9Achish replied to David, "I know that you are good in my sight, like an angel of God. However, the Philistine commanders have said, 'He shall not go with us to the battle.'"
- 10So get up early tomorrow morning with your master's servants who came with you, and leave at first light.
- 11David and his men got up early the next morning and headed back to Philistine territory, while the Philistines marched on toward Jezreel.