762 - The Philistines Reject David

The Philistines Reject David

The entire Philistine army now mobilized, at Aphek, and the Israelites camped, at the spring, in Jezreel. 

As the Philistine rulers were leading out their troops, in groups of hundreds and thousands, David and his men marched, at the rear, with King Achish. 

But, the Philistine commanders demanded, 

“What are these Hebrews doing here?” 

And Achish told them, 

“This is David, the servant of King Saul, of Israel. 

He’s been with me for years, and I’ve never found a single fault in him, from the day he arrived, until today.” 

But, the Philistine commanders were angry. 

“Send him back, to the town that you’ve given him!” 

…they demanded. 

“He can’t go into the battle, with us. 

What if he turns against us, in battle, and becomes our adversary? 

Is there any better way, for him to reconcile himself, with his master, than by handing our heads over, to him? 

Isn’t this the same David about whom the women of Israel sing, in their dances, 

‘Saul has killed his thousands, 

and David his ten thousands’?” 

So, Achish finally summoned David, and said to him, 

“I swear, by the Lord, that you have been a trustworthy ally. 

I think you should go with me into battle, for I’ve never found a single flaw in you, from the day you arrived until today. 

But, the other Philistine rulers… won’t hear of it. 

Please don’t upset them, but go back quietly.” 

“What have I done, to deserve this treatment?” David demanded. 

“What have you ever found, in your servant, that I can’t go and fight the enemies of my lord, the king?” 

But, Achish insisted, 

“As far as I’m concerned, you’re as perfect as an angel, of God. 

But, the Philistine commanders are afraid, to have you with them, in the battle. 

Now, get up early, in the morning, and leave with your men, as soon as it gets light.” 

So, David, and his men, headed back, into the land of the Philistines, while the Philistine army went on, to Jezreel.

1 Samuel 29:1–11 (NLT)

Praise be to God!