4The Philistine commanders, however, were enraged with Achish and told him, “Send that man back and let him return to the place you assigned him.29:4 1Sm 27:6 He must not go down with us into battle only to become our adversary during the battle.29:4 1Sm 14:21 What better way could he ingratiate himself with his master than with the heads of our men?

5Isn’t this the David they sing about during their dances:

6So Achish summoned David and told him, “As the Lord lives, you are an honorable man. I think it is good29:6 Lit It was good in my eyes to have you fighting29:6 Lit you going out and coming in in this unit with me, because I have found no fault in you from the day you came to me until today.29:6 1Sm 27:8–12; 29:3 But the leaders don’t think you are reliable.

7Now go back quietly and you won’t be doing anything the Philistine leaders think is wrong.”

8“But what have I done?” 29:8 1Sm 27:10–12 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?”

9Achish answered David, “I’m convinced that you are as reliable as an angel of God.29:9 2Sm 14:17,20; 19:27 But the Philistine commanders have said, ‘He must not go into battle with us.’29:9 1Sm 29:4

10So get up early in the morning, you and your masters’ servants who came with you.29:10 LXX adds and go to the place I appointed you to. Don’t take this evil matter to heart, for you are good before me.29:10 1Ch 12:19,22 When you’ve all gotten up early, go as soon as it’s light.”

11So 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.