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)

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Footnotes

  1. 5:11 DSS, LXX read “Why don’t you return it to... people?”

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

“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?”

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.

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Footnotes

  1. 29:6 Lit It was good in my eyes
  2. 29:6 Lit you going out and coming in
  3. 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.

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