The Philistines gathered all their forces at Aphek, while Israel camped by the spring in Jezreel.
As the Philistine rulers marched with their units of hundreds and thousands, David and his men were marching at the rear with Achish.
The Philistine commanders asked, "What about these Hebrews?" Achish replied, "Is this not David, who served Saul, king of Israel? He has been with me for over a year, and from the day he left Saul until now, I have found no fault in him."
But the Philistine commanders were angry and said, "Send the man back to the place you assigned him. He must not go into battle with us, or he may turn against us during the fight. How better could he regain his master's favor than by taking the heads of our men? Isn't this the David they sing about in their dances: 'Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands'?"
Achish called David and said, "As surely as the LORD lives, you have been reliable, and I would be pleased to have you serve with me in the army. From the day you came to me until now, I have found no fault in you, but the Philistine rulers do not approve of you. Turn back and go in peace; do nothing to displease them."
David asked, "What have I done? What fault have you found with your servant since I came to you? Why can't I go fight against the enemies of my lord the king?"
Achish replied, "I know you have been as pleasing in my eyes as an angel of God; nevertheless, the Philistine commanders have said, 'He must not go with us into battle.' Now get up early with your men and leave in the morning as soon as it is light."
So David and his men got up early and returned to the land of the Philistines, while the Philistines marched to Jezreel to fight Israel.