"And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said unto David, Know thou assuredly, that thou shalt go out with me to battle, thou and thy men." David had no intention of lifting his hand against his people; but he was not certain as to what course he would pursue, until circumstances should indicate his duty. He answered the king evasively, and said, "Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do." Achish understood these words as a promise of assistance in the approaching war, and pledged his word to bestow upon David great honor, and give him a high position at the Philistine court.

"På den tid samlede filisterne deres hær til kamp for at angribe Israel. Da sagde Akisj til David: "Det må du vide, at du og dine mænd skal følge med mig i hæren!" Det kunne aldrig falde David ind at løfte sin hånd imod sit eget folk, men han kunne ikke se på dette tidspunkt, hvad der var hans pligt. Han gav kongen et undvigende svar og sagde: "Godt, så skal du også få at se, hvad din træl kan udrette!" Akisj opfattede disse ord som et løfte om, at David ville hjælpe ham i den forestående krig, og lovede at ære David højt og give ham en høj stilling ved filisternes hof.