MPV Commentary

Achish's Confidence in David.

The Philistines gathered their armies for battle against Israel, driven by a desire to exploit the divisions within the kingdom following Samuel's death and Saul's unpopularity. Achish told David that he would certainly go out with him into battle, but this was likely an attempt to test David's loyalty.

David replied, "You will surely know what your servant can do," which seemed like a cheerful agreement but actually contained a cautious ambiguity. In response, Achish offered David the position of captain of his bodyguard, a role of great trust and honor.

The death of Samuel was a significant event that explained Saul's desperate attempts to seek guidance through illegitimate means. Overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty, Saul had shut himself off from legitimate channels of communication with God. In his desperation, he turned to fortune tellers, despite having previously outlawed such practices in his kingdom (Leviticus 19:31; Deuteronomy 18:11).

The Philistines pitched their camp in the valley of Jezreel, near Shunem, while Saul's army took up a position on the heights opposite, near the spring of Jezreel.