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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 28:2 David replied, "Then you will come to know what your servant can do." "Very well," said Achish. "I will make you my bodyguard for life."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/28-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/09_1Sa_28_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 28:2 - Philistines Gather Against Israel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="David replied, Then you will come to know what your servant can do. Very well, said Achish. I will make you my bodyguard for life." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/28-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/28-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/28.htm">Chapter 28</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm" title="1 Samuel 28:1">◄</a> 1 Samuel 28:2 <a href="/1_samuel/28-3.htm" title="1 Samuel 28:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/28.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/28.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />David said, &#8220Then you will see for yourself what your servant can do.&#8221 Achish replied, &#8220Very well, I will make you my bodyguard for life.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/28.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Very well!” David agreed. “Now you will see for yourself what we can do.” Then Achish told David, “I will make you my personal bodyguard for life.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/28.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />David said to Achish, “Very well, you shall know what your servant can do.” And Achish said to David, “Very well, I will make you my bodyguard for life.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />David replied, “Then you will come to know what your servant can do.” “Very well,” said Achish. “I will make you my bodyguard for life.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/28.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/28.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So David said to Achish, “Surely you know what your servant can do.” And Achish said to David, “Therefore I will make you one of my chief guardians forever.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/28.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />David said to Achish, “Very well, you will learn what your servant can do.” So Achish said to David, “<i>Then</i> I will assuredly make you my bodyguard for life!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/28.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />David said to Achish, &#8220Very well, you shall know what your servant can do.&#8221 So Achish said to David, &#8220Very well, I will make you my bodyguard for life.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/28.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And David said to Achish, “Very well, you shall know what your servant can do.” So Achish said to David, “Very well, I will make you my bodyguard for life.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And David said to Achish, “Very well, you shall know what your servant can do.” So Achish said to David, “Very well, I will make you my bodyguard for life.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/28.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />David said to Achish, “All right, you shall know what your servant can do.” So Achish said to David, “Therefore I will make you my bodyguard for life.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/28.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />David replied to Achish, “Good, you will find out what your servant can do.” So Achish said to David, “Very well, I will appoint you as my permanent bodyguard.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />David replied to Achish, &#8220Good, you will find out what your servant can do.&#8221 So Achish said to David, &#8220Very well, I will appoint you as my permanent bodyguard.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/28.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And David said to Achish, Therefore thou shalt know what thy servant will do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of my head for ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/28.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And David said to Achish, Therefore thou shalt know what thy servant will do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/28.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Very well," David responded to Achish, "you will then know what I can do." "Very well," Achish told David, "I will make you my bodyguard for life."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/28.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"Of course," David answered. "I am your servant, and you will see for yourself what I can do." Achish said, "Good! I will make you my permanent bodyguard." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/28.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />David told Achish, "Very well, you will now see what your servant will do." Achish told David, "Very well, I'll appoint you as my permanent bodyguard."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/28.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />David replied, ?Then you will come to know what your servant can do.? ?Very well,? said Achish. ?I will make you my bodyguard for life.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/28.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />David replied to Achish, "That being the case, you will come to know what your servant can do!" Achish said to David, "Then I will make you my bodyguard from now on." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/28.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />David said to Achish, "Therefore you shall know what your servant will do." Achish said to David, "therefore I will make you my bodyguard for ever."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/28.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of my head for ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/28.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />David said to Achish, “Therefore you will know what your servant can do.” Achish said to David, “Therefore I will make you my bodyguard forever.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/28.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And David says to Achish, “Therefore you know that which your servant does.” And Achish says to David, “Therefore I appoint you keeper of my head [for] all the days.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/28.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And David saith unto Achish, 'Therefore -- thou dost know that which thy servant dost do.' And Achish saith unto David, 'Therefore -- keeper of my head I do appoint thee all the days.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/28.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And David will say to Achish, For this thou shalt know what thy servant will do. And Achish will say to David, For this I will set thee a watcher for my head all the days.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/28.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And David said to Achis: Now thou shalt know what thy servant will do. And Achis said to David: And I will appoint thee to guard my life for ever. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/28.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And David said to Achish, “You know now what your servant will do.” And Achish said to David, “And so, I will appoint you to guard my head for all days.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/28.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />David answered Achish, “Good! Now you shall learn what your servant can do.” Then Achish said to David, “I shall appoint you as my permanent bodyguard.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/28.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />David said to Achish, “Very well, then you shall know what your servant can do.” Achish said to David, “Very well, I will make you my bodyguard for life.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/28.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And David said to Achish, Surely you shall know what your servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore I will make you my bodyguard forever.<CL>And the lords of the Philistines were passing in review by hundreds and by thousands; but David and his men marched in the rear with Achish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/28.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And David said to Akish: “Therefore you shall know what your Servant will do!” And Akish said to David: “Therefore I will make you my Top Guard all the days!”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/28.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And David said to Achish: 'Therefore thou shalt know what thy servant will do.' And Achish said to David: 'Therefore will I make thee keeper of my head for ever.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/28.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And David said to Anchus, Thus now thou shalt know what thy servant will do. And Anchus said to David, So will I make thee captain of my body-guard continually.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/28-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=8256" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Philistines Gather Against Israel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Now in those days the Philistines gathered their forces for warfare against Israel. So Achish said to David, “You must understand that you and your men are to go out to battle with me.” <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/397.htm" title="397: ’ā·ḵîš (N-proper-ms) -- King of Gath. Of uncertain derivation; Akish, a Philistine king."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: lā·ḵên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">“Then</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: ṯê·ḏa‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">will come to know</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">what</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘aḇ·de·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">your servant</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ya·‘ă·śeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">can do.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: lā·ḵên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">“Very well,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/397.htm" title="397: ’ā·ḵîš (N-proper-ms) -- King of Gath. Of uncertain derivation; Akish, a Philistine king.">Achish.</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: ’ă·śî·mə·ḵā (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs:: 2ms) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">“I will make you</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: šō·mêr (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">my bodyguard</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: lə·rō·šî (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yā·mîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">for life.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>Now by this time Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his own city. And Saul had removed the mediums and spiritists from the land.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/29-2.htm">1 Samuel 29:2-3</a></span><br />As the Philistine leaders marched out with their units of hundreds and thousands, David and his men marched behind them with Achish. / Then the commanders of the Philistines asked, “What about these Hebrews?” Achish replied, “Is this not David, the servant of King Saul of Israel? He has been with me all these days, even years, and from the day he defected until today I have found no fault in him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/27-12.htm">1 Samuel 27:12</a></span><br />So Achish trusted David, thinking, “Since he has made himself an utter stench to his people Israel, he will be my servant forever.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/29-6.htm">1 Samuel 29:6-9</a></span><br />So Achish summoned David and told him, “As surely as the LORD lives, you have been upright, and it seems right in my sight that you should march in and out with me in the army, because I have found no fault in you from the day you came to me until this day. But you are not good in the sight of the leaders. / Therefore turn back now and go in peace, so that you will not do anything to displease the leaders of the Philistines.” / “But what have I done?” David replied. “What have you found against your servant, from the day I came to you until today, to keep me from going along to fight against the enemies of my lord the king?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-17.htm">1 Samuel 18:17</a></span><br />Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” But Saul was thinking, “I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/21-10.htm">1 Samuel 21:10-15</a></span><br />That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath. / But the servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David, the king of the land? Did they not sing about him in their dances, saying: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?” / Now David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish the king of Gath. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/27-1.htm">1 Samuel 27:1</a></span><br />David, however, said to himself, “One of these days now I will be swept away by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will stop searching for me all over Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-24.htm">1 Samuel 14:24</a></span><br />Now the men of Israel were in distress that day, for Saul had placed the troops under an oath, saying, “Cursed is the man who eats any food before evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies.” So none of the troops tasted any food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-34.htm">2 Samuel 15:34</a></span><br />But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom: ‘I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/16-19.htm">2 Samuel 16:19</a></span><br />Furthermore, whom should I serve if not his son? As I served in your father’s presence, so also I will serve in yours.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/8-13.htm">2 Kings 8:13</a></span><br />“But how could your servant, a mere dog, do such a monstrous thing?” said Hazael. And Elisha answered, “The LORD has shown me that you will be king over Aram.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/12-19.htm">1 Chronicles 12:19</a></span><br />Some from Manasseh defected to David when he went with the Philistines to fight against Saul. (They did not help the Philistines because the Philistine rulers consulted and sent David away, saying, “It will cost us our heads if he defects to his master Saul.”)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a></span><br />Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-25.htm">Matthew 26:25</a></span><br />Then Judas, who would betray Him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said it yourself.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-48.htm">Luke 22:48</a></span><br />But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/13-27.htm">John 13:27-30</a></span><br />And when Judas had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus said to Judas, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” / But no one at the table knew why Jesus had said this to him. / Since Judas kept the money bag, some thought that Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the feast, or to give something to the poor. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And David said to Achish, Surely you shall know what your servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make you keeper of my head for ever.</p><p class="hdg">Surely</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/27-10.htm">1 Samuel 27:10</a></b></br> And Achish said, Whither have ye made a road to day? And David said, Against the south of Judah, and against the south of the Jerahmeelites, and against the south of the Kenites.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/16-16.htm">2 Samuel 16:16-19</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/12-9.htm">Romans 12:9</a></b></br> <i>Let</i> love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm">Achish</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm">A'chish</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-30.htm">Appoint</a> <a href="/genesis/41-12.htm">Bodyguard</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-16.htm">Head</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-34.htm">Keeper</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-24.htm">Life</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-12.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-12.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-47.htm">Thereby</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/29-2.htm">Achish</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-2.htm">A'chish</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-21.htm">Appoint</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-23.htm">Bodyguard</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-17.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-9.htm">Head</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-2.htm">Keeper</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-21.htm">Life</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-22.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-9.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/10-13.htm">Thereby</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 28</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm">Achish puts confidence in David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/28-3.htm">Saul having destroyed the witches</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/28-4.htm">and now in his fear forsaken of God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/28-7.htm">has recourse to a witch</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/28-8.htm">who, encouraged by Saul, raises up Samuel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/28-15.htm">Saul hearing his ruin, faints</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/28-21.htm">The woman and his servants refresh him with meat</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/28.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/28.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>David replied, “Then you will come to know what your servant can do.”</b><br>David's response to Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, reflects his cunning and strategic thinking. At this point, David is living among the Philistines to escape King Saul's pursuit. His statement is intentionally ambiguous, allowing him to maintain his loyalty to Israel while appearing to serve Achish. This duality in David's actions is a recurring theme in his life, showcasing his wisdom and ability to navigate complex political situations. The phrase "your servant" is significant, as it reflects David's humility and willingness to serve, a characteristic that aligns with his later role as a servant-leader in Israel. This moment foreshadows David's future as a king who is both a warrior and a diplomat.<p><b>“Very well,” said Achish.</b><br>Achish's response indicates his trust in David, which is remarkable given the historical enmity between the Israelites and the Philistines. This trust may have been built over time, as David had been living in Philistine territory and conducting raids that he claimed were against Israelite enemies. Achish's acceptance of David suggests a level of desperation or political calculation, as having a warrior like David on his side would be advantageous. This interaction highlights the complex relationships between neighboring nations in the ancient Near East, where alliances were often formed out of necessity rather than genuine friendship.<p><b>“I will make you my bodyguard for life.”</b><br>Achish's offer to make David his bodyguard is significant, as it implies a position of great trust and honor. In ancient times, a bodyguard was not only responsible for the physical protection of a leader but also served as a close advisor and confidant. This role would have given David access to Philistine military strategies and political plans, which could be advantageous for Israel. The phrase "for life" suggests a permanent arrangement, indicating Achish's confidence in David's loyalty. This situation is ironic, as David, the future king of Israel, is being positioned as a protector of a Philistine king. This role can be seen as a type of Christ, who, though rejected by His own, serves as the protector and savior of all who trust in Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, who is currently living among the Philistines to escape King Saul's pursuit.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/achish.htm">Achish</a></b><br>The king of Gath, a Philistine city, who has given refuge to David and his men. Achish trusts David, believing he has become a loyal servant.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a></b><br>A group of people who were enemies of Israel. David is living among them, which creates a complex situation given his future role as king of Israel.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/gath.htm">Gath</a></b><br>A Philistine city where Achish reigns and where David seeks refuge.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The current king of Israel, who is not directly mentioned in this verse but is a significant figure in the surrounding account. His pursuit of David is the reason David is in Philistine territory.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite David's precarious situation, God is in control. Believers can trust that God is working through their circumstances, even when they seem dire.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_difficult_situations.htm">Integrity in Difficult Situations</a></b><br>David's response to Achish shows a level of diplomacy and wisdom. Christians are called to maintain integrity and wisdom, even when navigating complex relationships or environments.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_protection_and_provision.htm">God's Protection and Provision</a></b><br>David's survival and eventual kingship demonstrate God's protection and provision. Believers can be assured that God will provide for their needs and guide them through challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_compromise.htm">The Danger of Compromise</a></b><br>Living among the Philistines put David in a position where his loyalties could be questioned. Christians should be cautious of compromising situations that may challenge their faithfulness to God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_28.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 28</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_1_chr_17_and_2_sam_7.htm">How do we reconcile the differences between 1 Chronicles 17 and 2 Samuel 7 regarding the details of God's covenant with David?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_elhanan_kill_goliath,_not_david.htm">In 2 Samuel 21:19, how could Elhanan have killed Goliath when David is credited with that feat in 1 Samuel 17?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_incited_david's_census.htm">Who incited David to take a census? (2 Samuel 24:1 vs. 1 Chronicles 21:1)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_king_david_deceive_and_kill.htm">Why does King David, described elsewhere as righteous (1 Kings 15:5), resort to deceit and murder in 2 Samuel 11:14-17?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/28.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">And David said to Achish.</span>--Sorely perplexed, David temporises. He dares not refuse; and yet, the idea of commanding a Philistine division in a war with Israel was to him a terrible alternative.<p><span class= "bld">And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever.</span>--The King of Gath, like so many others with whom the winning son of Jesse came in contact in his career, seems to have been completely won by his loveable, generous character, and would not see any ambiguity in David's reply, but at once offers him in the coming campaign a most distinguished appointment in the army of Gath--the command of the body-guard: for this is what Ewald understands the offer of King Achish to signify.<p>But, as we shall see, the blind confidence of the king was not fully shared in by the Philistine chieftains; jealousy of the distinguished stranger captain opened their eyes to David's real feelings. (See <a href="/1_samuel/29-3.htm" title="Then said the princes of the Philistines, What do these Hebrews here? And Achish said to the princes of the Philistines, Is not this David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, which has been with me these days, or these years, and I have found no fault in him since he fell to me to this day?">1Samuel 29:3</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/29-11.htm" title="So David and his men rose up early to depart in the morning, to return into the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel.">1Samuel 29:11</a>.) It is also quite conceivable, too, that whispers respecting David s expeditions during the past year were current in some Philistine quarters. The eyes of the king, thought these more far-seeing nobles, were blinded by his partiality for his military vassal. (See Note on <a href="/1_samuel/29-3.htm" title="Then said the princes of the Philistines, What do these Hebrews here? And Achish said to the princes of the Philistines, Is not this David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, which has been with me these days, or these years, and I have found no fault in him since he fell to me to this day?">1Samuel 29:3</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/28.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Surely thou shalt know.</span> Hebrew, "Therefore thou shalt know," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> if the case be so, thou shalt know, etc. The rendering of the A.V. makes David repeat the words of Achish, which literally are, "knowing thou shalt know," the Hebrew way of making a strong affirmation. David's reply is really ambiguous, but is understood by Achish as a boastful assent, and he thereupon promises, <span class="cmt_word">Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head,</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> captain of my bodyguard, <span class="cmt_word">forever</span>. <span class="cmt_word">Therefore</span> is exactly the same word as that used by David, and has just the same meaning, namely, "If the case be so, if thou provest thy valour, then I, etc. SAUL AND THE WITCH OF ENDOR (vers. 3-25). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/28-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">David</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִד֙</span> <span class="translit">(dā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">replied,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Then</span><br /><span class="heb">לָכֵן֙</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ḵên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> </span><span class="str2">So -- thus</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you</span><br /><span class="heb">אַתָּ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(’at·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will come to know</span><br /><span class="heb">תֵדַ֔ע</span> <span class="translit">(ṯê·ḏa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁר־</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your servant</span><br /><span class="heb">עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḇ·de·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> </span><span class="str2">Slave, servant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can do.”</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·śeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Very well,”</span><br /><span class="heb">לָכֵ֗ן</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ḵên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> </span><span class="str2">So -- thus</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Achish.</span><br /><span class="heb">אָכִישׁ֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḵîš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_397.htm">Strong's 397: </a> </span><span class="str2">Achish -- king of Gath</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“I will make you</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשִֽׂימְךָ֖</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·śî·mə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> </span><span class="str2">Put -- to put, place, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my bodyguard</span><br /><span class="heb">שֹׁמֵ֧ר</span> <span class="translit">(šō·mêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for life.”</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיָּמִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(hay·yā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/28-2.htm">1 Samuel 28:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/28-2.htm">1 Samuel 28:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/28-2.htm">1 Samuel 28:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/28-2.htm">1 Samuel 28:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/28-2.htm">1 Samuel 28:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/28-2.htm">1 Samuel 28:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/28-2.htm">1 Samuel 28:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/28-2.htm">1 Samuel 28:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/28-2.htm">1 Samuel 28:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/28-2.htm">1 Samuel 28:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/28-2.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 28:2 David said to Achish Therefore you shall (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 28:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 28:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/28-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 28:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 28:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>