1 Samuel 27:8-28:2

New International Version

⁸ Now David and his men went up and raided the Geshurites,^(A) the Girzites and the Amalekites.^(B) (From ancient times these peoples had lived in the land extending to Shur^(C) and Egypt.) ⁹ Whenever David attacked an area, he did not leave a man or woman alive,^(D) but took sheep and cattle, donkeys and camels, and clothes. Then he returned to Achish.

¹⁰ When Achish asked, “Where did you go raiding today?” David would say, “Against the Negev of Judah” or “Against the Negev of Jerahmeel^(E)” or “Against the Negev of the Kenites.^(F)” ¹¹ He did not leave a man or woman alive to be brought to Gath, for he thought, “They might inform on us and say, ‘This is what David did.’” And such was his practice as long as he lived in Philistine territory. ¹² Achish trusted David and said to himself, “He has become so obnoxious^(G) to his people, the Israelites, that he will be my servant for life.^(H)”

28 In those days the Philistines gathered^(I) their forces to fight against Israel. Achish said to David, “You must understand that you and your men will accompany me in the army.”

² David said, “Then you will see for yourself what your servant can do.”

Achish replied, “Very well, I will make you my bodyguard^(J) for life.”