I Samuelis 29

1 Congregata sunt ergo Philisthiim universa agmina in Aphec: sed et Israel castrametatus est super fontem, qui erat in Iezrahel.

Then all the troops of the Philistines were gathered together at Aphek. But Israel also made camp, above the spring which is in Jezreel.

2 Et satrapæ quidem Philisthiim incedebant in centuriis et millibus: David autem et viri eius erant in novissimo agmine cum Achis.

And indeed, the princes of the Philistines advanced by hundreds and by thousands; but David and his men were in the rear with Achish.

3 Dixeruntque principes Philisthiim ad Achis: Quid sibi volunt Hebræi isti? Et ait Achis ad principes Philisthiim: Num ignoratis David, qui fuit servus Saul regis Israel, et est apud me multis diebus, vel annis, et non inveni in eo quidquam ex die qua transfugit ad me, usque ad diem hanc?

And the leaders of the Philistines said to Achish, “What do these Hebrews intend to do?” And Achish said to the leaders of the Philistines: “Could you be ignorant about David, who was the servant of Saul, the king of Israel, and who has been with me for many days, even years, and I have not found within him anything, from the day that he fled to me, even to this day?”

4 Irati sunt autem adversus eum principes Philisthiim, et dixerunt ei: Revertatur vir iste, et sedeat in loco suo, in quo constituisti eum, et non descendat nobiscum in prælium, ne fiat nobis adversarius, cum præliari cœperimus: quomodo enim aliter poterit placare dominum suum, nisi in capitibus nostris?

Then the leaders of the Philistines became angry against him, and they said to him: “Let this man return, and let him settle in his place, which you appointed for him. But let him not descend with us to battle, lest he become an adversary to us when we begin to fight. For in what other way will he be able to please his lord, except with our heads?

5 Nonne iste est David, cui cantabant in choris, dicentes: Percussit Saul in millibus suis, et David in decem millibus suis?

Is not this the David, about whom they were singing, while dancing, saying: ‘Saul struck down his thousands, but David his ten thousands?’”

6 Vocavit ergo Achis David, et ait ei: Vivit Dominus, quia rectus es tu, et bonus in conspectu meo: et exitus tuus, et introitus tuus mecum est in castris: et non inveni in te quidquam mali ex die qua venisti ad me, usque in diem hanc: sed satrapis non places.

Therefore, Achish called David, and he said to him: “As the Lord lives, you are good and righteous in my sight, even in your departure and your return with me in the military camp. And I have not found anything evil in you, from the day that you came to me, even to this day. But you are not pleasing to the princes.

7 Revertere ergo, et vade in pace, et non offendas oculos satraparum Philisthiim.

Therefore, return, and go in peace, so that you do not offend the eyes of the princes of the Philistines.”

8 Dixitque David ad Achis: Quid enim feci, et quid invenisti in me servo tuo a die qua fui in conspectu tuo in diem hanc, ut non veniam, et pugnem contra inimicos domini mei regis?

And David said to Achish, “But what have I done, or what have you found in me, your servant, from the day that I was in your sight to this day, so that I may not go out and fight against the enemies of my lord, the king?”

9 Respondens autem Achis, locutus est ad David: Scio quia bonus es tu in oculis meis, sicut Angelus Dei: sed principes Philisthinorum dixerunt: Non ascendet nobiscum in prælium.

And in response, Achish said to David: “I know that you are good in my sight, like an angel of God. But the leaders of the Philistines have said: ‘He shall not go up with us to the battle.’

10 Igitur consurge mane tu, et servi domini tui, qui venerunt tecum: et cum de nocte surrexeritis, et cœperit dilucescere, pergite.

And so, rise up in the morning, you and the servants of your lord who came with you. And when you have risen up in the night, as it begins to be light, go forth.”

11 Surrexit itaque de nocte David ipse et viri eius, ut proficiscerentur mane, et reverterentur ad Terram Philisthiim: Philisthiim autem ascenderunt in Iezrahel.

And so David rose up in the night, he and his men, so that they might set out in the morning. And they returned to the land of the Philistines. But the Philistines ascended to Jezreel.