I Samuelis 29

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

The Philistia army gathered at Aphek [Valley, which is near Shunem]. The Israelis set up their tents at Jezreel [city, which was in the same valley].

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

The kings of Philistia divided their men into groups; some groups had 100 soldiers and some groups had 1,000 soldiers. David and his men were marching behind, with King 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?

But the Philistia commanders asked, “What are these Hebrews [doing here, marching with us to battle]?” Achish replied, “[Their leader is] David. [He] previously worked for King Saul of Israel, but now he has been living near me for more than a year. During all the time since he left Saul, I have not seen/found that he has any faults.”

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?

But the Philistia army commanders were angry with Achish [for allowing David’s army to be going with them]. They said to him, “Send David [and his men] back to the city that you gave to him! We do not want him to go with us into the battle. [If he goes with us, ] we will have an enemy in our own midst! He would please King Saul by killing our own soldiers [RHQ]!

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

[Have you forgotten that] David is the one about whom the Israelis dance and sing, saying, ‘Saul has killed 1000 of our enemies, but David has killed 10,000 of them!’?”

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.

So Achish summoned David, and said to him, “Just as surely as Yahweh lives, you have been loyal to me. I would like very much for you to fight along with my army. Since the day that you came to me, I have not found/seen that you have any faults. But the other Philistia rulers do not trust you.

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

So all of you go back home, and I hope/desire that things will go well for you. I do not want you(sg) to do anything that the other rulers of Philistia will not be pleased with.”

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?

David replied, “What wrong have I done? Since the day that I first came to you until today, have I done anything that you think is evil? Your majesty, why will you not allow me to go and fight against your enemies?”

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.

Achish replied, “I know that you are as just as good as an angel from God. But the commanders of my army have said, ‘We will not allow David [and his men] to go with us into the battle.’

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

So early tomorrow morning you and your men must leave. Get up as soon as it is light and leave.”

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

So David and his men got up early the following morning and returned to the area where the Philistia people lived. And the Philistia army went up to Jezreel.