I Samuelis 29
1 Congregata sunt ergo Philisthiim universa agmina in Aphec: sed et Israel castrametatus est super fontem, qui erat in Iezrahel.
The Philistines gathered all their armies at Aphek, and the Israelites set up camp by the spring in Jezreel.
2 Et satrapae quidem Philisthiim incedebant in centuriis et millibus: David autem et viri eius erant in novissimo agmine cum Achis.
The Philistine rulers were marching out in their divisions of hundreds and thousands with David and his men at the rear with King Achish.
3 Dixeruntque principes Philisthiim ad Achis: Quid sibi volunt Hebraei 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 Philistine commanders asked, “What are these Hebrews doing here?” Achish replied to the Philistine commanders, “That's David, an officer of King Saul of Israel. He's been with me for a long time, years even, and I haven't found any fault in him since the day he came over to our side up till now.”
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 praelium, ne fiat nobis adversarius, cum praeliari coeperimus: quomodo enim aliter poterit placare dominum suum, nisi in capitibus nostris?
But the Philistine commanders got angry with Achish, and told him, “Send him back to the place he came from, to the town you assigned to him. He can't go with us into battle. What if he turns on us during the fighting? What a great way for him to please his master—by handing over the heads of our men!
5 Nonne iste est David, cui cantabant in choris, dicentes: Percussit Saul in millibus suis, et David in decem millibus suis?
Isn't this the David they sing about in their dances: ‘Saul has killed his thousands, and David his tens of 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.
So Achish called David over and told him, “As the Lord lives, you are honest and you've done what's right as far as I can see. As far as I'm concerned you should march with me into battle because I haven't found any fault in you from the day you arrived until now. But the other leaders don't approve of you.
7 Revertere ergo, et vade in pace, et non offendas oculos satraparum Philisthiim.
So go back home in peace, and that way you won't do anything to upset the Philistine leaders.”
8 Dixitque David ad Achis: Quid enim feci, et quid invenisti in me servo tuo a die qua fui in conspectu tuo usque in diem hanc, ut non veniam, et pugnem contra inimicos domini mei regis?
“But what have I done?” David asked. “What fault have you found in me, your servant, from the day I came to you until now, that would prevent me from going to fight 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 praelium.
“As far as I'm concerned, you're as good as an angel of God,” Achish replied. “But the Philistine commanders have stated, ‘He can't go into battle with us.’
10 Igitur consurge mane tu, et servi domini tui, qui venerunt tecum: et cum de nocte surrexeritis, et coeperit dilucescere, pergite.
So get up early tomorrow morning and leave with your men as soon as it's light.”
11 Surrexit itaque de nocte David ipse et viri eius, ut proficiscerentur mane, et reverterentur ad Terram Philisthiim: Philisthiim autem ascenderunt in Iezrahel.
David and his men got up early in the morning and went back to the country of the Philistines. But the Philistines advanced on Jezreel.
