1. During this time the Philistines mustered their troops to make war on Israel. Achish said to David, “You can count on this: You’re marching with my troops, you and your men.”
2. And David said, “Good! Now you’ll see for yourself what I can do!”“Great!” said Achish. “I’m making you my personal bodyguard—for life!”
3. Samuel was now dead. All Israel had mourned his death and buried him in Ramah, his hometown. Saul had long since cleaned out all those who held séances with the dead.
4-5. The Philistines had mustered their troops and camped at Shunem. Saul had assembled all Israel and camped at Gilboa. But when Saul saw the Philistine troops, he shook in his boots, scared to death.
6. Saul prayed to God, but God didn’t answer—neither by dream nor by sign nor by prophet.