Saul and the Witch of Endor: 28:1–2 Achish’s confidence was so strong that when a large-scale battle between the Philistines and the Israelites was being planned he took it for granted that David would join his own forces. His slightly tentative you must understand is perhaps an apology that David’s forces will not be able to undertake an independent initiative in this battle. David’s deliberately ambiguous reply reflects his knowledge that in this kind of battle Achish would discover his true colors. Achish, in his guileless innocence, does not recognize the irony and promises him a promotion with a lifetime guarantee.

The account, which continues in 29:1, is interrupted to give an insight into Saul’s mindset during the time that David had been out of the country. The inclusion of this sep…