David appears to acquiesce to Achish’s request by emphasizing his skill in obliterating his enemies. In reality, however, Achish was deceived. He did not realize that David and his men were a threat1 because they considered the Philistines to be the true enemy. David would not strike the Lord’s anointed or kill his people (see 1 Samuel 23:26; 1 Samuel 24:6; 1 Samuel 26:9; 1 Samuel 27:8–12).
2 David said to Achish, “Very well, you shall know what your servant can do.” And Achish said to David, “Very well, I will make you my bodyguard for life.”