(9)
As an angel of God.--Again a simile, which Achish most likely borrowed from Hebrew thought, and made use of in his graceful courtesy as likely to be acceptable to David.
Verse 9. -
1 know that, etc. Rather, "I know it, for thou art good in my sight,"
i.e. 1 know all that thou wouldst say as to thy trustworthiness, and assent to it.
As an angel of God. I.e. as a messenger of God, as one set to me by God.
29:6-11 David scarcely ever had a greater deliverance than when dismissed from such insnaring service. God's people should always behave themselves so, as, if possible, to get the good word of all they have dealings with: and it is due to those who have acted well, to speak well of them.
And Achish answered and said unto David,.... In reply to the questions:
I know that thou art good in my sight as an angel of God: for his great wisdom, and graceful behaviour, and inoffensive carriage:
notwithstanding the princes of the Philistines have said, he shall not go up with us to the battle; though Achish had so good an opinion of him, and had declared it in council, yet an order had passed there that he should not go to battle with them; there were but five of them, and Achish was one of the five, so that there were four to one for the dismissing him; and Achish, though a king, was obliged to submit.