שמואל א, פרק כ״ט, פסוק א׳

The military preparation for the fateful battle between the Philistines and the Israelites reaches a critical point as both sides position their forces for the coming clash. The Israelite army organized early and was already encamped in its designated location [אברבנאל]. They set up their base next to a water spring in the Jezreel Valley, or perhaps near the city of Jezreel itself [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Knowing that the Israelite forces were already gathered and ready, the Philistines began a massive, organized advance toward them. The Philistine lords marched at the head of military units numbering in the hundreds and thousands.

The Philistines consolidated all their camps at Aphek as part of this strategic advance. This gathering occurred on the second day of their march, having previously assembled at Shunem, with the clear goal of closing the distance to King Saul's camp [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This massive military buildup sets the stage for a tense and complex drama. David and his men find themselves marching in the rear guard alongside Achish, the king of Gath. They are heading toward a battle against their own people and against God's anointed king. This impossible situation is ultimately resolved only when the other Philistine leaders refuse to allow David into the battle and demand that he be sent away [אברבנאל].