Achish’s Role in the Samuel Narrative. Bergen argues that, within the Samuel narrative, Achish serves as “a type and a foil for Saul” (Bergen, 1, 2 Samuel, 272). He points to multiple parallels between Saul and Achish that support this proposal, including (Bergen, 1, 2 Samuel, 272; Shemesh, “David,” 89):

• Both Saul and Achish entrusted themselves to David’s service: Saul entrusted him as armor-bearer (1 Sam 16:21); Achish entrusted him as a bodyguard (1 Sam 28:2).

• Both Saul and Achish granted David military positions: Saul appointed him commander over 1,000 men (1 Sam 18:13); Achish instructed David and his men to join in the battle against Saul at Mount Gilboa (1 Sam 28:1).

• Both Saul and Achish misjudged David’s character: Saul deemed him an adversary to be distrusted when, in fact, he was faithful and loyal; Achish perceived David as an ally, but he actually had been deceiving him.