What is the meaning of "l'Me'os vela'Alafim"?
Radak: There were not hundreds and thousands of Sarnim (generals), rather, they passed with hundreds and thousands of men. Malbim - there were only five Sarnim; other officers were over the hundreds and thousands.
Why were David and his men at the back?
Malbim: They were not for war, rather, to guard the king (28:1,2).
How could David go to fight against Yisrael?
Ralbag: He was forced to go, for he told Achish that he is always raiding Yisrael, for he now hates them. He intended to thwart Pelishtim's war against Yisrael. 1 This will be easy, for they trust him.
Malbim: He would not do so, to repay evil to Achish, who helped him. Also, Pelishtim would then ravage the wives and children in Tziklag! Do not say that David wanted to strike Sha'ul. He already had two opportunities, and refused! (Malbim (8) said that David was inwardly happy when Achish told him not to fight. He did not say what David would have done had Achish not said so! Perhaps David would tell his men to let Pelishtim overhear them saying things sure to arouse suspicion that they plot to betray them. However, the war was only one day away, and there is no mention of such grounds for suspicion! Perhaps David already sensed the officers' suspicion (verse 3), and was sure that Achish will tell him to return. - PF)
