Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Samuel 29:2

"And the lords of the Philistines passed on by hundreds, and by thousands; and David and his men passed on in the rearward with Achish." — 1 Samuel 29:2 (ASV)

The lords - See the note on Judges 3:3, as distinguished from ordinary “princes” (1 Samuel 29:3). The military divisions of the Philistine army were by hundreds and by thousands, like those of the Israelites (1 Samuel 8:12). David and his men formed a bodyguard for Achish (1 Samuel 28:2).