1 And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: [there is] nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.
2 And David arose, and he passed over with the six hundred men that [were] with him unto Achish, the son of Maoch, king of Gath.
3 And David dwelt with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, [even] David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal’s wife.
4 And it was told Saul that David was fled to Gath: and he sought no more again for him.
5 And David said unto Achish, If I have now found grace in thine eyes, let them give me a place in some town in the country, that I may dwell there: for why should thy servant dwell in the royal city with thee?
6 Then Achish gave him Ziklag that day: wherefore Ziklag pertaineth unto the kings of Judah unto this day.
7 And the time that David dwelt in the country of the Philistines was a full year and four months.
8 And David and his men went up, and invaded the Geshurites, and the Gezrites, and the Amalekites: for those [nations were] of old the inhabitants of the land, as thou goest to Shur, even unto the land of Egypt.
9 And David smote the land, and left neither man nor woman alive, and took away the sheep, and the oxen, and the asses, and the camels, and the apparel, and returned, and came to Achish.
10 And Achish said, Whither have ye made a road to day? And David said, Against the south of Judah, and against the south of the Jerahmeelites, and against the south of the Kenites.
11 And David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring [tidings] to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell on us, saying, So did David, and so [will be] his manner all the while he dwelleth in the country of the Philistines.
12 And Achish believed David, saying, He hath made his people Israel utterly to abhor him; therefore he shall be my servant for ever.
Overview of 1 Samuel Chapter 27
In this chapter, David, fearing for his life from King Saul, makes a significant decision to seek refuge in Philistine territory. This chapter illustrates themes of fear, survival, and the complexities of David’s character as he navigates his precarious situation.
Key Characters
- David: The anointed future king of Israel, currently a fugitive from Saul.
- Achish: The king of Gath, a Philistine city, who provides David with shelter.
- Saul: The current king of Israel, who is pursuing David to kill him.
Summary of Events
- David’s Decision to Flee:
David, realizing that Saul will not cease his pursuit, decides to escape to the land of the Philistines. He believes that by doing so, Saul will give up searching for him in Israel.
- David’s Arrival in Gath:
David and his men arrive in Gath, where they are received by Achish, the Philistine king. Achish provides David with a place to stay, indicating a level of trust and acceptance.
- David’s Deception:
To maintain his position and protect his men, David deceives Achish by claiming to conduct raids against Israelite territories. In reality, he targets the enemies of Israel, thus securing his loyalty to his people while keeping Achish in the dark.
- Achish’s Trust:
Achish becomes increasingly reliant on David, believing him to be a loyal servant. This trust is pivotal as it allows David to operate under the Philistine king’s protection.
Thematic Analysis
- Fear and Survival:
David’s flight to Philistine territory underscores the theme of fear. His actions are driven by the instinct to survive, highlighting the lengths to which he must go to evade Saul.
- Deception and Loyalty:
David’s deception of Achish raises questions about loyalty and integrity. While he is loyal to his people, his methods involve manipulation, suggesting a moral complexity in his character.
- Trust and Relationships:
The relationship between David and Achish illustrates the complexities of alliances. Despite being enemies, they form a bond based on mutual benefit, showcasing the unpredictable nature of political relationships.
Conclusion
1 Samuel Chapter 27 presents a pivotal moment in David’s life as he navigates the dangers posed by Saul and seeks refuge among the Philistines. The chapter encapsulates the themes of fear, survival, deception, and the intricate dynamics of loyalty and trust. David’s actions set the stage for future developments in his journey toward kingship, reflecting the challenges he faces as a leader and a man of faith.
