In this chapter, David recognizes that Saul may never stop trying to kill him, and he decides to move with the Philistines. Here’s the chapter in its entirety: “But David kept thinking to himself, “Someday Saul is going to get me. The best thing for me to do is escape to the Philistines. Then Saul will stop hunting for me, and I will finally be safe.”
So David took his six hundred men and their families and went to live at Gath under the protection of King Achish. David brought his two wives along with him -- Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail of Carmel, Nabal’s widow. Word soon reached Saul that David had fled to Gath, so he stopped hunting for him.
One day David said to Achish, “If it is all right with you, we would rather live in one of the country towns instead of here in the royal city.” So Achish gave him the town of Ziklag (which still belongs to the kings of Judah to this day), and they lived there among the Philistines for a year and four months. David and his men spent their time raiding the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites -- people who had lived near Shur, along the road to Egypt, since ancient times. David didn’t leave one person alive in the villages he attacked. He took the sheep, cattle, donkeys, camels, and clothing before returning home to see King Achish.
“Where did you make your raid today?” Achish would ask. And David would reply, “Against the south of Judah, the Jerahmeelites, and the Kenites.” No one was left alive to come to Gath and tell where he had really been. This happened again and again while he was living among the Philistines. Achish believed David and thought to himself, “By now the people of Israel must hate him bitterly. Now he will have to stay here and serve me forever!” (1 Samuel 27)
Side Note: I’m confused! Why Is David attacking friends of the Israelites? However, maybe he isn’t, and he’s just telling King Achish he is....since the text says, “No one was left alive to come to Gath and tell where he had really been.” (verse 11) Also, how was he able to live among the Philistines considering they are enemies and he is known throughout the land for slaying Goliath? As usual, if anyone knows, finds out, or has relevant information to share, please place a comment.
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Please remove the scales from our eyes and allow us to see your Word clearly. We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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