1 Samuel 21 Study Notes
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21:10 The leading Philistine city, Gath, was located at the mouth of the Valley of Elah (17:1). King Achish ruled there, seemingly as chief among the Philistine lords (27:2-7; 29:2-4). David probably fled from Saul by going westward into the Sorek Valley to Beth-shemesh (6:9,12-13), then along a diagonal highway that connected Judah’s valleys to Azekah (17:1). From there he could proceed down the Valley of Elah.
21:11 Achish’s servants were aware of David’s fame among his own people, and they reported it. The tens of thousands David had killed included many Philistines.
21:12 David became afraid when he realized how much the Philistines knew about him.
21:13 In the ancient world, insane people were considered afflicted by the gods and generally left alone. David’s letting saliva run down his beard brought further disgrace and confirmation of his affliction to Achish (Nm 12:14; Dt 25:9; Jb 17:6; 30:10).
21:14-15 Achish’s statement Do I have . . . a shortage of crazy people probably was intended sarcastically, though other people with unusual physical features were also associated with Gath (17:4; 2Sm 21:20).