1 Samuel 21:12

12 Their words made a deep impression on David, and he became very much afraid of King Achish. ¹

1 Samuel 21:12 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 21:12

And David laid up these words in his heart
Pondered upon them, and thought them over in his mind, finding that he was known, and his character also, and considered with himself what might be the consequence of this:

and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath;
lest he should be set against him, and be prevailed upon by his servants to take away his life, or deliver him up into the hands of Saul.

1 Samuel 21:12 In-Context

10 So David left, fleeing from Saul, and went to King Achish of Gath.

11 The king's officials said to Achish, "Isn't this David, the king of his country? This is the man about whom the women sang, as they danced, "Saul has killed thousands, but David has killed tens of thousands.' "

12 Their words made a deep impression on David, and he became very much afraid of King Achish.

13 So whenever David was around them, he pretended to be insane and acted like a madman when they tried to restrain him; he would scribble on the city gates and let spit drool down his beard.

14 So Achish said to his officials, "Look! The man is crazy! Why did you bring him to me?

Cross References

• 1. 21.12 Ps 56 Title.