1 Samuel 21:12

12 David laid up these words in his heart, and was very afraid of Akhish the king of Gat.

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 David arose, and fled that day for fear of Sha'ul, and went to Akhish the king of Gat.

11 The servants of Akhish said to him, "Isn't this David the king of the land? Didn't they sing one to another about him in dances, saying, 'Sha'ul has slain his thousands, David his ten thousands?'"

12 David laid up these words in his heart, and was very afraid of Akhish the king of Gat.

13 He changed his behavior before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down on his beard.

14 Then said Akhish to his servants, Look, you see the man is mad; why then have you brought him to me?