1 Samuel 21:10-15

10 And David arose, and fled that day from before Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath.

11 And the servants of Achish said to him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul has smitten his thousands, and David his ten thousands?

12 And David took to heart these words, and was much afraid of Achish the king of Gath.

13 And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scratched on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down on his beard.

14 And Achish said to his servants, Behold, ye see the man is mad: why did ye bring him to me?

15 have I lack of madmen, that ye have brought this one to rave in my presence? shall this [man] come into my house?

1 Samuel 21:10-15 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST SAMUEL 21

This chapter relates that David went to Nob, and pretending he was on secret business for the king, got shewbread, and the sword of Goliath, from Ahimelech the priest, 1Sa 21:1-9; and that passing from thence to Gath, where he was known, through fear feigned himself mad, and so escaped from thence, 1Sa 21:10-15.

Footnotes

• [a]. As Ex. 32.18.