1 Samuel 21:10-15

David Flees to Gath

10 And David rose and fled that day from Saul and went to ¹Achish the king of Gath.

11 And the servants of Achish said to him, "Is not this David the king of the land? ²Did they not sing to one another of him in dances, 'Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands'?"

12 And David ³took these words to heart and was much afraid of Achish the king of Gath.

13 So he changed his behavior before them and pretended to be insane in their hands and made marks on the doors of the gate and let his spittle run down his beard.

14 Then Achish said to his servants, "Behold, you see the man is mad. Why then have you brought him to me?

15 Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this fellow to behave as a madman in my presence? Shall this fellow 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.

Cross References

• 1. See Psalms 34
• 2. 1 Samuel 18:7; 1 Samuel 29:5
• 3. [Luke 2:19]