1 Samuel 21:10-15

10 That day David left. He was [still] fleeing from Saul when he came to King Achish of Gath.

11 Achish's officers asked, "Isn't this David, the king of [his] country? He's the one they used to sing about in the dances: 'Saul has defeated thousands but David tens of thousands.'"

12 When David realized what they had said, he was terrified of King Achish of Gath.

13 So he changed his behavior [when he was] in their presence and acted insane [as long as he was] under their authority. He scribbled on the doors of the city gate and let his spit run down his beard.

14 Achish said to his officers, "Look at him! Don't you see [that he's] insane? Why bring him to me?

15 Do I have such a shortage of lunatics that you bring this man so that he can show me he is insane? Does this man have to 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.