1 Samuel 21:10-15

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

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

12 And David laid up these words in his heart and was sore afraid of Achish, the king of Gath.

13 And he changed his behaviour before them and feigned himself a fool in their hands and scrabbled on the doors of the gate and let his spittle fall down upon his beard.

14 Then Achish said unto his slaves, Behold, ye see the man is mad; why then have ye brought him to me?

15 Have I need of mad men that ye have brought this fellow to play the mad man 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.