Bible Commentaries

1 Samuel 27:1 to 1 Samuel 28:2. David at Gath (J).—Sequel to 1 Samuel 26:25 (cf. 1 Samuel 21:10-15).

1 Samuel 27:1-6. As a last resource David takes refuge at Gath.

1 Samuel 27:6. Ziklag: Joshua 15:31.

1 Samuel 27:7-12. This paragraph does not simply give an account of a single episode, but describes David's habitual occupation during this period. He made raids upon the heathen tribes to the S. of Judah, the inhabitants of the land from Telam (so Driver and others, with some LXX MSS., for "of old") to the borders of Egypt. These were hostile to Israel, so that David was fighting for his own people. But in order to ingratiate himself with Achish, David said that he had raided the districts of the Negeb (p. 32) or extreme S. division of Palestine, which were inhabited by the allied and kindred tribes of the Judahites, Jerahmeelites, and Kenites. In order that Achish should not learn the truth, David massacred those whom he plundered, both men and women. The primitive documents do not seem to attach much importance to veracity, especially to foreigners (cf. the stories of the Patriarchs). When the Philistines are preparing for another campaign against Israel, Achish notifies David that he and his men will be expected to fight on the side of the Philistines. David gives an ambiguous answer, "Thou shalt see what thy servant will do," which Achish would take to mean, "You shall see the great things I will do to help you." Achish proposes to make him the captain of his bodyguard.

1 Samuel 27:10. Jerahmeelites: a tribe in the Negeb, probably not originally Israelite, but later on reckoned to Israel.