September 17, 2021
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Reading along with us in 1 Samuel? Here’s today’s reading:
1 Samuel 27 (NIV)
David Among the Philistines
1 But David thought to himself, “One of these days I will be destroyed by the hand of Saul. The best thing I can do is to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will give up searching for me anywhere in Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.”
2 So David and the six hundred men with him left and went over to Achish son of Maok king of Gath. 3 David and his men settled in Gath with Achish. Each man had his family with him, and David had his two wives: Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail of Carmel, the widow of Nabal...........Continue Reading
David shows us a little discouragement here. He seems tired of running from Saul and fearing for his life. We know he is still trusting God but that bit of despair in his heart peeks out here and we can all relate to that at points in our lives.
It is interesting that David and his clan find comfort with the Philistines after the history that they have with each other. At the end of the chapter, Achish seems to be counting his chickens before they hatch so to speak. He seems to think David is dependent upon him. Oops.
David cowers? Hides out with philistines. Then lies about the battles he has had. Wipes out everyone so no one can tell the king the truth? I’m feeling better about my character flaws
1 Samuel 27
Even though Saul had his conscience pricked last chapter, David does not trust that Saul will stop pursuing him. So the enemy of my enemy becomes my friend? How strange indeed that David would seek sanctuary from the Philistines, but God’s refuge can come from strange places and people. It must have been a little daunting for David and his entourage occupying a town and raiding the nearby peoples. But Achish thinks it’s better to have him around and know where he is. Something tells me somethings go to give here, but it’s amazing that it stayed this way for 16 months.
David decides to reside among the Philistines to evade Saul. I guess I can’t blame him. He has been consistently pursued by Saul, the man that he has spared, humbled himself before, covenanted with….with “friends” like Saul, who needs enemies? I guess it is no wonder that David feels safer among the Philistines.