1 Samuel 27:6
That day Achish gave him Ziklag, and to this day it still belongs to the kings of Judah.
So on that day
This phrase marks a specific moment in time, emphasizing the immediacy and decisiveness of the action taken by Achish. In the Hebrew context, the phrase underscores the importance of divine timing and providence. The events of this day are pivotal in David's journey, reflecting God's sovereign plan unfolding in real-time. It reminds us that God's timing is perfect, and His plans are executed precisely when He intends.

Achish gave him
Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, is a surprising ally for David, the future king of Israel. The Hebrew root of "gave" (נָתַן, natan) implies a transfer of possession or authority. This act of giving Ziklag to David is significant, as it demonstrates God's provision and favor, even through unexpected sources. It highlights the theme of God using unlikely people and circumstances to fulfill His purposes.

Ziklag
Ziklag is a town with a complex history, originally belonging to the tribe of Judah and later to the Philistines. Its name may derive from a root meaning "winding" or "enclosure," suggesting a place of refuge or protection. For David, Ziklag becomes a strategic base of operations, symbolizing God's provision of safety and a place to establish his leadership. Archaeological evidence supports its existence and strategic importance during this period.

and it has belonged to the kings of Judah
This phrase indicates the lasting impact of Achish's gift. Ziklag's transfer to David marks the beginning of its association with the kings of Judah, signifying a shift in territorial control that aligns with God's covenant promises to David. Historically, this reflects the consolidation of David's power and the establishment of his dynasty, fulfilling God's promise of a lasting kingdom.

to this day
The phrase "to this day" serves as a testament to the enduring nature of God's promises and the historical reality of the biblical narrative. It suggests that the events recorded have a lasting legacy, reinforcing the reliability and continuity of God's word. This enduring possession of Ziklag by the kings of Judah is a reminder of God's faithfulness across generations, encouraging believers to trust in His unchanging nature.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The future king of Israel, who at this time is fleeing from King Saul and seeking refuge among the Philistines.

2. Achish
The king of Gath, a Philistine city, who grants David the town of Ziklag.

3. Ziklag
A town given to David by Achish, which becomes a possession of the kings of Judah.

4. Philistines
A group of people who were often in conflict with Israel; David seeks refuge among them during his flight from Saul.

5. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which later includes Ziklag as part of its territory.
Teaching Points
God's Provision in Unlikely Places
David finds refuge and provision in Ziklag, a Philistine town, demonstrating God's ability to provide for His people in unexpected ways.

Strategic Positioning for Future Leadership
Ziklag becomes a base for David's operations, illustrating how God positions His servants for future roles and responsibilities.

The Importance of Trusting God's Timing
David's time in Ziklag is a period of waiting and preparation, reminding believers to trust in God's timing for the fulfillment of His promises.

The Role of Alliances and Relationships
David's relationship with Achish shows the importance of wise alliances, even with those outside the faith community, for the advancement of God's purposes.

Legacy and Inheritance
Ziklag's continued association with the kings of Judah underscores the lasting impact of David's decisions and God's faithfulness to His covenant people.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's experience in Ziklag demonstrate God's provision in times of distress, and how can we apply this to our own lives?

2. In what ways does David's relationship with Achish reflect the importance of strategic alliances, and how can we discern which relationships to pursue?

3. How does the account of Ziklag encourage us to trust in God's timing and preparation for future roles He has for us?

4. What can we learn from the fact that Ziklag became a lasting possession of the kings of Judah about the legacy of our decisions?

5. How do the events in 1 Samuel 27:6 connect with other parts of David's life, and what does this teach us about God's overarching plan for His people?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 21
Provides background on David's initial interactions with Achish and his earlier escape from Saul.

2 Samuel 2
Describes David's anointing as king over Judah, highlighting the significance of Ziklag in his rise to power.

Joshua 15
Lists the towns of Judah, providing historical context for Ziklag's inclusion in Judah's territory.

1 Chronicles 12
Chronicles the support David receives from various tribes while in Ziklag, emphasizing its strategic importance.
Disaster and DeliveranceH. E. Stone.1 Samuel 27:6
God's Restoring MercyF. B. Meyer, B. A.1 Samuel 27:6
David's Residence Among the PhilistinesB. Dale 1 Samuel 27:3-12
People
Abigail, Achish, Ahinoam, Amalekites, Carmelitess, David, Gerzites, Geshurites, Gezrites, Girzites, Gizrites, Israelites, Jerahmeel, Jerahmeelites, Jezreel, Jezreelitess, Jizreelitess, Kenites, Maoch, Nabal, Saul
Places
Carmel, Egypt, Gath, Hebron, Negeb, Shur Desert, Ziklag, Ziph
Topics
Achish, A'chish, Belonged, Belongeth, Belongs, Giveth, Judah, Kings, Pertaineth, Pertains, Property, Reason, Straight, Till, Wherefore, Ziklag
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 27:1-6

     5086   David, rise of

1 Samuel 27:1-12

     8830   suspicion

1 Samuel 27:5-11

     5088   David, character

Library
Early Days
The life of David is naturally divided into epochs, of which we may avail ourselves for the more ready arrangement of our material. These are--his early years up to his escape from the court of Saul, his exile, the prosperous beginning of his reign, his sin and penitence, his flight before Absalom's rebellion, and the darkened end. We have but faint incidental traces of his life up to his anointing by Samuel, with which the narrative in the historical books opens. But perhaps the fact that the story
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

The Exile --Continued.
As our purpose in this volume is not a complete biography, it will not be necessary to dwell on the subsequent portions of the exile, inasmuch as there is little reference to these in the psalms. We must pass over even that exquisite episode of Abigail, whose graceful presence and "most subtle flow of silver-paced counsel" soothed David's ruffled spirit, and led him captive at once as in a silken leash. The glimpse of old-world ways in the story, the rough mirth of the shearers, the hint of the kind
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
1 Samuel 27:6 NIV
1 Samuel 27:6 NLT
1 Samuel 27:6 ESV
1 Samuel 27:6 NASB
1 Samuel 27:6 KJV

1 Samuel 27:6 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Samuel 27:5
Top of Page
Top of Page