Now David took these words to heart
The phrase "took these words to heart" indicates a deep internalization and contemplation of the situation David found himself in. The Hebrew root for "took to heart" is often associated with pondering or considering deeply. In the context of David's life, this moment reflects a significant turning point where he must confront the reality of his circumstances. Historically, David is fleeing from Saul and finds himself in enemy territory. This phrase suggests a moment of introspection and realization of the gravity of his situation, highlighting the human tendency to reflect deeply when faced with fear or danger.

and was very much afraid
The expression "very much afraid" underscores the intensity of David's fear. The Hebrew word used here for "afraid" is "yare," which conveys a profound sense of fear or dread. This is not a mild concern but a deep, overwhelming fear. In the broader biblical narrative, David is often portrayed as a courageous warrior, yet this verse reveals his vulnerability and humanity. It serves as a reminder that even the most faithful and brave individuals can experience fear, and it is in these moments that reliance on God becomes paramount.

of Achish the king of Gath
"Achish the king of Gath" refers to the Philistine ruler of the city of Gath, one of the five major Philistine cities. Historically, Gath is known as the hometown of Goliath, whom David famously defeated. This adds a layer of irony and tension to the narrative, as David seeks refuge in the very place associated with his greatest military victory. The mention of Achish by name personalizes the threat David faces, emphasizing the real and immediate danger. In the broader scriptural context, this encounter with Achish is part of David's journey of faith, where he learns to trust in God's protection and guidance even in the most perilous situations.

(12) And David laid up these words.--Now, for the first time, David saw how widely travelled was a renown of which he in his humbleness of heart had thought so little, and at once a deadly fear took possession of him. The life he held so cheaply when in battle with the enemies of his country now, strange to say, in his deep degradation and poverty, became of real value to him, and he adopted the piteous and humiliating device of feigning madness, hoping thus to change the wondering admiration of the servants of Achish into pitying scorn. What David hoped took place, and he was driven out of Gath with ignominy; but there is no reason for supposing that had he maintained a quiet dignity of behaviour any evil would have happened to him. The Philistines, for those wild times, seem to have been a cultured people, and by no means devoid of generous instincts. Not one word, strangely enough, is reported to have been spoken about the great injury he had done to the Philistine nation when he slew Goliath. It has been suggested with considerable ingenuity that the great name of the dead champion, the hero of so many battle-fields, was never brought forward here, perhaps out of a natural indisposition to recall a grievous calamity, but more likely out of regard for Goliath's family and friends. Singularly little is told us, in fact, about this renowned hero, whom tradition hints at as the great warrior in the decisive battle when the Ark was captured and the sons of Eli were slain. The Talmud has a curious comment on this strange silence--"Not half the praises of Goliath are related in Scripture; hence it follows that it is wrong to tell the praises of the wicked."--Treatise Soteh, fol. 42, Colossians 2.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Now David
דָּוִ֛ד (dā·wiḏ)
0
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

took
וַיָּ֧שֶׂם (way·yā·śem)
0
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

words
הַדְּבָרִ֥ים (had·də·ḇā·rîm)
0
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

these
הָאֵ֖לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh)
0
Strong's 428: These, those

to heart
בִּלְבָב֑וֹ (bil·ḇā·ḇōw)
0
Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart

and was very much
מְאֹ֔ד (mə·’ōḏ)
0
Strong's 3966: Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily

afraid
וַיִּרָ֣א (way·yi·rā)
0
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

of
מִפְּנֵ֖י (mip·pə·nê)
0
Strong's 6440: The face

Achish
אָכִ֥ישׁ (’ā·ḵîš)
0
Strong's 397: Achish -- king of Gath

the king
מֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

of Gath.
גַּֽת׃ (gaṯ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1661: Gath -- 'wine press', a Philistine city


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OT History: 1 Samuel 21:12 David laid up these words in his (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)