to his servants
The term "servants" in Hebrew is "עֲבָדָיו" (avadav), which can also mean "slaves" or "attendants." In the context of a royal court, these would be trusted advisors or guards. The presence of these servants indicates that Achish was not alone in his judgment and that his court was involved in the decision-making process. This reflects the hierarchical and communal nature of ancient Near Eastern courts.

Look, you can see
The phrase "Look, you can see" is a call to attention, emphasizing the obviousness of David's condition. The Hebrew word for "look" is "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), often used to draw attention to something significant or surprising. This highlights Achish's incredulity and the dramatic nature of the scene, as David's behavior was unexpected and noteworthy.

the man is insane!
The word "insane" is translated from the Hebrew "מִשְׁתַּגֵּעַ" (mishtagea), which means to act like a madman or to be out of one's mind. In the ancient world, madness was often seen as a sign of divine displeasure or possession. David's feigned insanity was a strategic move to protect himself, showing his cunning and resourcefulness. This act of desperation underscores the perilous situation David was in, fleeing from Saul and seeking refuge among enemies.

Why have you brought him to me?
This rhetorical question reveals Achish's frustration and confusion. The Hebrew structure implies a sense of disbelief and perhaps annoyance. Achish's question suggests that he saw no value or purpose in having a madman in his presence, reflecting the cultural disdain for those who were perceived as mentally unstable. This moment is crucial as it leads to David's escape, demonstrating God's providential care over David even in dire circumstances.

The device, however, succeeded, as David hoped it would, and he was suffered to depart in safety--nay, was even hurried out of the Philistine country. In old times, as now, in many parts of the East, the insane are looked upon as persons in some peculiar way possessed by, and therefore under the more immediate protection of, Deity. The life then of the hunted fugitive was perfectly safe from the moment the Philistines considered him mad.

There is a curious legend in the Talmud in which several events recorded in the Biblical account are confused. Part of it apparently refers to this strange choice of his of Phillstia as a place of refuge. "One day Satan appeared to him (David) in the shape of a gazelle, which, eluding his pursuit, decoyed him into the land of the Philistines. 'Ah!' said Ishbi-benob, when he caught sight of him, 'art thou the man that slew my brother, Goliath?' So saying, he seized and bound him."--Treatise Sanhedrin, fol. 95, cols 1, 2. The wild legend goes on to explain how, partly by miracle, partly with the aid of Abishai, David slew Ishbi-benob and escaped.

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