1 Samuel 21:13

So he changed his behavior before them and feigned madness in their hands; he scratched on the doors of the gate and let his saliva run down his beard.

Study Bible

So he changed his behavior before them
The phrase "changed his behavior" is significant in understanding David's strategic response to a life-threatening situation. The Hebrew root for "changed" is "shana," which implies a deliberate alteration or transformation. In the context of David's life, this moment reflects his adaptability and wisdom in the face of danger. Historically, David was fleeing from King Saul and found himself in the territory of the Philistines, his enemies. This change in behavior was a tactical move to protect himself, demonstrating his reliance on God-given wisdom to navigate perilous circumstances.

and pretended to be insane in their hands
The act of pretending to be insane is a fascinating aspect of David's survival strategy. The Hebrew word for "pretended" is "halal," which can mean to feign or simulate. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, madness was often viewed with a mix of fear and reverence, sometimes associated with divine influence. By feigning insanity, David placed himself outside the realm of rational threat, leveraging cultural perceptions to ensure his safety. This act of pretense underscores the theme of divine providence, where God uses even the most unlikely means to protect His anointed.

scribbling on the doors of the gate
"Scribbling" here is translated from the Hebrew "taqaq," which suggests making marks or scratches. This behavior would have been seen as erratic and nonsensical, reinforcing the perception of madness. The "doors of the gate" were significant as they were central to city life, often a place of judgment and public discourse. By acting out in such a public and prominent place, David ensured that his feigned madness was visible to all, further convincing the Philistines of his harmlessness. This act can be seen as a metaphor for how God sometimes uses the unexpected to fulfill His purposes.

and letting saliva run down his beard
In ancient Israelite culture, the beard was a symbol of dignity and respect. Allowing saliva to run down his beard would have been seen as a profound act of humiliation and disgrace. The Hebrew word for "saliva" is "rok," and its presence on the beard would have been a clear sign of madness. This vivid image highlights the lengths to which David was willing to go to preserve his life. It serves as a reminder of the humility required in following God's path, sometimes necessitating actions that defy personal pride for the sake of divine protection and purpose.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, who is fleeing from King Saul's wrath. In this passage, David is in a precarious situation, seeking refuge in Gath, a Philistine city.

2. Achish
The king of Gath, a Philistine city. David seeks refuge with him, but the servants of Achish recognize David as a significant threat due to his reputation.

3. Gath
A Philistine city, known as the hometown of Goliath. David's presence here is ironic, given his past victory over Goliath.

4. Philistines
The enemies of Israel, who are suspicious of David due to his past military successes against them.

5. Saul
The current king of Israel, who is pursuing David out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne.

Teaching Points

Wisdom in Adversity
David's actions demonstrate the need for wisdom and discernment when facing danger. He uses his wits to escape a potentially deadly situation.

Trust in God's Protection
Despite his fear, David ultimately trusts in God's protection, as reflected in the psalms he wrote during this time.

Humility and Vulnerability
David's willingness to appear foolish shows humility and a willingness to be vulnerable for the sake of survival.

God's Sovereignty
Even in seemingly desperate situations, God is in control and can use unusual means to protect His people.

The Role of Fear
Fear can drive us to make decisions that seem irrational, but when coupled with faith, it can lead to deliverance.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's behavior in 1 Samuel 21:13 reflect his trust in God, despite his fear and desperation?

2. In what ways can we apply David's use of wisdom and discernment in our own lives when facing difficult situations?

3. How do the psalms attributed to this period in David's life (Psalm 34 and Psalm 56) provide insight into his spiritual state and reliance on God?

4. What can we learn from David's humility and willingness to appear foolish for the sake of survival, and how does this apply to our walk with Christ?

5. How does the account of David in Gath illustrate the concept of God's sovereignty and protection, and how can this encourage us in our own trials?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 34
Traditionally attributed to David during this time, expressing his trust in God despite his dire circumstances.

Psalm 56
Another psalm linked to this period, highlighting David's fear and his reliance on God for deliverance.

1 Samuel 18:7
The song of the women praising David, which contributes to Saul's jealousy and David's subsequent flight.

Matthew 10:16
Jesus instructs His disciples to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves," which can be related to David's cunning behavior in this passage.