◄ 1 Samuel 27 ►
Book Sum People Lessons Que
Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
David and the Philistines 1David, however, said to himself, “One of these days now I will be swept away by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will stop searching for me all over Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.” 2So David set out with his six hundred men and went to Achish son of Maoch,a the king of Gath. 3David 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. 4And when Saul learned that David had fled to Gath, he no longer searched for him. 5Then David said to Achish, “If I have found favor in your eyes, let me be assigned a place in one of the outlying towns, so I can live there. For why should your servant live in the royal city with you?” 6That day Achish gave him Ziklag, and to this day it still belongs to the kings of Judah. 7And the time that David lived in Philistine territory amounted to a year and four months. 8Now David and his men went up and raided the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites. (From ancient times these people had inhabited the land extending to Shur and Egypt.) 9Whenever David attacked a territory, he did not leave a man or woman alive, but he took the flocks and herds, the donkeys, camels, and clothing. Then he would return to Achish, 10who would ask him, “What have you raided today?” And David would reply, “The Negev of Judah,” or “The Negev of Jerahmeel,” or “The Negev of the Kenites.” 11David did not leave a man or woman alive to be brought to Gath, for he said, “Otherwise they will report us, saying, ‘This is what David did.’” And this was David’s custom the whole time he lived in Philistine territory. 12So Achish trusted David, thinking, “Since he has made himself an utter stench to his people Israel, he will be my servant forever.” Footnotes: 2 a Maoch is a variant of Maacah; see 1 Kings 2:39. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub 1 Samuel 27 Summary David and the Philistines Verses 1–4 – David Seeks Safety Among the Philistines David concludes that staying in Israel will eventually cost him his life because Saul will never stop hunting him. He therefore crosses into Philistine territory, taking six hundred men, their families, and his two wives. Saul ceases the pursuit once he learns David has fled to Gath. Verses 5–7 – The Gift of Ziklag David asks Achish for a country town instead of living in the royal city. Achish grants him Ziklag, a border town that from that day forward belongs to the kings of Judah. David settles there for “a year and four months.” Verses 8–12 – Secret Raids and Royal Trust From Ziklag, David raids the Geshurites, Girzites, and Amalekites—ancient inhabitants of the land—leaving no survivors and seizing livestock and goods. When Achish asks where he attacked, David says, “Against the Negev of Judah,” making the Philistine king believe David has turned against his own people. Achish trusts David completely and predicts David will be his servant forever. 1 Samuel 27 presents a compelling chapter in the life of David, who, seeking refuge from King Saul's relentless pursuit, takes the audacious step of living amongst the Philistines. It highlights his resourcefulness, strategic deception, and reliance on God's protection. Historical Setting: Philistine Gath and Its King The Philistines were a sea-faring people settled along Israel’s coastal plain in five city-states: Gath, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gaza, and Ekron (Joshua 13:3). Archaeologists link Gath with modern Tell es-Safit, which has yielded Iron Age fortifications and wheel-made pottery matching Philistine design. Achish may be a dynastic title much like “Pharaoh,” and an earlier Achish appears in 1 Samuel 21. Why David Chose Exile • Persistent Pursuit: 1 Samuel 26 shows Saul confessing sin yet soon renewing the hunt. • Divine Timing: God had anointed David (1 Samuel 16), but David waited for God’s timing rather than forcing events. • Strategy: By aligning with an enemy, David removed an immediate threat while learning Philistine military patterns—knowledge that would serve him later as king. Ziklag: Location and Significance • Border Town: Likely modern Tel Sera or Tel Halif, guarding the Judean-Philistine frontier. • Tribal History: Originally assigned to Judah (Joshua 15:31) and Simeon (Joshua 19:5) but remained under Philistine influence until Achish transferred it. • Later Role: Ziklag became David’s administrative base (1 Samuel 30) and is listed among towns restored after the exile (Nehemiah 11:28), illustrating its lasting value. The Ethics of David’s Raids David struck long-standing enemies whom Israel had previously been told to drive out (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). The raids prevented them from reporting to Achish and protected Judah’s southern flank. Yet David’s deception raises moral tension. Scripture records the facts without endorsement, reminding readers that even God’s chosen leaders are flawed (compare 1 Kings 15:5, which notes David’s overall faithfulness yet acknowledges his sins). Literary Parallels and Links • Exodus-Style Deliverance: Like Moses leaving Egypt, David leaves Judah, yet returns later with greater authority (1 Samuel 30–2 Samuel 2). • Jesus and Egypt: Matthew 2:14-15 cites Hosea 11:1, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” David’s exile prefigures the Messiah’s temporary refuge among Gentiles. • Psalm Connections: Psalm 34 and Psalm 56—both linked to David’s earlier visit to Gath—echo the theme of trust in foreign lands. Archaeological Notes on the Amalekites and Southern Tribes Amalekite camps have not been pinpointed, but ancient Egyptian texts mention nomadic Shasu in the Negev, consistent with biblical descriptions of wandering raiders. Pottery scatters and hearth remains south of Beersheba suggest seasonal encampments that match Amalekite mobility. Timeline and Geography • From Gibeah (Saul’s base) to Gath: ~30 miles southwest. • Gath to Ziklag: ~25-30 miles further south. • Duration in Ziklag: 16 months (1 year, 4 months). • Raiding range: the Negev, stretching toward Egypt. Connections to Other Scriptures • 1 Samuel 23:14—God’s protection in wilderness settings. • 2 Samuel 4:1—Philistines later defeat Israel at Gilboa, partly due to David’s absence. • Revelation 2:13—Believers living “where Satan’s throne is” mirrors David thriving amid Philistines. Lessons on Trust and Compromise David trusted God enough to leave Israel, yet used deception to survive. The paradox teaches: 1. Faith does not cancel planning (Proverbs 16:9). 2. Temporary alliances with the world carry danger (James 4:4). 3. God can redeem imperfect choices (Romans 8:28). Cultural Notes: Philistine Hospitality Ancient texts show guest-friendship treaties, explaining why Achish grants David a town. Exchange of land cemented loyalty, similar to later vassal agreements under Assyria. Practical Takeaways • When threatened, seek safety in God-given ways while waiting on His timing. • Guard integrity; short-term tactics can breed long-term distrust. • Remember that God can work even through enemy territory to shape future leadership. Key Berean Standard Bible Verses “Then David said in his heart, ‘One day I will perish by the hand of Saul. The best thing I can do is to escape to the land of the Philistines.’ ” (1 Samuel 27:1) “So Achish gave him Ziklag that day; therefore Ziklag has belonged to the kings of Judah to this day.” (1 Samuel 27:6) “So Achish trusted David, thinking, ‘He has made himself abhorrent to his people Israel, and he will be my servant forever.’ ” (1 Samuel 27:12) Connections to Additional Scriptures Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Psalm 56:3-4 When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. Teaching Points David's Fear and Decision 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.' (1 Samuel 27:1). David's decision was driven by fear of Saul, despite God's previous deliverance and promises. Living Among the Philistines David sought refuge with Achish, king of Gath, and was given the town of Ziklag. This move provided temporary safety but also placed David in a morally complex situation, living among idolaters and enemies of Israel. Deception and Survival David deceived Achish about his raids, claiming he attacked Israelite territories when he actually targeted other groups. This deception highlights the ethical dilemmas David faced while living in enemy territory. God's Sovereignty Despite David's fear-driven decision, God continued to protect and guide him. This chapter reminds us that God's plans are not thwarted by our missteps. Practical Applications Trust in God's Promises When fear threatens to overwhelm us, we must remember God's faithfulness and promises, choosing faith over fear. Seek Godly Counsel Before making significant decisions, especially in times of distress, seek guidance from God and wise, godly counsel. Integrity in Difficult Situations Even in challenging circumstances, strive to maintain integrity and honesty, trusting God to provide a way. Recognize God's Sovereignty Acknowledge that God is in control, even when our circumstances seem dire or our decisions are flawed. People 1. David David is the central figure in 1 Samuel 27. He is the anointed future king of Israel who, at this point, is fleeing from King Saul. In this chapter, David seeks refuge among the Philistines to escape Saul's pursuit. The Hebrew root of his name, דָּוִד (Dawid), means "beloved." 2. Achish Achish is the king of Gath, a Philistine city. David seeks asylum with him, and Achish grants David and his men a place to stay. Achish's name in Hebrew, אָכִישׁ (Akish), does not have a clear etymology but is associated with Philistine royalty. 3. Saul Although not directly involved in the events of this chapter, King Saul is the reason David flees to the Philistines. Saul is the current king of Israel, and his pursuit of David is a significant backdrop to the narrative. The Hebrew root of his name, שָׁאוּל (Sha'ul), means "asked for" or "prayed for." 4. Ahinoam Ahinoam is one of David's wives mentioned in this chapter. She is described as the Jezreelite, indicating her origin. Her name in Hebrew, אֲחִינֹעַם (Achinoam), means "brother of pleasantness." 5. Abigail Abigail is another of David's wives, previously the wife of Nabal. She is noted for her wisdom and beauty. Her name in Hebrew, אֲבִיגַיִל (Avigayil), means "my father's joy." 6. The Philistines The Philistines are the people among whom David seeks refuge. They are historically known as one of Israel's primary adversaries. The term "Philistine" in Hebrew, פְּלִשְׁתִּים (P'lishtim), is related to the root meaning "to roll" or "to wallow," possibly referring to their migratory nature. 7. David's Men While not named individually in this chapter, David's men are his loyal followers who accompany him to Gath. They are part of his growing band of warriors who support him during his time of exile. Places 1. Gath In 1 Samuel 27:2, David goes to Achish, the son of Maoch, king of Gath. Gath is one of the five Philistine cities and is significant as a place where David seeks refuge from King Saul. The Hebrew root for Gath (גַּת) refers to a winepress, indicating a place of agricultural importance. 2. Ziklag In 1 Samuel 27:6, Achish gives David the town of Ziklag. This town becomes a base for David and his men while they are in Philistine territory. Ziklag is historically significant as it later becomes part of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah. The Hebrew root for Ziklag (צִקְלַג) is less clear, but it is associated with a place of refuge for David. 3. Philistine Territory Throughout 1 Samuel 27, David resides in the land of the Philistines. This broader region is significant as it represents a place of temporary asylum for David, away from Saul's pursuit. The Philistines were a prominent group in the region, often in conflict with Israel. The Hebrew term for Philistine (פְּלִשְׁתִּים) is derived from a root meaning "to roll" or "to wallow," possibly indicating their migratory or invasive nature. Events 1. David Seeks Refuge with the Philistines David, fearing for his life due to King Saul's relentless pursuit, decides to seek refuge with the Philistines. He says 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" (1 Samuel 27:1). The Hebrew root for "escape" (מָלַט, malat) implies a sense of slipping away or delivering oneself from danger. 2. David Settles in Gath David, along with his six hundred men and their families, goes to Achish, the son of Maoch, king of Gath. "So David and his six hundred men went over to Achish son of Maoch, the king of Gath" (1 Samuel 27:2). The city of Gath is one of the five Philistine city-states, and its name in Hebrew (גַּת, Gat) means "winepress." 3. Saul Ceases His Pursuit Upon learning that David has fled to Gath, Saul stops searching for him. "When Saul was told that David had fled to Gath, he no longer searched for him" (1 Samuel 27:4). The Hebrew verb used here for "searched" (בָּקַשׁ, baqash) conveys the idea of seeking or striving after something diligently. 4. David Requests a Place to Live David asks Achish for a place to live, reasoning that it is not fitting for him to reside in the royal city. "Then David said to Achish, 'If I have found favor in your eyes, let a place be assigned to me in one of the country towns, that I may live there'" (1 Samuel 27:5). The phrase "found favor" (מָצָא חֵן, matza chen) in Hebrew indicates gaining approval or grace in someone's sight. 5. David Receives Ziklag Achish grants David the town of Ziklag, which becomes his base. "So on that day Achish gave him Ziklag, and it has belonged to the kings of Judah ever since" (1 Samuel 27:6). The name Ziklag (צִקְלַג, Tsiqlag) is of uncertain origin but is significant as it later becomes part of the territory of Judah. 6. David's Raids Against the Amalekites and Others David conducts raids against the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites, leaving no survivors to report back to Achish. "David and his men went up and raided the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites" (1 Samuel 27:8). The Hebrew term for "raided" (פָּשַׁט, pashat) suggests a stripping or plundering action. 7. David Deceives Achish David deceives Achish about his raids, claiming he attacked areas in Judah. "When Achish asked, 'Where did you raid today?' David would reply, 'Against the Negev of Judah'" (1 Samuel 27:10). The Hebrew word for "deceive" (כָּזַב, kazab) is not used directly here, but the context implies deceit through false reporting. 8. Achish Trusts David Achish believes David's deception and trusts him, thinking David has made himself odious to his own people, Israel. "Achish trusted David and said to himself, 'He has become so odious to his people, the Israelites, that he will be my servant forever'" (1 Samuel 27:12). The Hebrew root for "odious" (בָּאַשׁ, ba'ash) means to stink or become repulsive. Lessons from 1 Samuel 27 1. Trust in God's Plan, Not Your Own Understanding In 1 Samuel 27, David decides to flee to the land of the Philistines, thinking, "Now I will perish one day by the hand of Saul" (1 Samuel 27:1). This decision was based on his own understanding rather than seeking God's guidance. It's a reminder that our own plans can lead us astray if we don't first seek the Lord's wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." 2. God's Protection is Ever-Present Despite David's decision to live among the Philistines, God continued to protect him. David found favor with Achish, the king of Gath, who gave him Ziklag as a place to dwell (1 Samuel 27:5-6). This shows that even when we make questionable choices, God's protective hand can still guide us back to His path. 3. The Importance of Discernment David's time in Philistine territory required him to be discerning and strategic. He conducted raids against Israel's enemies while maintaining the appearance of loyalty to Achish (1 Samuel 27:8-10). This teaches us the importance of discernment in our actions and words, ensuring they align with God's truth and purpose. 4. The Consequences of Fear David's fear of Saul led him to seek refuge among the Philistines, a decision driven by fear rather than faith. Fear can cloud our judgment and lead us away from God's intended path. As 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 5. God's Sovereignty Over Our Circumstances Even in Philistine territory, David's life was under God's sovereign control. The Lord used David's time there to prepare him for future leadership. This illustrates that God can use any circumstance, even those that seem unfavorable, to fulfill His divine purposes. 6. The Value of Integrity David maintained his integrity by not attacking his own people, the Israelites, despite living among their enemies (1 Samuel 27:11). This highlights the importance of staying true to our values and commitments, even when faced with challenging situations. 7. The Power of Strategic Alliances David's alliance with Achish provided him with a temporary refuge and resources. While we must be cautious about the alliances we form, strategic partnerships can be beneficial when aligned with God's will. It's crucial to seek God's guidance in these relationships. 8. The Role of Leadership in Uncertain Times David's leadership was evident as he guided his men through uncertain times in enemy territory. His ability to lead with wisdom and courage is a testament to the importance of strong, faith-based leadership, especially when navigating life's challenges. 9. The Impact of Our Decisions on Others David's decision to live among the Philistines affected not only himself but also his men and their families. Our choices often have a ripple effect on those around us, underscoring the need for prayerful consideration and seeking God's direction in our decisions. 10. God's Faithfulness in Our Journey Throughout David's journey in 1 Samuel 27, God's faithfulness remained constant. Despite David's missteps, the Lord continued to guide and protect him. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that God's faithfulness endures, and He is always working for our good, even when we can't see it. As Lamentations 3:22-23 assures us, "Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" Topics 1. David Seeks Refuge with the Philistines In 1 Samuel 27:1, David decides to escape Saul's pursuit by seeking refuge with the Philistines. He reasons, "Now I will perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines." The Hebrew root for "escape" (מָלַט, malat) emphasizes David's urgent need for deliverance from Saul's relentless pursuit. 2. David's Alliance with Achish Verses 2-3 describe David's move to Gath with his men and their families, where he aligns himself with Achish, the son of Maoch, king of Gath. This alliance is strategic, as David seeks protection from Saul by living among Israel's enemies. 3. David's Request for Ziklag In verse 5, David requests a place to live in the country, saying to Achish, "If I have found favor in your eyes, let a place be given me in one of the country towns, that I may dwell there." Achish grants him Ziklag, which becomes a possession of the kings of Judah. The Hebrew word for "favor" (חֵן, chen) indicates David's desire to find grace and acceptance in the eyes of Achish. 4. David's Raids on Israel's Enemies Verses 8-9 detail David's raids against the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites. David leaves no survivors, ensuring that no one can report his actions to Achish. The Hebrew term for "raids" (פָּשַׁט, pashat) conveys the idea of stripping or plundering, highlighting the thoroughness of David's campaigns. 5. Deception of Achish In verses 10-12, David deceives Achish by claiming he raided areas of Judah, leading Achish to believe David has become a loyal servant. Achish trusts David, thinking, "He has made himself an utter stench to his people Israel; therefore he shall always be my servant." The Hebrew word for "stench" (נִבְעַשׁ, niv'ash) suggests a strong sense of repulsion, indicating Achish's belief in David's complete alienation from Israel. Themes 1. Trust in God's Protection In 1 Samuel 27, David seeks refuge among the Philistines, indicating a momentary lapse in his trust in God's protection. The chapter begins with David saying to himself, "One of these days I will be destroyed by the hand of Saul" (1 Samuel 27:1). This reflects a theme of human doubt and the struggle to maintain faith in God's promises. The Hebrew root for "destroyed" (ספה, "saphah") can imply being swept away, highlighting David's fear of being overtaken by Saul. 2. Divine Providence and Human Agency Despite David's decision to live among the Philistines, God's providence is evident as David finds favor with Achish, the king of Gath. This theme explores the interplay between divine sovereignty and human decision-making. David's actions, though seemingly driven by fear, are used by God to protect him from Saul. The narrative demonstrates how God can work through human choices to fulfill His purposes. 3. The Complexity of Moral Decisions David's time with the Philistines involves complex moral decisions, such as raiding enemy territories while maintaining the appearance of loyalty to Achish. This theme highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by believers and the challenge of maintaining integrity in difficult circumstances. The Hebrew word for "raid" (פשׁט, "pashat") suggests a stripping or plundering, indicating the aggressive nature of David's actions. 4. The Consequences of Fear David's fear of Saul leads him to seek refuge in enemy territory, illustrating the consequences of acting out of fear rather than faith. This theme underscores the importance of trusting in God's timing and protection, rather than relying on human strategies. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of allowing fear to dictate one's actions. 5. God's Faithfulness Despite Human Weakness Throughout the chapter, God's faithfulness to David is evident, even as David makes questionable decisions. This theme emphasizes that God's covenant promises remain steadfast, regardless of human frailty. The chapter reassures believers of God's unwavering commitment to His people, even when they falter in their faith. Prayer Points Pray for Trust Ask God to help you trust Him more deeply, especially in times of fear and uncertainty. Seek Wisdom Pray for wisdom and discernment in decision-making, that you may seek God's guidance above all. Integrity and Honesty Pray for strength to maintain integrity and honesty, even when faced with difficult choices. Acknowledge God's Sovereignty Thank God for His sovereignty and ask for faith to trust His plans, even when they are not immediately clear. Answering Tough Questions 1. How could David justify seeking refuge among Israel’s enemies in 1 Samuel 27:1? 2. Are there historical or archaeological records that confirm David’s stay in Philistine territory mentioned in 1 Samuel 27? 3. If David’s raids led to widespread destruction (1 Samuel 27:8–9), why is there no explicit condemnation of his actions? 4. How do we reconcile David’s apparent deception before King Achish (1 Samuel 27:10–12) with biblical moral standards? 5. Why doesn’t the text in 1 Samuel 27 show any direct divine disapproval of David’s tactics, despite their questionable ethics? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. Discuss the irony in David seeking refuge among the Philistines. What does this say about David's situation and decision-making? 2. Explore David's decision to deceive Achish about his true actions. How does this align or conflict with your understanding of morality? 3. Why do you think Saul stopped pursuing David once he learned David was living in Gath? 4. How does David balance his loyalty to Israel with his need to survive in Philistine territory? 5. If you were in David's situation, would you choose the same strategy? Why or why not? 6. How does the theme of survival in adversity present in this chapter relate to situations in your life? 7. In what ways does David demonstrate trust in God's plan throughout this chapter? 8. How might David's experience with the Philistines influence his later leadership of Israel? 9. Does the end justify the means in David's actions? Are there modern contexts where this question arises? 10. Can you think of a time when you had to dwell amongst 'enemies' to survive? How did you navigate that situation? 11. How does David's strategy reflect on his leadership skills? Can these be applied in today's leadership contexts? 12. Discuss the moral and ethical implications of David leaving no survivors during his raids. 13. How does David's experience in Gath deepen his faith and reliance on God? 14. David was put in a situation where he had to deceive to survive. How would you handle such a situation in the present day? 15. How does the narrative of David's life in Gath challenge our notions of right and wrong? 16. How does David's relationship with Achish evolve throughout the chapter, and what does it teach us about trust and manipulation? 17. Discuss David's strategy of survival through alliance and deception. How does it compare to methods you have used or seen in difficult situations today? 18. David, a future king of Israel, spends time living among and deceiving the enemy. How can we reconcile this with our understanding of leadership? 19. How can you relate David's actions and motivations in this chapter to challenges you are facing in your own life? 20. What lessons can we learn from David's time in Gath that we can apply in our personal or professional lives? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions