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Commentary on 1 Samuel 27 verses 1–7
Here is, I. The prevalency of David's fear, which was the effect of the weakness of his faith (Sa1 27:1): He said to his heart (so it may be read), in his communings with it concerning his present condition, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul. He represented to himself the restless rage and malice of Saul (who could not be wrought into a reconciliation) and the treachery of his own countrymen, witness that of the Ziphites, once and again; he looked upon his own forces, and observed how few they were, and that no recruits had come in to him for a great while, nor could he perceive that he got any ground; and hence, in a melancholy mood, he draws this dark conclusion: I shall one day perish by the hand of Saul. But, O thou of little faith! wherefore dost thou doubt? Was he not anointed to be king? Did not that imply an assurance that he should be preserved to the kingdom? Though he had no reason to trust Saul's promises, had he not all the reason in the world to trust the promises of God? His experience of the particular care Providence took of him ought to have encouraged him. He that has delivered does and will. But unbelief is a sin that easily besets even good men. When without are fightings, within are fears, and it is a hard matter to get over them. Lord, increase our faith!
II. The resolution he came to hereupon. Now that Saul had, for this time, returned to his place, he determined to take this opportunity of retiring into the Philistines' country. Consulting his own heart only, and not the ephod or the prophet, he concludes, There is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines. Long trials are in danger of tiring the faith and patience even of very good men. Now, 1. Saul was an enemy to himself and his kingdom in driving David to this extremity. He weakened his own interest when he expelled from his service, and forced into the service of his enemies, so great a general as David was, and so brave a regiment as he had the command of. 2. David was no friend to himself in taking this course. God had appointed him to set up his standard in the land of Judah, Sa1 22:5. There God had wonderfully preserved him, and employed him sometimes for the good of his country; why then should he think of deserting his post? How could he expect the protection of the God of Israel if he went out of the borders of the land of Israel? Could he expect to be safe among the Philistines, out of whose hands he had lately escaped so narrowly by feigning himself mad? Would he receive obligations from those now whom he knew he must not return kindness to when he should come to be king, but be under an obligation to make war upon? Hereby he would gratify his enemies, who bade him go and serve other gods that they might have wherewith to reproach him, and very much weaken the hands of his friends, who would not have wherewith to answer that reproach. See what need we have to pray, Lord, lead us not into temptation.
III. The kind reception he had at Gath. Achish bade him welcome, partly out of generosity, being proud of entertaining so brave a man, partly out of policy, hoping to engage him for ever to his service, and that his example would invite many more to desert and come over to him. No doubt he gave David a solemn promise of protection, which he could rely upon when he could not trust Saul's promises. We may blush to think that the word of a Philistine should go further than the word of an Israelite, who, if an Israelite indeed, would be without guile, and that the city of Gath should be a place of refuge for a good man when the cities of Israel refuse him a safe abode. David, 1. Brought his men with him (Sa1 27:2) that they might guard him, and might themselves be safe where he was, and to recommend himself the more to Achish, who hoped to have service out of him. 2. He brought his family with him, his wives and his household, so did all his men, Sa1 27:2, Sa1 27:3. Masters of families ought to take care of those that are committed to them, to protect and provide for those of their own house, and to dwell with them as men of knowledge.
IV. Saul's desisting from the further prosecution of him (Sa1 27:4): He sought no more again for him; this intimates that notwithstanding the professions of repentance he had lately made, if he had had David in his reach, he would have aimed another blow. But, because he dares not come where he is, he resolves to let him alone. Thus many seem to leave their sins, but really their sins leave them; they would persist in them if they could. Saul sought no more for him, contenting himself with his banishment, since he could not have his blood, and hoping, it may be (as he had done, Sa1 18:25), that he would, some time or other, fall by the hand of the Philistines; and, though he would rather have the pleasure of destroying him himself, yet, if they do it, he will be satisfied, so that it be done effectually.
V. David's removal from Gath to Ziklag.
1.David's request for leave to remove was prudent and very modest, Sa1 27:5. (1.) It was really prudent. David knew what it was to be envied in the court of Saul, and had much more reason to fear in the court of Achish, and therefore declines preferment there, and wishes for a settlement in the country, where he might be private, more within himself, and less in other people's way. In a town of his own he might have the more free exercise of his religion, and keep his men better to it, and not have his righteous soul vexed, as it was at Gath, with the idolatries of the Philistines. (2.) As it was presented to Achish it was very modest. He does not prescribe to him what place he should assign him, only begs it may be in some town in the country, where he pleased (beggars must not be choosers); but he gives this for a reason, "Why should thy servant dwell in the royal city, to crowd thee, and disoblige those about thee?" Note, Those that would stand fast must not covet to stand high; and humble souls aim not to dwell in royal cities.
2.The grant which Achish made to him, upon that request, was very generous and kind (Sa1 27:6, Sa1 27:7): Achish gave him Ziklag. Hereby, (1.) Israel recovered their ancient right; for Ziklag was in the lot of the tribe of Judah (Jos 15:31), and afterwards, out of that lot, was assigned, with some other cities, to Simeon, Jos 19:5. But either it was never subdued, or the Philistines had, in some struggle with Israel, made themselves masters of it. Perhaps they had got it unjustly, and Achish, being a man of sense and honour, took this occasion to restore it. The righteous God judgeth righteously. (2.) David gained a commodious settlement, not only at a distance from Gath, but bordering upon Israel, where he might keep up a correspondence with his own countrymen, and whither they might resort to him at the revolution that was now approaching. Though we do not find that he augmented his forces at all while Saul lived (for, Sa1 30:10, he had but his six hundred men), yet, immediately after Saul's death, that was the rendezvous of his friends. Nay, it should seem, while he kept himself close because of Saul, multitudes resorted to him, at least to assure him of their sincere intentions, 1 Chr. 12:1-22. And this further advantage David gained, that Ziklag was annexed to the crown, at least the royalty of it pertained to the kings of Judah, ever after, Sa1 27:6. Note, There is nothing lost by humility and modesty, and a willingness to retire. Real advantages follow those that flee from imaginary honours. Here David continued for some days, even four months, as it may very well be read (Sa1 27:7), or some days above four months: the Septuagint reads it, some months; so long he waited for the set time of his accession to the throne; for he that believeth shall not make haste.
“When the Philistines held him in Gath”; this is recounted in the text of the book of Kings [Samuel]. David was terrorized by attacks of Saul and thought that he would be hidden in the city of Gath among the Philistines. But we have said that all this is to be explained as mystical allegory. Gath denotes “winepress,” the squeezing which every Christian endures, but then he makes the harvest most abundant when he has been pressed by the rods of afflictions. So the church reasonably and appropriately speaks in this heading. Though weighed down by the persecutions of the Philistines, that is, by outsiders, [the church] pours forth the deserving merits of its saints with abundant freedom as though they were liquid nectar.
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SUMMARY
After years of relentless pursuit by King Saul, David, worn down by the constant threat and psychological toll, concludes in his heart that his eventual demise at Saul's hand is inevitable. In a moment of profound human weariness and strategic reasoning, he determines that his only viable option is to flee swiftly into the land of the Philistines, Israel's traditional enemies. David believes this drastic measure will finally cause Saul to abandon his relentless hunt within Israel's borders, thereby securing his escape and preserving his life from the ongoing persecution.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Internal Monologue, allowing the reader direct access to David's thoughts and emotional state, revealing his deep weariness, despair, and strategic reasoning. This technique provides profound psychological depth, showing David as a complex figure, capable of doubt and human calculation despite his profound faith. There is also a strong element of Irony present; David, the future king of Israel and the celebrated slayer of Goliath, finds himself seeking refuge among the very enemies he once conquered and against whom he will eventually lead Israel. This ironic turn highlights the extreme pressure he is under and the unexpected, often morally ambiguous, directions life can take when human weakness prevails. Furthermore, the verse contains a subtle Foreshadowing of the challenges and moral compromises David will face during his time among the Philistines, hinting that this human-devised solution will not be without its own set of complications and ethical dilemmas, even as God continues to work through David's imperfect choices.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal verse serves as a stark reminder that even the most devout individuals, chosen by God and recipients of divine promises, can experience moments of profound despair and doubt, leading them to make decisions based on human reasoning rather than unwavering faith. David, the "man after God's own heart," here acts out of fear and weariness, momentarily forgetting God's numerous past deliverances and sovereign control over his life and Saul's. Yet, the broader narrative of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel demonstrates God's persistent faithfulness, working even through David's imperfect choices to ultimately fulfill His purposes. This passage underscores that God's plan is not derailed by human weakness, but His grace often encompasses and redeems our faltering steps, continuing to guide us toward His intended destination, even when our faith momentarily wavers.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's internal struggle in 1 Samuel 27:1 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It normalizes the experience of spiritual and emotional exhaustion, reminding us that even great figures of faith are not immune to despair when facing prolonged trials and relentless opposition. When circumstances seem insurmountable, and our strength is depleted, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and to question God's timing or method of deliverance. However, David's decision to act purely on his own human logic, without consulting the Lord, serves as a cautionary tale. In moments of extreme pressure, we are often tempted to devise our own "escape plans," relying on our ingenuity or worldly solutions rather than patiently waiting on and trusting in God's sovereign wisdom and power. This verse calls us to acknowledge our weariness but to resist the urge to make desperate, faithless decisions. Instead, it encourages us to press into God even when hope seems dim, remembering His past faithfulness and His unfailing promises, for His ways are always higher and more secure than our own, providing true refuge and peace that surpasses understanding.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Was David's decision to flee to the Philistines a sin or a lack of faith?
Answer: While the text does not explicitly condemn David's decision as a sin, it clearly portrays it as a moment of human weakness and a departure from his usual practice of inquiring of the Lord. It stemmed from despair and a reliance on his own strategic reasoning rather than unwavering trust in God's continued protection. David had repeatedly experienced God's miraculous deliverance from Saul, yet here he concludes that he "shall now perish." This decision was born out of fear and weariness, not divine instruction, and it led to a period of moral compromise and deception (as seen in 1 Samuel 27:8-12). While God's sovereignty allowed this period to unfold and ultimately used it for His purposes, it was not an ideal or faith-filled choice on David's part. It highlights that even heroes of faith can falter and make decisions based on human logic rather than divine guidance.
Did God abandon David when he went to the Philistines?
Answer: No, God did not abandon David. Even in David's moment of doubt and his human-driven decision, God's sovereign hand continued to guide and protect him. While David's time in Philistine territory was fraught with moral compromises and difficult choices, God still worked through these circumstances to preserve His chosen king. For example, David's presence among the Philistines inadvertently kept him safe from Saul's final, fatal battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 31). God's faithfulness to His covenant and His chosen king remained steadfast, demonstrating that His plans are not thwarted by human weakness, but often unfold even through our imperfect paths. God's grace and providential care are evident even when His people stray from perfect obedience, ensuring His ultimate purposes are fulfilled.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's despair and subsequent flight to the Philistines in 1 Samuel 27:1 powerfully prefigures the ultimate refuge found in Jesus Christ, the true and perfect King. David, though chosen by God and a man after His own heart, was ultimately a man prone to human weakness, fear, and strategic missteps. His desperate search for safety in a foreign land highlights the futility of relying on human schemes or earthly havens to escape the relentless pursuit of sin and death. In stark contrast, Jesus, the Son of David, faced far greater persecution and opposition, yet He never despaired or sought refuge outside of His Father's perfect will. He perfectly trusted God even unto death, embodying the ultimate reliance on divine guidance that David sometimes lacked. While David fled to the land of Israel's enemies, Christ entered the land of humanity's spiritual enemies—sin and death—not to escape, but to conquer them. He became our ultimate refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Unlike David's temporary and compromised safety in Philistia, Christ offers eternal security and true liberation from the power of sin, inviting all who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, the perfect King who, through His sacrifice and resurrection, provides the only true escape from the ultimate enemy, offering a salvation that is not merely a temporary reprieve but an eternal dwelling in the presence of God, where no adversary can ever reach us (Romans 8:38-39).