1 Samuel 27:11

KJV

And David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring [tidings] to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell on us, saying, So did David, and so [will be] his manner all the while he dwelleth in the country of the Philistines.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} saved {H2421} neither man {H376} nor woman {H802} alive {H2421}, to bring {H935} tidings to Gath {H1661}, saying {H559}, Lest they should tell {H5046} on us, saying {H559}, So did {H6213} David {H1732}, and so will be his manner {H4941} all the while {H3117} he dwelleth {H3427} in the country {H7704} of the Philistines {H6430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The reason David spared neither men nor women to be brought to Gat is that he thought, "We don't want them telling on us, saying, 'David did so-and-so.'" That's how he conducted his raids for as long as he lived in the country of the P'lishtim.

Berean Standard Bible

David 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.

American Standard Version

And David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring them to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell of us, saying, So did David, and so hath been his manner all the while he hath dwelt in the country of the Philistines.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 27:11 details a morally ambiguous period in David's life, where, while seeking refuge from Saul among the Philistines, he conducted raids against non-Israelite peoples. To maintain his deceptive alliance with King Achish of Gath and prevent his true activities from being exposed, David ruthlessly ensured no survivors from his attacks, thereby eliminating any potential witnesses who could report his actions back to the Philistine court. This verse highlights David's strategic cunning and desperate measures for survival, revealing the complex ethical landscape he navigated before ascending to the throne.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a critical phase of David's life, immediately following his desperate flight from King Saul, who relentlessly sought to kill him. David, having previously feigned madness in Gath ([1 Samuel 21:10-15](/1_samuel/21-10 "1 Samuel 21:10-15 - David Feigns Madness")), now returns to seek genuine asylum with Achish, the Philistine king. Achish grants David the Philistine city of Ziklag ([1 Samuel 27:6](/1_samuel/27-6 "1 Samuel 27:6 - Achish Gives Ziklag to David")), from which David operates for a year and four months ([1 Samuel 27:7](/1_samuel/27-7 "1 Samuel 27:7 - David's Time in Ziklag")). While Achish believes David is raiding Israelite territory, David is, in fact, attacking non-Israelite groups like the Geshurites, Gezrites, and Amalekites ([1 Samuel 27:8](/1_samuel/27-8 "1 Samuel 27:8 - David Raids Non-Israelite Tribes")), who were traditional enemies of Israel. The complete annihilation of these groups, as described in verse 11, is a calculated measure to prevent any information from reaching Achish that would expose David's true targets and intentions, thus preserving his sanctuary and strategic advantage.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges and early Monarchy in ancient Israel was characterized by frequent tribal warfare and shifting alliances. The Philistines were a formidable power, often in conflict with Israel, making David's decision to seek refuge with them a highly unusual and precarious one. The practice of "saving neither man nor woman alive" (known as *herem* or total destruction in some contexts, though here applied for strategic deception rather than divine command) was a brutal but common aspect of ancient Near Eastern warfare, intended to eliminate all threats, prevent retaliation, and suppress information. Gath was one of the five major Philistine city-states, and its king, Achish, held significant power. David's actions reflect the harsh realities of survival in a volatile geopolitical landscape, where deception and ruthlessness were often employed to ensure one's safety and advance one's cause.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 1 Samuel and the broader Davidic narrative. It highlights the theme of **deception and survival**, as David employs cunning and extreme measures to navigate a treacherous situation, protecting himself from Saul while simultaneously deceiving his Philistine hosts. It underscores the **moral ambiguity** present even in the lives of biblical heroes; David, though "a man after God's own heart," engages in actions that challenge simplistic notions of righteousness, revealing his human fallibility and the complex choices demanded by leadership and survival. Furthermore, it subtly points to **God's sovereignty amidst human imperfection**, demonstrating that despite David's questionable methods, God's ultimate plan to establish him as king of Israel remains on course. This period also illustrates the **cost of distrust**, as David's fear of Saul led him to seek refuge among Israel's enemies, forcing him into a deeply compromising position, a theme echoed in other instances of human fear overriding divine trust, such as in [1 Samuel 13:11-14](/1_samuel/13-11 "1 Samuel 13:11-14 - Saul's Unlawful Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Saved neither man nor woman alive (Hebrew, _ḥāyâ_):** The verb *ḥāyâ* typically means "to live" or "to keep alive." Here, in the negative construction, it powerfully conveys the complete and utter destruction of the inhabitants. This was not merely a military victory, but a deliberate act of extermination to ensure no witnesses remained. It emphasizes the totality of David's action, leaving no one to "live" and therefore no one to "tell."
* **Tidings (Hebrew, _dāḇār_):** While the KJV inserts "[tidings]," the Hebrew word *dāḇār* is very broad, meaning "word," "matter," "thing," or "report." In this context, it refers to any information or report that could reveal David's true activities. David's goal was to prevent any "word" or "report" from reaching Gath that would expose his raids against non-Israelite tribes rather than Israelites, thereby preserving his carefully constructed deception.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David saved neither man nor woman alive,"**: This clause immediately establishes the extreme nature of David's actions. It signifies a complete annihilation of the populations he raided. This was not a typical battle where some might be taken captive or flee; it was a deliberate and total elimination of all inhabitants. The purpose was not simply victory, but the eradication of any potential witnesses.
* **"to bring [tidings] to Gath, saying,"**: This explains the strategic rationale behind the total destruction. David's primary objective was to prevent any "report" or "news" from reaching King Achish in Gath. If anyone survived, they could reveal David's true targets, which were not the Israelites as Achish believed, but other non-Israelite groups. This would expose David's deception and jeopardize his sanctuary.
* **"Lest they should tell on us, saying, So did David,"**: This further clarifies David's fear and motivation. He anticipated that any survivors would report his actions ("So did David"), specifically detailing the nature of his raids (i.e., against non-Israelite tribes, not Israel). This direct report would undermine his credibility and alliance with Achish.
* **"and so [will be] his manner all the while he dwelleth in the country of the Philistines."**: This final clause reveals David's concern about the consistency of his deception. He needed to maintain the facade that he was continually raiding Israelite territory, thereby proving his loyalty to Achish. If his true "manner" or pattern of raids (against non-Israelites) were revealed, Achish would realize he had been deceived, leading to severe consequences for David and his men.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its complex message. **Characterization** is prominent, revealing a pragmatic, ruthless, and cunning side of David, contrasting with his more idealized portrayal elsewhere. This verse presents a morally ambiguous David, a leader willing to take extreme measures for survival and strategic advantage. The narrative also uses **Foreshadowing**; this period of deception and moral compromise subtly hints at later, more significant moral failings in David's life, such as the Bathsheba incident in [2 Samuel 11](/2_samuel/11 "2 Samuel 11 - David and Bathsheba"). There is also a form of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader is privy to David's true intentions and actions, while Achish remains oblivious, believing David to be a loyal vassal. This creates tension and highlights the precariousness of David's position. Finally, the stark, unembellished description of the slaughter ("saved neither man nor woman alive") serves as a powerful, almost clinical, statement of fact, allowing the gravity of David's actions to speak for itself without explicit authorial condemnation, leaving the reader to grapple with the ethical implications.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 27:11 presents a challenging theological dilemma: how does a "man after God's own heart" engage in such ruthless deception and slaughter? This passage reminds us that biblical heroes are not perfect, sinless figures, but deeply flawed individuals through whom God nonetheless works His purposes. David's actions here are driven by fear and a pragmatic desire for survival, illustrating the moral compromises that can arise when trust in God's immediate provision wavers, leading to reliance on human cunning. While God's sovereignty is evident in His continued protection and eventual elevation of David, this does not condone David's methods. Instead, it highlights God's ability to work through and even redeem imperfect human choices, demonstrating His grace and long-suffering patience with His chosen instruments. The passage implicitly critiques the human tendency to resort to worldly means when facing extreme pressure, even when a divine promise of kingship has been given.

* [Psalm 37:3-6](/psalm/37-3 "Psalm 37:3-6 - Trust in the Lord")
* [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are Abomination")
* [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 27:11 offers a sobering glimpse into the complexities of human nature, even within the lives of those chosen by God. It challenges us to move beyond simplistic portrayals of biblical figures and embrace the full humanity of individuals like David, who wrestled with fear, made difficult choices, and sometimes resorted to morally questionable means for survival. This passage prompts us to examine our own lives: under what circumstances do we feel tempted to compromise our integrity or resort to deception for self-preservation or perceived advantage? It reminds us that while God is sovereign and can work through imperfect people, our actions still have moral weight and consequences. True faith calls for integrity and trust in God's provision, even when circumstances seem dire, rather than relying on cunning or ruthless tactics. It's a call to reflect on the tension between survival instincts and ethical principles, and to always seek God's wisdom and guidance in navigating life's difficult choices.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what situations do I find myself tempted to compromise my values or integrity for the sake of security or advantage?**
* **How does David's moral ambiguity in this passage challenge my understanding of biblical heroes and the nature of faith?**
* **What does this verse teach me about God's sovereignty and His ability to work through imperfect individuals, without condoning their sins?**
* **How can I cultivate greater trust in God's provision and protection, even when facing fear or uncertainty, to avoid resorting to deceptive or harmful actions?**

### FAQ

**Was David justified in his actions to save neither man nor woman alive?**

Answer: From a purely strategic standpoint in ancient warfare, David's actions were effective in maintaining his deception and ensuring his survival among the Philistines. However, from a moral and theological perspective, the text does not explicitly condone his actions. While the Bible often records the actions of its characters without direct commentary, the ruthlessness displayed here raises significant ethical questions. David was a man chosen by God, but he was also deeply flawed. His actions in 1 Samuel 27:11 are driven by fear and self-preservation, not by divine command or a clear moral imperative. They stand in stark contrast to the ethical standards often promoted elsewhere in the Old Testament, such as the value of human life and truthfulness. This period highlights David's human fallibility and the moral compromises he made under extreme duress, rather than serving as a model for righteous conduct.

**How does this passage reconcile with David being called "a man after God's own heart"?**

Answer: The phrase "a man after God's own heart" (found in [1 Samuel 13:14](/1_samuel/13-14 "1 Samuel 13:14 - God Seeks a Man After His Own Heart") and [Acts 13:22](/acts/13-22 "Acts 13:22 - David, a Man After God's Heart")) does not imply moral perfection or sinlessness. Instead, it speaks to David's fundamental orientation towards God, his repentance when confronted with sin (as seen after the Bathsheba incident in [2 Samuel 12](/2_samuel/12 "2 Samuel 12 - Nathan Confronts David")), his passion for worship, and his general desire to follow God's will for the nation of Israel. This passage in 1 Samuel 27, like other instances of David's sin (e.g., the census in [2 Samuel 24](/2_samuel/24 "2 Samuel 24 - David's Census")), serves as a powerful reminder that even the greatest figures of faith were deeply human and capable of significant moral failings. God works through imperfect people, not because He condones their sin, but because of His sovereign grace and His ability to bring about His purposes despite human weakness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While David's actions in 1 Samuel 27:11 demonstrate a leader resorting to deception and ruthless force for survival, they ultimately underscore the profound need for a perfect King, one who would never need to compromise truth or resort to such means. David, in his cunning and moral ambiguity, foreshadows the human limitations of even the best earthly rulers. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ is the King who embodies perfect truth and integrity. He did not seek to preserve His life through deception but willingly laid it down as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), fulfilling the ultimate sacrifice. Unlike David, who eliminated witnesses to hide his true intentions, Christ's life and mission were characterized by radical transparency, openly declaring His identity and purpose, even when it led to His crucifixion ([John 18:20-21](/john/18-20 "John 18:20-21 - Jesus' Open Teaching")). David's temporary refuge among the Philistines and his reliance on worldly wisdom highlight the brokenness of a world under sin, a brokenness that only Christ's perfect reign can fully redeem. He is the true Shepherd who protects His flock not through cunning and violence, but through self-sacrificial love and the power of His resurrection, establishing a kingdom of righteousness and peace that will have no end ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 22:22

And David said unto Abiathar, I knew [it] that day, when Doeg the Edomite [was] there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned [the death] of all the persons of thy father's house.

Proverbs 12:19

¶ The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue [is] but for a moment.

Proverbs 29:25

¶ The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.