1 Samuel 27:5

KJV

And David said unto Achish, If I have now found grace in thine eyes, let them give me a place in some town in the country, that I may dwell there: for why should thy servant dwell in the royal city with thee?

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} said {H559} unto Achish {H397}, If I have now found {H4672} grace {H2580} in thine eyes {H5869}, let them give {H5414} me a place {H4725} in some {H259} town {H5892} in the country {H7704}, that I may dwell {H3427} there: for why should thy servant {H5650} dwell {H3427} in the royal {H4467} city {H5892} with thee?

Complete Jewish Bible

David said to Akhish, "If you are now favorably disposed toward me, let me have a place to live in one of the cities in the countryside. Why should your servant live in the royal city with you?"

Berean Standard Bible

Then 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?”

American Standard Version

And David said unto Achish, If now I have found favor in thine eyes, let them give me a place in one of the cities in the country, that I may dwell there: for why should thy servant dwell in the royal city with thee?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
David, having sought asylum with the Philistine king Achish of Gath, strategically requests to be granted a dwelling place in a rural town rather than remaining in the royal capital. This calculated plea, couched in deferential language, aimed to secure greater autonomy for himself and his 600 men, allowing him to operate with less direct oversight from his Philistine overlord while continuing his evasion of King Saul.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a critical period of David's life, chronicled from [1 Samuel 19](/1_samuel/19 "1 Samuel 19 - Saul's Pursuit of David") through [1 Samuel 31](/1_samuel/31 "1 Samuel 31 - The Death of Saul"), where he is relentlessly pursued by King Saul. Having previously feigned madness in Gath to escape (as seen in [1 Samuel 21:10-15](/1_samuel/21-10 "1 Samuel 21:10-15 - David's First Escape to Gath")), David's return to Philistine territory in [1 Samuel 27:1-4](/1_samuel/27-1 "1 Samuel 27:1-4 - David Flees to Gath") represents a desperate, yet strategic, move to find respite from Saul's relentless hunt. His arrival with 600 armed men and their families suggests a more permanent and substantial relocation, signaling his intent to establish a base of operations. The immediate narrative flow shows Achish granting this request in the following verse, leading to David's settlement in Ziklag and subsequent deceptive raids, as detailed in [1 Samuel 27:8-12](/1_samuel/27-8 "1 Samuel 27:8-12 - David's Raids from Ziklag").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's flight to the Philistines was a drastic measure, as they were Israel's perennial enemies (e.g., [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath")). For an Israelite leader, even one in exile, to seek refuge with such foes was highly unusual and fraught with moral ambiguity. Philistine cities, like Gath, were part of a pentapolis (five major cities), often ruled by independent "lords" or "kings" (seranim). It was common for powerful exiles or mercenaries to offer their services to foreign kings in exchange for asylum and provisions, a practice known as client-patronage. Achish, in granting David asylum, likely saw an opportunity to exploit David's military prowess against Israel or to destabilize Saul's kingdom, unaware of David's true intentions. David's request for a "town in the country" (literally, "one of the towns of the field") reflects the typical administrative structure where the capital city was the seat of power and direct oversight, while outlying towns offered more autonomy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse underscores several key themes prevalent in David's narrative. Firstly, "Strategic Survival" is paramount; David's decision to seek refuge with Achish and his subsequent request for a separate dwelling demonstrate his cunning and resourcefulness in navigating perilous circumstances, a trait vital for his future kingship. Secondly, "Deception and Moral Compromise" are evident, as David's actions in Philistine territory involve a degree of duplicity to maintain his cover and protect his people (e.g., [1 Samuel 27:8-12](/1_samuel/27-8 "1 Samuel 27:8-12 - David's Deceptive Raids")). Thirdly, "Divine Providence Amidst Human Imperfection" is subtly at play; even in this morally ambiguous period, God is sovereignly guiding David, preserving him from Saul, and preparing him for the throne, demonstrating that God can work through imperfect human choices to accomplish His purposes, as seen in David's eventual rise to power in [2 Samuel 5](/2_samuel/5 "2 Samuel 5 - David Becomes King").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Grace (Hebrew, _ḥēn'_):** This term (חֵן) signifies favor, goodwill, or acceptance. When David says, "If I have now found grace in thine eyes," it's a polite, deferential idiom common in ancient Near Eastern diplomacy and supplication (e.g., [Genesis 33:10](/genesis/33-10 "Genesis 33:10 - Jacob finding favor with Esau")). It implies a request for a benevolent act from a superior, framing David's petition as a humble appeal rather than a demand, thereby flattering Achish and increasing the likelihood of his request being granted.
* **Royal City (Hebrew, _ʿîr hammamlākhāh'_):** The phrase (עִיר הַמַּמְלָכָה) literally means "city of the kingdom" or "capital city." It refers to the primary seat of the king's authority and administration, where the king's presence and oversight would be most direct and constant. David's desire to avoid dwelling here highlights his strategic need for operational freedom and a degree of independence from Achish's immediate scrutiny, allowing him to conduct his covert operations without revealing his true allegiances.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David said unto Achish, If I have now found grace in thine eyes":** David initiates his request with a deferential and diplomatic opening, appealing to Achish's goodwill and authority. This phrasing is a conventional way to introduce a petition, indicating respect and submission, even if David's underlying motives are strategic and self-serving.
* **"let them give me a place in some town in the country, that I may dwell there":** This is the core of David's request. He asks for a settlement outside the capital, specifically "in the country" (בָּאָרֶץ, _bāʾāreṣ_), implying a less prominent, more autonomous location. This was a calculated move to establish a base where he and his 600 men could operate with greater freedom and less direct Philistine surveillance.
* **"for why should thy servant dwell in the royal city with thee?":** David provides a rhetorical justification for his request, framing it as a matter of propriety and humility. By referring to himself as "thy servant," he reinforces his subordinate status, suggesting that it would be inappropriate or inconvenient for a mere "servant" like him to reside in the king's capital. This explanation likely appeased Achish, making the request seem reasonable and unthreatening.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey David's strategic cunning. **Irony** is prominent, as David, the future king of Israel, feigns subservience to a Philistine monarch, using deferential language ("thy servant," "found grace in thine eyes") while secretly planning actions that would benefit Israel. His request for a "town in the country" is presented as humility, but it is a shrewd **euphemism** for seeking operational autonomy and a base for raids against Israel's enemies (though presented to Achish as raids against Israel). The rhetorical question, "for why should thy servant dwell in the royal city with thee?", functions as **persuasion**, subtly guiding Achish to accept the proposal by making it seem like a logical and humble request rather than a strategic demand for independence. This entire interaction is an example of **dramatic irony**, as the reader is aware of David's true intentions and future destiny, while Achish remains oblivious.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's calculated request in this verse highlights the complex interplay between human strategy and divine providence, even in morally ambiguous circumstances. While David's actions involve deception and a temporary alliance with an enemy, the narrative consistently portrays God's hand preserving him and preparing him for kingship. This period demonstrates that God can work through imperfect human choices and challenging situations to accomplish His overarching purposes, refining His chosen instruments through trials and testing their faith and resourcefulness. It underscores the theme that even when believers find themselves in difficult, compromised, or seemingly ungodly environments, God remains sovereign, capable of orchestrating events for their ultimate good and His glory.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - God's Redemptive Purpose")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")
* [Psalm 37:23-24](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23-24 - The Steps of a Good Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's request to Achish, born out of a desperate need for survival and strategic advantage, offers profound insights into navigating complex and challenging life circumstances. It reminds us that wisdom often involves discerning when to adapt, when to exercise humility, and when to seek space for strategic maneuver. In our own lives, we may encounter situations where direct confrontation is unwise, and a more subtle, diplomatic approach is required. This verse encourages us to think critically about our environments, to identify opportunities for greater autonomy or influence, and to present our needs or desires in a way that respects the authority and perspective of others, even when our underlying motives are different. It also implicitly challenges us to consider the ethical boundaries of such strategies, prompting self-reflection on how we balance self-preservation with integrity and trust in divine provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you found yourself in a "royal city" situation, where a strategic move to a "town in the country" (metaphorically) might have offered greater freedom or peace?**
* **How can we, like David, use deferential language and perceived humility to navigate difficult relationships or advocate for our needs, without compromising our core values?**
* **What does David's reliance on human strategy in this verse teach us about the tension between our efforts and God's sovereignty in our lives?**

### FAQ
**Why did David not want to stay in the royal city of Gath?**

Answer: David's request to reside outside the royal city was a highly strategic move. Remaining in Gath, the capital, would have placed him and his 600 men under constant, direct Philistine surveillance and control by King Achish. David needed operational freedom to maintain his identity and loyalty to Israel, even while feigning allegiance to Achish. By living in a separate town (which turned out to be Ziklag, as granted in [1 Samuel 27:6](/1_samuel/27-6 "1 Samuel 27:6 - Achish Grants Ziklag to David")), David could conduct raids against non-Israelite enemies (like the Geshurites, Girzites, and Amalekites, as described in [1 Samuel 27:8-9](/1_samuel/27-8 "1 Samuel 27:8-9 - David's Deceptive Raids")) while reporting to Achish that he was raiding Israelite towns. This deception allowed him to sustain his men, protect his true mission, and avoid becoming fully integrated into Philistine society or being forced to fight against his own people.

**Was David's decision to live among the Philistines a sign of a lack of faith?**

Answer: This period of David's life is often debated by scholars. While fleeing to the Philistines was a desperate and morally ambiguous act, it's important to view it within the broader context of David's relentless pursuit by King Saul. David states in [1 Samuel 27:1](/1_samuel/27-1 "1 Samuel 27:1 - David's Despair and Flight") that he believed he would eventually "perish by the hand of Saul." His actions, though involving deception and alliance with an enemy, can be seen as a resourceful survival strategy. Throughout this period, God's providence is still evident in protecting David and preparing him for kingship. While it may not have been an act of perfect faith, it demonstrates David's human struggle and God's ability to work through imperfect circumstances and choices. It highlights that even great figures of faith can experience moments of fear, doubt, and pragmatic decision-making, yet God remains faithful to His promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Samuel 27:5 describes David's strategic maneuvering in a time of exile and peril, it subtly foreshadows aspects of Christ's incarnation and His mission. David, the anointed king, finds himself in a foreign land, seemingly compromised, yet working out God's purposes. Similarly, Jesus, the true King of Israel, "found grace" in the eyes of humanity by emptying Himself, taking on the form of a servant, and dwelling among us, not in a royal palace but in the humble "country" of human existence ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). He did not dwell in the "royal city" of heavenly glory but came to a world hostile to Him, strategically positioning Himself to accomplish His mission of redemption. Just as David's actions, despite their moral ambiguity, ultimately served to preserve the lineage and future of Israel's monarchy, Christ's dwelling among us, enduring suffering and rejection, was the ultimate strategic act that secured salvation for all who believe ([Hebrews 2:14-18](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-18 - Christ's Incarnation and Atonement")). He became an "exile" from His heavenly glory to reconcile humanity to God, ultimately fulfilling the divine purpose that no human strategy, no matter how clever, could achieve ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")).

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

Genesis 46:34

That ye shall say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, [and] also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd [is] an abomination unto the Egyptians.

2 Corinthians 6:17

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,