1 Samuel 27:6

KJV

Then Achish gave him Ziklag that day: wherefore Ziklag pertaineth unto the kings of Judah unto this day.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Achish {H397} gave {H5414} him Ziklag {H6860} that day {H3117}: wherefore Ziklag {H6860} pertaineth unto the kings {H4428} of Judah {H3063} unto this day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

That very day Akhish gave him Ziklag, and that's why to this day Ziklag belongs to the kings of Y'hudah.

Berean Standard Bible

That day Achish gave him Ziklag, and to this day it still belongs to the kings of Judah.

American Standard Version

Then Achish gave him Ziklag that day: wherefore Ziklag pertaineth unto the kings of Judah unto this day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 27:6 records a pivotal moment in David's prolonged exile from King Saul, detailing King Achish of Gath's grant of Ziklag to David as a permanent dwelling place. This act, born from David's strategic maneuvering and Achish's political calculation, secured a vital base for David and his men, ultimately establishing a lasting territorial claim that would pertain to the future kings of Judah, underscoring the divine orchestration of David's path to the throne amidst complex and morally ambiguous circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a critical phase of David's life as a fugitive, relentlessly pursued by King Saul, who is consumed by jealousy and a desire to kill him, as seen from [1 Samuel 19:1](/1_samuel/19-1 "1 Samuel 19:1 - Saul's Attempts to Kill David"). Having previously sought temporary refuge with Achish in [1 Samuel 21:10-15](/1_samuel/21-10 "1 Samuel 21:10-15 - David Feigns Madness Before Achish") and feigned madness to escape, David now returns to the Philistine realm, albeit under different pretenses, bringing his 600 loyal men and their families. His request for a separate city, Ziklag, is a strategic move, allowing him to operate independently of Achish's direct oversight in Gath. This detachment facilitates David's deceptive raids on non-Israelite peoples (e.g., [1 Samuel 27:8-9](/1_samuel/27-8 "1 Samuel 27:8-9 - David's Raids from Ziklag")), which he falsely reports to Achish as attacks on Judah, thereby solidifying his perceived loyalty to the Philistine king while secretly strengthening his own position.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines, a powerful confederation of five city-states (Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath), were Israel's primary adversaries during the period of the Judges and early monarchy. Gath, as one of these major cities, was a significant military and political center. Seeking asylum with a foreign king was a recognized practice in the ancient Near East, often involving an agreement of vassalage where the refugee offered military service in exchange for protection and provision. Achish's decision to grant Ziklag to David would have been motivated by a desire to gain a formidable warrior, to potentially destabilize Saul's kingdom by recruiting a prominent Israelite figure, and to establish a buffer zone. Ziklag itself was a city in the Negev, strategically located on the borderlands between Philistine territory, Judah, and the Amalekites, making it an ideal base for David's operations and a valuable acquisition for the Philistines.
* **Key Themes:** The granting of Ziklag to David highlights several profound themes. Firstly, **Divine Providence Amidst Human Imperfection** is strikingly evident; despite David's morally ambiguous choices—seeking refuge with an enemy and engaging in deception—God's sovereign hand continues to protect him and position him for his destined role as king. This period of exile and reliance on God's provision, even through unconventional means, served as a crucible for David's leadership development. Secondly, David's **Strategic Leadership and Adaptability** are showcased. By requesting Ziklag, he secures a crucial operational base that offers both safety from Saul and freedom from Achish's constant scrutiny, enabling him to expand his forces and influence in preparation for his future reign. Lastly, the verse underscores **Historical Significance and Enduring Legacy**. The phrase "unto this day" emphasizes that Ziklag, a former Philistine city, became a permanent possession of the Davidic monarchy, a tangible sign of the future establishment and legitimacy of the kingdom of Judah under David's lineage, foreshadowing the enduring nature of God's covenant with David in [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Achish (Hebrew, _’Āḵîš_):** King of Gath, one of the five Philistine city-states. His repeated interactions with David (cf. [1 Samuel 21:10-15](/1_samuel/21-10 "1 Samuel 21:10-15 - David Feigns Madness Before Achish")) highlight the complex geopolitical landscape of the time. Achish's decision to grant Ziklag to David demonstrates a shrewd political calculation, likely viewing David as a valuable asset against Saul and a potential vassal who could contribute to Philistine power, unaware of David's true intentions and ultimate destiny.
* **Ziklag (Hebrew, _Ṣiqlag_):** A city located in the Negev region, bordering Judah and Philistine territory. Its precise location is debated, but its strategic importance is clear. Originally part of Judah's inheritance (cf. [Joshua 15:31](/joshua/15-31 "Joshua 15:31 - Ziklag in Judah's Inheritance")), it had evidently fallen into Philistine hands. Its grant to David not only provided him with a secure base but also symbolically reclaimed a piece of Israelite territory, albeit under Philistine suzerainty, foreshadowing David's eventual reunification of Israel.
* **unto this day (Hebrew, _‘ad hayyōm hazzeh_):** A common biblical idiom used by the narrator to indicate that a particular custom, place, or situation established in the story continued to exist at the time the book was written or compiled. It serves as an editorial gloss, authenticating the historical claim made in the text and emphasizing the enduring legacy of David's actions and the divine plan for his kingdom. It grounds the narrative in the contemporary reality of the audience, confirming the historical continuity of the Davidic line's claim to Ziklag.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Achish gave him Ziklag that day:"** This clause details the immediate consequence of David's request to Achish. David had asked for a place in the country, away from Gath, to avoid being a burden or under constant scrutiny in the royal city. Achish's compliance was a strategic move, likely motivated by a desire to keep David and his formidable band of warriors loyal and useful, while also removing them from his immediate presence in Gath. The "that day" emphasizes the swiftness and decisiveness of the transaction, establishing David's new base of operations.
* **"wherefore Ziklag pertaineth unto the kings of Judah unto this day."** This explanatory clause, an editorial comment by the narrator, highlights the lasting historical and legal significance of Achish's grant. It asserts that Ziklag, once a Philistine possession (or at least under their control), became a permanent part of the royal domain of the Davidic monarchy. The phrase "unto this day" confirms that this territorial claim was still valid and recognized at the time the book of Samuel was written, underscoring the enduring legacy of David's actions and the divine hand in shaping the boundaries and possessions of the future kingdom of Judah.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Narrative Gloss** or **Editorial Comment**, specifically the phrase "unto this day." This is a common biblical convention where the narrator steps out of the immediate story to provide historical context or confirm the enduring reality of an event or custom for the audience contemporary with the writing of the book. It serves to authenticate the historical claim regarding Ziklag's permanent attachment to the kings of Judah. Furthermore, there is an element of **Foreshadowing** present. David's acquisition of Ziklag, a city originally within Judah's tribal inheritance but under Philistine control, subtly foreshadows his eventual kingship over Judah and his role in reclaiming and consolidating Israelite territory. The entire narrative of David's time in Philistine territory, culminating in the grant of Ziklag, also carries a degree of **Irony**: the future king of Israel, God's anointed, is forced to seek refuge with Israel's sworn enemies, and even receives a territorial grant from them, yet this seemingly contradictory situation is ultimately used by God to prepare and position David for his divine calling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 27:6 powerfully illustrates the intricate ways in which God's sovereign plan unfolds, often through human choices that are far from perfect and circumstances that appear contradictory. David's desperate flight to the Philistines, an act born of fear and strategic necessity, was nonetheless incorporated into God's overarching purpose to protect and prepare His anointed king. This passage reminds us that God is not limited by our imperfections or the complexities of our circumstances; rather, He works through them, shaping individuals and events to accomplish His divine will. Ziklag became a crucible for David, a place of both deception and divine provision, where he honed his leadership skills, built his army, and ultimately prepared for the responsibilities of kingship, demonstrating God's faithfulness even when His servants walk on precarious paths.

* [1 Samuel 30:1-20](/1_samuel/30-1 "1 Samuel 30:1-20 - David's Recovery at Ziklag") - This passage vividly recounts the Amalekite raid on Ziklag, David's subsequent distress, his seeking of the Lord, and his triumphant recovery of all that was lost, further solidifying his leadership and demonstrating God's active involvement in his life even in this Philistine-granted city.
* [Psalm 37:23-24](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23-24 - The Lord Directs the Steps of the Righteous") - This psalm reflects the theological truth that the Lord directs the steps of the righteous, and though they may stumble, they will not fall, a principle clearly seen in David's journey through Ziklag.
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good") - This New Testament verse encapsulates the overarching theme that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose, a truth profoundly demonstrated in David's time in Ziklag.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of David in Ziklag offers profound insights into the nature of divine providence and human responsibility. It challenges us to consider how God might be working in our own lives, even through periods of uncertainty, exile, or seemingly compromised situations. Like David, we may find ourselves in "Ziklags"—places of refuge that are not ideal, where our choices are complex, and our path is unclear. Yet, it is often in these very spaces of struggle and dependence that God refines our character, teaches us to trust Him more deeply, and prepares us for future callings. This passage encourages us to look beyond immediate circumstances and trust in God's overarching plan, recognizing that His sovereign hand can redeem and utilize even our imperfect decisions for His glory and our ultimate good. It calls us to seek God's guidance consistently, even when our human strategies seem necessary, and to remember that true security and destiny come from Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "Ziklags" or unconventional places might God be preparing you for a future purpose?**
* **How does David's experience challenge your understanding of God's providence amidst human imperfection or morally ambiguous choices?**
* **What steps can you take to trust God more fully, even when your circumstances are complex or your path seems unclear?**

### FAQ
**Why did Achish give David Ziklag, and what was its significance?**

Answer: Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, granted Ziklag to David primarily for strategic reasons. He likely saw David as a valuable vassal, a skilled warrior who could serve his interests against Israel and potentially destabilize King Saul's kingdom. By giving David a separate city, Achish also kept David and his large band of men out of Gath itself, preventing any internal Philistine unrest while still benefiting from David's military prowess. For David, Ziklag was immensely significant: it provided a secure base away from Saul's pursuit and Achish's direct oversight, allowing him to operate with a degree of independence. From Ziklag, David conducted raids on non-Israelite peoples (e.g., the Geshurites, Girzites, and Amalekites, as detailed in [1 Samuel 27:8-9](/1_samuel/27-8 "1 Samuel 27:8-9 - David's Raids from Ziklag")), while deceiving Achish into believing he was attacking Judah. This period in Ziklag was crucial for David to consolidate his forces and prepare for his eventual kingship.

**What is the meaning and importance of the phrase "unto this day" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "unto this day" (Hebrew: `‘ad hayyōm hazzeh`) is a common narrative device or editorial gloss found throughout the Old Testament. It indicates that a particular custom, place, or situation described in the narrative continued to exist at the time the book of Samuel was written or compiled. In 1 Samuel 27:6, its importance is twofold: Firstly, it serves as a historical authentication, confirming to the original audience that Ziklag indeed became a permanent possession of the Davidic monarchy and remained so. Secondly, it underscores the enduring legacy of David's actions and the divine plan for his kingdom, emphasizing that this seemingly minor grant from a Philistine king had lasting territorial and political consequences for the future kings of Judah, solidifying the boundaries and possessions of the Davidic line.

**Was David's decision to seek refuge with the Philistines a righteous one?**

Answer: David's decision to seek refuge with the Philistines is a complex ethical question and is not explicitly condemned in the biblical text. It reflects David's desperation and reliance on human strategy to escape Saul's relentless pursuit. While it placed him in a morally precarious position, requiring deception and alliance with Israel's enemies, the narrative implicitly shows that God's providence continued to work through these circumstances. David's actions, though imperfect, were part of a larger divine plan to protect him and prepare him for the throne. The Bible often portrays its heroes with their flaws, demonstrating that God uses imperfect people and works through unconventional means to accomplish His purposes. This period in Ziklag, despite its moral ambiguities, ultimately served to refine David's leadership and position him for his future role as king of Judah and all Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's exile and his reception of Ziklag from a foreign king, though born of desperation and human strategy, profoundly foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Son of David. Just as David, God's anointed, was rejected by his own people (Saul's Israel) and forced into a period of exile, so too was Jesus, the true King of Israel, rejected by His own and became a "man of sorrows, acquainted with grief" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Jesus, a Man of Sorrows")). David found a temporary "kingdom" in Ziklag, a place of preparation and gathering of followers, even from among the Gentiles (Philistines). Similarly, Christ, though rejected by the religious establishment of His day, established His spiritual kingdom not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), gathering to Himself a diverse people, including Gentiles, who would become His church, His body ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")). The "unto this day" aspect of Ziklag's possession by the kings of Judah points to the enduring, eternal nature of Christ's reign, for He is the King whose kingdom will have no end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Message to Mary")), and He has received all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). David's experience in Ziklag, a place of testing and growth before his full enthronement, ultimately points to Christ's own journey of suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension, through which He was perfectly prepared and exalted to His eternal throne, establishing a kingdom that truly "pertaineth unto" Him forever.

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

Nehemiah 11:28

And at Ziklag, and at Mekonah, and in the villages thereof,

Joshua 15:31

And Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah,

1 Chronicles 12:1

¶ Now these [are] they that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close because of Saul the son of Kish: and they [were] among the mighty men, helpers of the war.

1 Samuel 19:5

For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest [it], and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?

1 Chronicles 4:30

And at Bethuel, and at Hormah, and at Ziklag,

2 Samuel 1:1

¶ Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag;

1 Chronicles 12:20

As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh, Adnah, and Jozabad, and Jediael, and Michael, and Jozabad, and Elihu, and Zilthai, captains of the thousands that [were] of Manasseh.