1 Samuel 27:8

KJV

¶ And David and his men went up, and invaded the Geshurites, and the Gezrites, and the Amalekites: for those [nations were] of old the inhabitants of the land, as thou goest to Shur, even unto the land of Egypt.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} and his men {H582} went up {H5927}, and invaded {H6584} the Geshurites {H1651}, and the Gezrites {H1511}, and the Amalekites {H6003}: for those {H2007} nations were of old {H5769} the inhabitants {H3427} of the land {H776}, as thou goest {H935} to Shur {H7793}, even unto the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he and his men began going up and raiding the G'shuri, the Gizri and the 'Amaleki (from ancient times these people had lived in the land in the direction of Shur, all the way to Egypt).

Berean Standard Bible

Now 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.)

American Standard Version

And David and his men went up, and made a raid upon the Geshurites, and the Girzites, and the Amalekites; for those nations were the inhabitants of the land, who were of old, as thou goest to Shur, even unto the land of Egypt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 27:8 details David's strategic military operations while he was in exile from King Saul, living under the protection of Achish, the Philistine king of Gath. During this period in Ziklag, David and his men conducted raids not against Israelite towns, as he falsely reported to Achish, but against ancient, non-Israelite tribes—the Geshurites, Gezrites, and Amalekites—who inhabited the southern regions bordering Egypt. These actions served both to secure provisions and maintain his deception with Achish, while simultaneously weakening Israel's historical adversaries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a critical phase of David's life, immediately following his decision to flee Israel and seek refuge with the Philistines in [1 Samuel 27:1](/1_samuel/27-1 "1 Samuel 27:1 - David Flees to Achish"). Having been granted the city of Ziklag by King Achish, David needed to demonstrate loyalty to his Philistine overlord. The preceding verses establish David's desperate situation and his cunning plan to deceive Achish by claiming to raid Judahite towns while secretly attacking other nations. Verse 8 specifically identifies the targets of these raids, setting the stage for the deception described in [1 Samuel 27:9-12](/1_samuel/27-9 "1 Samuel 27:9-12 - David's Deception of Achish"), where David returns from his expeditions and presents the spoils as if taken from Israelite territory. This entire chapter highlights David's resourcefulness and moral ambiguity during a period of intense pressure and reliance on his own wits.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The tribes mentioned—Geshurites, Gezrites, and Amalekites—were long-standing inhabitants of the southern Negev desert, a semi-arid region bordering the Sinai Peninsula and extending towards Egypt. The Amalekites, in particular, held a deep-seated enmity with Israel, dating back to their unprovoked attack on the Israelites in the wilderness after the Exodus, as recorded in [Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Amalek Attacks Israel"). God had commanded their utter destruction (see [Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Remember Amalek")), a command that King Saul had notoriously failed to fully execute, leading to his rejection as king (see [1 Samuel 15:1-9](/1_samuel/15-1 "1 Samuel 15:1-9 - Saul's Disobedience Regarding Amalek")). David's raids against these tribes, therefore, carried significant historical and theological weight, even if his immediate motivation was personal survival and deception. The practice of raiding for sustenance and spoils was common in this ancient Near Eastern context, particularly among nomadic or semi-nomadic groups.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within the book of Samuel. Firstly, it underscores **David's cunning and pragmatism**, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex political and military situations, even resorting to deception to protect his men and his future. Secondly, it highlights the **ongoing conflict between Israel and its ancient enemies**, particularly the Amalekites, whose persistent hostility against God's people is a recurring motif. David's actions, even if flawed, inadvertently serve God's long-term purposes by weakening these foes, picking up where Saul had failed in [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection"). Thirdly, the verse subtly touches upon the theme of **divine providence**, showing how God can work through imperfect human actions and ambiguous circumstances to advance His ultimate plan for Israel and its king. David's survival and the weakening of Israel's enemies, even during his exile, are part of the larger narrative leading to his eventual enthronement.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Invaded (Hebrew, _vayyiphshuṭu'_):** This verb, וַיִּפְשְׁטוּ, derived from the root פָּשַׁט (pāšaṭ), means "to spread out," "to strip off," or "to make a raid." In military contexts, as here, it specifically denotes a sudden, swift, and often predatory incursion or raid, typically for plunder or destruction. It implies a targeted attack with a clear objective, fitting David's calculated military expeditions aimed at acquiring resources and weakening enemy tribes. The term suggests a decisive and aggressive action, not merely a defensive maneuver.
* **Of old the inhabitants (Hebrew, _me'olam yosheve ha'aretz'_):** The phrase מֵעוֹלָם יֹשְׁבֵי הָאָרֶץ emphasizes the long-established presence of these tribes in the land. "Me'olam" (מֵעוֹלָם) means "from antiquity," "from everlasting," or "of old." "Yosheve ha'aretz" (יֹשְׁבֵי הָאָרֶץ) means "inhabitants of the land." This description highlights that these were not transient groups but deeply entrenched communities with a historical claim to the territory. This detail underscores the significance of David's raids; he was striking at deeply rooted adversaries, not just random nomadic bands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David and his men went up, and invaded the Geshurites, and the Gezrites, and the Amalekites:":** This clause describes the direct action taken by David and his 600 loyal followers. "Went up" (וַיַּעַל, *vayya‘al*) often denotes a movement towards a higher elevation or a journey inland from a coastal plain, consistent with Ziklag's location in the Negev. The act of "invading" (וַיִּפְשְׁטוּ, *vayyiphshuṭu*) signifies a swift, aggressive military raid. The specific naming of the Geshurites, Gezrites, and Amalekites is crucial, identifying these as non-Israelite groups who were historical adversaries, distinct from the Judahite or other Israelite tribes David claimed to be attacking in his deception of Achish.
* **"for those [nations were] of old the inhabitants of the land,":** This parenthetical explanation provides the rationale for David's choice of targets. It clarifies that these tribes were not new threats but long-standing occupants of the region, emphasizing their established presence and, implicitly, their historical antagonism towards Israel. This detail legitimizes David's actions from an Israelite perspective, even if his immediate motives were self-preservation and deception. It also subtly connects to the divine mandate for Israel to dispossess the inhabitants of the land.
* **"as thou goest to Shur, even unto the land of Egypt.":** This phrase precisely delineates the geographical scope of David's operations. The "way to Shur" (דֶּרֶךְ שׁוּר, *derekh Shur*) refers to the ancient caravan route and desert region stretching from the southern border of Judah towards Egypt, often associated with the wilderness of Shur. "Even unto the land of Egypt" further specifies the deep southern reach of these tribes' territories, indicating that David was operating far from Israelite settlements, in a region known for its harshness and its role as a buffer zone between Israel and Egypt. This geographical detail confirms David's strategic choice of targets, avoiding any direct conflict with Israelite territory.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning. **Geographical Specificity** is prominent, with the precise mention of "Shur" and "the land of Egypt" grounding David's actions in a tangible, historical landscape. This detail not only provides verisimilitude but also highlights the strategic remoteness of David's operations from Israelite lands, crucial for his deception. There is also an element of **Dramatic Irony** at play; the reader knows David is raiding Israel's ancient enemies, fulfilling a divine mandate (especially concerning the Amalekites), while Achish believes David is attacking his own people. This creates a tension between David's outward performance and his true intentions and actions. Furthermore, the verse, particularly through the targeting of the Amalekites, subtly employs **Foreshadowing**. David's actions here anticipate his future role as king, where he will decisively defeat the Amalekites in [1 Samuel 30](/1_samuel/30 "1 Samuel 30 - David's Victory over the Amalekites"), fulfilling a command that King Saul had failed to carry out, thereby underscoring David's fitness for kingship in contrast to Saul's disobedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 27:8, despite describing a period of moral compromise for David, reveals God's overarching providence. David's actions, driven by self-preservation and deception, nonetheless served to weaken Israel's long-standing enemies, particularly the Amalekites, against whom God had pronounced a perpetual war (see [Exodus 17:16](/exodus/17-16 "Exodus 17:16 - The Lord's War Against Amalek")). This demonstrates that even when God's chosen instruments act outside His explicit moral will, He can sovereignly weave their flawed choices into His larger redemptive plan. The verse reminds us that God's purposes are not thwarted by human imperfection but can even be advanced through complex and morally ambiguous circumstances, ultimately showcasing His faithfulness to His covenant people.

* [Exodus 17:16](/exodus/17-16 "Exodus 17:16 - The Lord's War Against Amalek")
* [Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Remember Amalek's Treachery")
* [1 Samuel 15:2-3](/1_samuel/15-2 "1 Samuel 15:2-3 - God's Command to Destroy Amalek")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's period in Ziklag, marked by the raids described in 1 Samuel 27:8, offers a complex picture for reflection. While his deception of Achish is not to be emulated, his resilience, strategic thinking, and determination to protect his men and secure their future are noteworthy. In our own lives, we often face periods of "exile" or uncertainty, where circumstances push us to the limits of our faith and ingenuity. This passage reminds us that even in these challenging seasons, God remains sovereign, capable of working through our imperfect actions and guiding us towards His ultimate purposes. It challenges us to consider how we navigate difficult ethical dilemmas, trusting in God's provision while striving for integrity. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of discerning and confronting the "Amalekites" in our spiritual lives—those persistent sins, destructive habits, or spiritual adversaries that hinder our walk with God. While David used physical warfare, our battle is spiritual, requiring the armor of God and reliance on His truth, not deception.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's strategic thinking in this passage, despite its moral ambiguity, challenge or affirm your understanding of leadership in difficult circumstances?**
* **In what "exile" or challenging season of life might you currently find yourself, and how can you trust in God's providence even when your path is unclear?**
* **What "Amalekites" (persistent spiritual adversaries or sinful patterns) in your life require decisive, Spirit-led action, and how might you engage in that spiritual warfare with integrity?**

### FAQ

**Why did David raid these specific tribes and not others?**

Answer: David raided the Geshurites, Gezrites, and Amalekites for several strategic reasons, all while maintaining his deception of King Achish. Firstly, these tribes were ancient, non-Israelite inhabitants of the southern Negev region, bordering Israel but distinct from the Israelite territories. By attacking them, David avoided harming any Israelite towns or people, which would have been a betrayal of his own heritage and future kingdom. Secondly, the Amalekites, in particular, were long-standing, bitter enemies of Israel, against whom God had commanded perpetual war (see [Exodus 17:16](/exodus/17-16 "Exodus 17:16 - The Lord's War Against Amalek")). David's actions, therefore, served to weaken a significant adversary of Israel, even if his immediate motivation was self-preservation and the acquisition of spoils for his men. Thirdly, these raids provided the necessary plunder (sheep, oxen, donkeys, camels, and clothing, as mentioned in [1 Samuel 27:9](/1_samuel/27-9 "1 Samuel 27:9 - David's Spoils")) to sustain David and his 600 men, allowing him to maintain his appearance of loyalty to Achish by presenting these spoils as if they were taken from Judahite territory. This cunning strategy allowed David to survive, grow his forces, and indirectly fulfill God's purposes against Israel's enemies, all while operating under the Philistine king's nose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While David's actions in 1 Samuel 27:8 reveal his human ingenuity and strategic prowess, they also expose the moral ambiguities and limitations of even a "man after God's own heart." His reliance on deception and his need to fight physical battles against earthly enemies point to the need for a greater King and a more perfect deliverance. Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of David's kingship, operating not from a place of exile and deception, but from divine authority and perfect truth. Unlike David, who fought against the Geshurites, Gezrites, and Amalekites, Jesus came to defeat the true spiritual enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil (see [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). He did not engage in cunning raids for plunder but offered His own life as a sacrifice, securing eternal victory through His atoning work on the cross (see [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Where David's victories were partial and temporary, Jesus' triumph is complete and everlasting, establishing a kingdom that is not of this world (see [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")) and offering true freedom from spiritual bondage (see [Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")). Thus, David's strategic battles foreshadow the decisive, spiritual warfare waged and won by the Lamb of God, who truly takes away the sin of the world (see [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 15:7

And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah [until] thou comest to Shur, that [is] over against Egypt.

1 Samuel 15:8

And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.

Joshua 13:2

This [is] the land that yet remaineth: all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri,

Joshua 13:13

Nevertheless the children of Israel expelled not the Geshurites, nor the Maachathites: but the Geshurites and the Maachathites dwell among the Israelites until this day.

Judges 1:29

Neither did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer; but the Canaanites dwelt in Gezer among them.

Joshua 16:10

And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute.

Exodus 15:22

¶ So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.