1 Samuel 27:9

KJV

And David smote the land, and left neither man nor woman alive, and took away the sheep, and the oxen, and the asses, and the camels, and the apparel, and returned, and came to Achish.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} smote {H5221} the land {H776}, and left neither man {H376} nor woman {H802} alive {H2421}, and took away {H3947} the sheep {H6629}, and the oxen {H1241}, and the asses {H2543}, and the camels {H1581}, and the apparel {H899}, and returned {H7725}, and came {H935} to Achish {H397}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David would attack the land, leaving alive neither men nor women, but taking the sheep, cattle, donkeys, camels and clothing. Then he would return and go to Akhish.

Berean Standard Bible

Whenever David attacked a territory, he did not leave a man or woman alive, but he took the flocks and herds, the donkeys, camels, and clothing. Then he would return to Achish,

American Standard Version

And David smote the land, and saved neither man nor woman alive, and took away the sheep, and the oxen, and the asses, and the camels, and the apparel; and he returned, and came to Achish.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 27:9 details a strategic and ruthless military campaign undertaken by David while he was living as a refugee under the patronage of King Achish of Gath in Philistine territory. This verse describes David's complete annihilation of the inhabitants of the lands he raided—specifically the Geshurites, Gezrites, and Amalekites—leaving no survivors, and his subsequent return to Achish with the spoils, maintaining the elaborate deception that he was raiding Israelite or allied territories.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a critical period of David's life, chronicled in [1 Samuel 27](/1_samuel/27 "1 Samuel 27 - David's Flight to Achish"). Having been relentlessly pursued by King Saul, David, in an act of desperation and strategic cunning, sought refuge with Achish, the Philistine king of Gath ([1 Samuel 21:10-15](/1_samuel/21-10 "1 Samuel 21:10-15 - David's First Flight to Gath")). Achish granted David the town of Ziklag as his dwelling place ([1 Samuel 27:6](/1_samuel/27-6 "1 Samuel 27:6 - Achish Gives Ziklag to David")). From Ziklag, David conducted raiding expeditions, but instead of attacking Judah or its allies as Achish believed, he targeted long-standing enemies of Israel: the Geshurites, Gezrites, and Amalekites ([1 Samuel 27:8](/1_samuel/27-8 "1 Samuel 27:8 - David's Raids from Ziklag")). The extreme measure of leaving no survivors, as described in [1 Samuel 27:9](/1_samuel/27-9 "1 Samuel 27:9 - David's Ruthless Raids"), was crucial to prevent any intelligence from reaching Achish that would expose David's true targets, thereby preserving his cover and ensuring his continued protection among the Philistines. This period of deception directly precedes the climactic battle where Saul dies ([1 Samuel 31](/1_samuel/31 "1 Samuel 31 - The Death of Saul")), setting the stage for David's eventual ascension to the throne of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was characterized by frequent inter-tribal and inter-kingdom warfare, often brutal and without quarter. The practice of "leaving neither man nor woman alive" was not uncommon, serving various strategic purposes: to prevent retaliation, eliminate witnesses, secure resources, or fulfill a divine command of "herem" (devotion to destruction), though in David's case here, the primary motivation appears to be strategic deception rather than a divine mandate. The Geshurites, Gezrites, and Amalekites were nomadic or semi-nomadic groups inhabiting the Negev region, often hostile to Israel. The Amalekites, in particular, had a long history of enmity with Israel, dating back to the Exodus ([Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Amalek Attacks Israel")) and were commanded by God to be utterly destroyed by Saul ([1 Samuel 15:2-3](/1_samuel/15-2 "1 Samuel 15:2-3 - God's Command to Destroy Amalek")). David's actions, while morally complex, fit within the harsh realities of ancient warfare and his desperate situation, where survival and the preservation of his future kingdom were at stake amidst powerful Philistine overlords and a pursuing Israelite king.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes within the book of Samuel and David's life. Firstly, it highlights **Survival and Deception**, as David masterfully navigates a perilous political landscape, employing cunning and ruthless tactics to protect himself and his followers. His elaborate deception of King Achish, presenting the plunder as if it came from raids against Judah or its allies, underscores his shrewdness and ability to adapt under pressure. Secondly, it starkly portrays the **Brutality of Ancient Warfare**, reminding readers of the grim realities and ethical complexities faced by leaders in that era. The complete eradication of a population was a common, albeit horrifying, military tactic to ensure total incapacitation of an enemy and prevent intelligence leaks. Thirdly, the passage contributes to the theme of the **Moral Ambiguity of a Biblical Hero**. David, often celebrated as "a man after God's own heart" ([1 Samuel 13:14](/1_samuel/13-14 "1 Samuel 13:14 - God's Choice of David")), engages in actions that are ethically challenging. This highlights that biblical figures, even those chosen and used by God, were flawed individuals operating within difficult and often violent circumstances, prompting readers to grapple with the complexities of divine providence working through imperfect human agents.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **smote (Hebrew, _nakah'_):** The Hebrew verb נָכָה (_nakah_) is a versatile term meaning "to strike," "to smite," "to hit," or "to beat." In military contexts, as here, it often carries the connotation of a decisive, destructive blow, implying a complete defeat or annihilation. Its use in this verse emphasizes the absolute nature of David's attack, not merely a skirmish but a devastating assault designed to eliminate the target population entirely.
* **left neither man nor woman alive (Hebrew, _lo hichyah ish v'ishah'_):** This phrase, literally "did not keep alive man and woman," underscores the totality of the destruction. It signifies a deliberate and extreme measure to ensure no survivors remained. In David's specific context, this was a critical component of his deception: with no witnesses left alive from the raided villages, there was no one to contradict his fabricated reports to Achish about the targets of his raids. This total eradication was a strategic necessity for David to maintain his cover and the Philistine king's trust.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David smote the land":** This opening clause establishes David as the active agent and the target of his military action. The "land" refers specifically to the territories of the Geshurites, Gezrites, and Amalekites, as mentioned in the preceding verse ([1 Samuel 27:8](/1_samuel/27-8 "1 Samuel 27:8 - David's Raids")). David's "smiting" implies a forceful and decisive military engagement, not a mere skirmish, but a full-scale assault.
* **"and left neither man nor woman alive":** This chilling phrase reveals the extreme nature of David's tactics. It signifies a complete and utter extermination of the inhabitants of the raided settlements. The purpose was not merely conquest or plunder, but the elimination of any potential witnesses who could report David's true activities to King Achish, thereby exposing his deception and jeopardizing his refuge. This was a calculated move to secure his strategic position.
* **"and took away the sheep, and the oxen, and the asses, and the camels, and the apparel":** This lists the spoils of war. These were valuable assets in the ancient world, representing wealth and sustenance. By returning with such substantial plunder, David provided tangible "proof" to Achish of his successful raids, reinforcing the Philistine king's belief that David was indeed attacking Israelite or allied territories. The collection of these specific items highlights the economic motivation and the practical outcome of these raids.
* **"and returned, and came to Achish":** This concluding clause brings the action full circle, emphasizing the successful completion of the raid and, more importantly, the successful continuation of David's elaborate deception. His return to Achish with the spoils, without any dissenting reports, solidified his position and credibility with the Philistine king, allowing him to maintain his sanctuary in Ziklag.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [1 Samuel 27:9](/1_samuel/27-9 "1 Samuel 27:9 - David's Ruthless Raids") employs several literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as David, the anointed future king of Israel, finds himself serving a Philistine king and raiding enemies of Israel while pretending to attack his own people. This creates a tension between his divine calling and his immediate, morally ambiguous actions for survival. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as David's strategic cunning, ruthlessness, and ability to navigate complex political landscapes, demonstrated here, will be crucial (and sometimes problematic) aspects of his future reign as king over all Israel. The stark description of "left neither man nor woman alive" functions as **Hyperbole** to emphasize the totality of the destruction and the strategic intent behind it, though it may also be a literal description of the ancient practice. Furthermore, the passage presents a powerful **Contrast** between the ideal of a God-fearing leader and the harsh realities and compromises faced by individuals striving for survival and fulfilling a divine destiny in a fallen world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of David's actions in 1 Samuel 27:9 presents a challenging but vital theological truth: God often works through imperfect, flawed human beings to accomplish His divine purposes. While David is consistently portrayed as "a man after God's own heart," this verse, along with others in his story, reveals his capacity for cunning, deception, and extreme violence. The Bible does not explicitly condone or condemn David's actions here but rather describes them as part of his complex journey to the throne. This narrative forces us to grapple with the tension between God's perfect will and the messy realities of human choices, even by those chosen for great things. It highlights God's sovereignty, demonstrating His ability to bring about His plans even amidst human moral ambiguity and the harsh realities of a fallen world. David's actions, while ethically complex, were part of his survival strategy that ultimately led to his becoming king, a role pivotal in God's redemptive plan.

* [1 Samuel 13:14](/1_samuel/13-14 "1 Samuel 13:14 - God's Choice of David")
* [Psalm 51:1-19](/psalms/51-1 "Psalm 51:1-19 - David's Prayer of Repentance")
* [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage serves as a powerful reminder that biblical narratives truthfully portray the lives of real people, including their struggles, compromises, and moral complexities. When we encounter difficult texts like 1 Samuel 27:9, it challenges us to move beyond simplistic hero worship and to engage with the full humanity of biblical figures. It teaches us that God's work is not contingent on human perfection but often unfolds through flawed individuals navigating desperate circumstances. For us today, this passage encourages a careful distinction between descriptive accounts (what happened) and prescriptive teachings (what we should do). We are called to discern the underlying theological truths—God's sovereignty, His use of imperfect people, and the reality of sin—rather than emulating every action. It prompts us to reflect on the moral compromises we might be tempted to make in our own struggles for survival or success, and to consider the ethical implications of our actions, even when under duress.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we reconcile David's actions in this verse with his portrayal as "a man after God's own heart"?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the nature of leadership, especially in morally ambiguous situations?**
* **In what ways does this narrative challenge our understanding of biblical heroes and the concept of divine providence?**
* **How can we apply the principle of discerning descriptive versus prescriptive passages when reading other challenging parts of the Bible?**

### FAQ
**Why did David engage in such ruthless tactics, leaving no survivors?**

Answer: David's actions were primarily driven by a desperate need for survival and a strategic imperative to maintain his elaborate deception of King Achish. By leaving no man or woman alive from the raided villages, David ensured there would be no witnesses to contradict his fabricated reports to Achish. He pretended to be raiding Israelite or allied territories, while in reality, he was attacking long-standing enemies of Israel (the Geshurites, Gezrites, and Amalekites). This ruthless tactic was a calculated move to preserve his cover, secure his refuge among the Philistines, and protect his future as the anointed king of Israel. It reflects the harsh realities and common practices of warfare in the ancient Near East, where complete annihilation was sometimes employed to prevent retaliation or intelligence leaks.

**Does God condone David's deception and violence in this chapter?**

Answer: The biblical text describes David's actions but does not explicitly condone them as morally righteous or divinely commanded. While God clearly uses David for His purposes, the narrative of [1 Samuel 27](/1_samuel/27 "1 Samuel 27 - David's Flight to Achish") highlights David's human flaws and the morally complex choices he made under extreme pressure. The Bible often presents descriptive accounts of human behavior, even sinful behavior, without necessarily endorsing it. This passage serves to show the gritty reality of David's journey to the throne, demonstrating that God works through imperfect people and that even heroes of faith can operate in morally ambiguous ways. It invites readers to grapple with the complexities of human sin and God's sovereignty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Samuel 27:9 portrays David's cunning and ruthless actions, it ultimately underscores the profound need for a perfect King, one whose reign is not built on deception or violence, but on truth, righteousness, and grace. David, despite his divine anointing and ultimate destiny, was a flawed human leader, resorting to morally ambiguous means for survival and the establishment of his kingdom. His temporary refuge among the Philistines and his strategic deceptions highlight the limitations of even the best human efforts to secure salvation or establish a lasting peace. This narrative, therefore, points forward to Jesus Christ, the true Son of David, who embodies perfect righteousness and whose kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")). Unlike David, who "smote the land" and left no survivors to secure his earthly position, Jesus came not to destroy but to save ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Jesus Came to Save the World")). His ultimate victory was achieved not through military conquest or deception, but through self-sacrificial love on the cross, disarming spiritual principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). In Christ, we find the perfect King and Savior, whose kingdom is eternal and whose peace transcends all human cunning and violence, offering true redemption and a path to life that David, in his human frailty, could only foreshadow.

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 15:3

Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

1 Samuel 15:7

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

Genesis 25:18

And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that [is] before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: [and] he died in the presence of all his brethren.

Genesis 16:7

¶ And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.

Joshua 6:21

And they utterly destroyed all that [was] in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.

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.

Deuteronomy 25:17

Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt;