### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼĂkîysh**, represented by `{{H397}}`, identifies **Achish**, a Philistine `{{H6430}}` king `{{H4428}}`. It appears **21 times** across **20 unique verses**, primarily in the narrative of David's `{{H1732}}` life. According to its base definition, the name is of uncertain derivation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **ʼĂkîysh** is the king `{{H4428}}` of Gath `{{H1661}}` who interacts with David `{{H1732}}` on multiple occasions. When David first fled `{{H1272}}` from Saul `{{H7586}}`, he went to Achish [[1 Samuel 21:10]]. However, the servants `{{H5650}}` of Achish recognized David as the one celebrated in dances `{{H4246}}` for slaying `{{H5221}}` tens of thousands `{{H7233}}`, causing David to be sore `{{H3966}}` afraid `{{H3372}}` [[1 Samuel 21:11-12]]. David then feigned madness `{{H7696}}`, leading Achish to dismiss him [[1 Samuel 21:14]]. Later, David returned with six `{{H8337}}` hundred `{{H3967}}` men `{{H376}}` and dwelt `{{H3427}}` with Achish, who is identified as the son `{{H1121}}` of Maoch `{{H4582}}` [[1 Samuel 27:2]]. Achish gave `{{H5414}}` David the city `{{H5892}}` of Ziklag `{{H6860}}` [[1 Samuel 27:6]]. Achish believed `{{H539}}` David's deceptive reports about raiding Judah `{{H3063}}`, thinking David had made Israel `{{H3478}}` abhor `{{H887}}` him ([[1 Samuel 27:10]], [[1 Samuel 27:12]]). Although Achish trusted David enough to ask him to join a battle `{{H4421}}` against Israel [[1 Samuel 28:1]], the Philistine `{{H6430}}` princes `{{H8269}}` objected [[1 Samuel 29:3]]. Achish defended David, stating he had found `{{H4672}}` no fault `{{H3972}}` in him and saw him as good `{{H2896}}` as an angel `{{H4397}}` of God `{{H430}}`, but still sent him away [[1 Samuel 29:9]]. A king named Achish, son of Maachah `{{H4601}}`, also appears later, to whom the servants of Shimei `{{H8096}}` ran away `{{H1272}}` [[1 Kings 2:39]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the identity and narrative of Achish:
* `{{H1732}}` **Dâvid** (David): The central figure who seeks refuge with Achish while fleeing Saul `{{H7586}}`. Their complex relationship of trust and deception forms the core of the story [[1 Samuel 27:2]].
* `{{H1661}}` **Gath** (Gath): The Philistine `{{H6430}}` city `{{H5892}}` where Achish ruled as king `{{H4428}}`. It served as a place `{{H4725}}` of temporary safety for David [[1 Samuel 27:3]].
* `{{H6430}}` **Pᵉlishtîy** (Philistine): The national identity of Achish and his people `{{H5971}}`. The conflict between the Philistines and Israel `{{H3478}}` is the backdrop for the entire narrative [[1 Samuel 29:9]].
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (king): The title defining Achish's authority, which allowed him to grant David protection and the city of Ziklag `{{H6860}}` [[1 Samuel 27:6]].
### Theological Significance
The story of **ʼĂkîysh** highlights several key themes:
* **A Foreign Refuge:** In a time of distress, David `{{H1732}}` finds shelter not among his own people `{{H5971}}` but with a Philistine `{{H6430}}` king `{{H4428}}`, an enemy `{{H341}}` of Israel `{{H3478}}` [[1 Samuel 27:2]].
* **Trust and Deception:** The narrative features a stark contrast between David's deception and the profound trust `{{H539}}` Achish placed in him. Achish believed `{{H539}}` David utterly `{{H887}}` and saw him as upright `{{H3477}}` ([[1 Samuel 27:12]], [[1 Samuel 29:6]]).
* **Providential Protection:** David is caught in a conflict of loyalty when asked to fight `{{H3898}}` against Israel [[1 Samuel 28:1]]. The distrust of the Philistine `{{H6430}}` lords `{{H5633}}` forces Achish to send David away, providentially sparing David from fighting his own countrymen [[1 Samuel 29:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H397}}` **ʼĂkîysh** is a significant figure in the life of David `{{H1732}}`. As a Philistine `{{H6430}}` king `{{H4428}}`, he acts as an unlikely protector, offering David refuge in the city `{{H5892}}` of Gath `{{H1661}}`. The interactions between them demonstrate God's providence in unexpected circumstances, using even an enemy `{{H341}}` ruler to provide for and protect His anointed one. The narrative reveals the complexities of loyalty, deception, and the remarkable trust Achish shows toward David.
TRV