1 Samuel 27:11

And David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring [tidings] to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell on us, saying, So did David, and so [will be] his manner all the while he dwelleth in the country of the Philistines.

And David {H1732} saved {H2421} neither man {H376} nor woman {H802} alive {H2421}, to bring {H935} tidings to Gath {H1661}, saying {H559}, Lest they should tell {H5046} on us, saying {H559}, So did {H6213} David {H1732}, and so will be his manner {H4941} all the while {H3117} he dwelleth {H3427} in the country {H7704} of the Philistines {H6430}.

The reason David spared neither men nor women to be brought to Gat is that he thought, "We don't want them telling on us, saying, 'David did so-and-so.'" That's how he conducted his raids for as long as he lived in the country of the P'lishtim.

David did not leave a man or woman alive to be brought to Gath, for he said, “Otherwise they will report us, saying, ‘This is what David did.’” And this was David’s custom the whole time he lived in Philistine territory.

And David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring them to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell of us, saying, So did David, and so hath been his manner all the while he hath dwelt in the country of the Philistines.

Commentary

Context of 1 Samuel 27:11

This verse describes a dark period in David's life, following his flight from King Saul's persistent attempts to kill him. David, in a desperate act of self-preservation, sought refuge with Achish, the Philistine king of Gath. Achish granted David the city of Ziklag. From this Philistine base, David conducted raids, but not against the Israelites as Achish believed. Instead, David attacked non-Israelite peoples living in the south, such as the Geshurites, Gezrites, and Amalekites (1 Samuel 27:8). The extreme measure described in verse 11—killing everyone—was a calculated act of deception. David saved no one alive to ensure no witnesses could report his true targets to Achish, thereby maintaining his cover and his strategic alliance with the Philistines.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Deception and Survival: David's actions here are driven by a desperate need for survival and to maintain his precarious position with the Philistines. This period highlights the moral compromises and difficult choices even a righteous individual can make under extreme duress.
  • Moral Ambiguity: While David is often presented as a hero and "a man after God's own heart," this passage reveals a ethically complex side. His methods, though strategic for survival, involve ruthless acts that challenge modern sensibilities and serve as a reminder of the harsh realities of ancient warfare and David's human fallibility.
  • The Cost of Distrust: David's fear of Saul led him to seek refuge among Israel's enemies, a decision that forced him into a position of profound deception and moral compromise.
  • God's Providence Amidst Imperfection: Despite David's questionable actions, God's overarching plan to establish him as king of Israel remained on course. This does not condone David's methods but illustrates how God often works through imperfect people and complex circumstances.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "saved neither man nor woman alive" powerfully conveys the completeness of David's action. The KJV's insertion of "[tidings]" accurately reflects the intent: David wanted to prevent any "report" or "news" (Hebrew: בְּשׂוֹרָה, besorah, though here referring to any message, not necessarily good news) from reaching Gath that would expose his true activities. This total elimination of witnesses was crucial for his elaborate deception to succeed.

Practical Application and Reflection

1 Samuel 27:11 serves as a sobering reminder that even great figures of faith in the Bible were deeply flawed and faced complex moral dilemmas. It challenges us to look beyond simplistic portrayals and understand the full humanity of biblical characters. For believers today, this passage prompts reflection on:

  • The dangers of allowing fear or self-preservation to lead us into morally compromising situations.
  • The importance of integrity and truthfulness, even when circumstances are difficult.
  • Understanding that God can work His purposes through imperfect individuals, not condoning their sins, but demonstrating His sovereignty and grace.
  • The stark realities of ancient warfare and the cultural context in which these events occurred, which differ significantly from modern ethical norms.

This period in David's life, though ethically troubling, ultimately set the stage for his eventual rise to the throne, underscoring the intricate and often challenging path of leadership and faith.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 22:22 (2 votes)

    And David said unto Abiathar, I knew [it] that day, when Doeg the Edomite [was] there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned [the death] of all the persons of thy father's house.

  • Proverbs 12:19 (2 votes)

    ¶ The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue [is] but for a moment.

  • Proverbs 29:25 (2 votes)

    ¶ The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.