1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ

2007 Edition Dr. Constable's Notes on 1 Samuel 85David's flight to Gath 21:10-15David's next refuge also proved to be insecure. It is a mystery why he sought refuge withGoliath's sword in that giant's hometown. As Chuck Swindoll once said, David wouldhave been as conspicuous in Gath as Dolly Parton in a convent. Evidently he thought hewould be welcome in Gath since he was fleeing from Saul. Perhaps he went there sinceAchish was an enemy of Saul's, as David was. The people identified him at once andcalled him Israel's king (v. 11). This may have been a slight on his authority; they mayhave meant that he was only a local ruler (cf. Josh. 12:7). Alternatively they may haveheard of David's anointing as Israel's next king. In any case Achish's advisers tookDavid's presence as a threat (v. 11; cf. 29:1-5). Perhaps they felt as the Americanpresident might have felt if a high-ranking Russian general defected and sought asylum inthe United States during the Cold War. The potential of his helpfulness against the enemyneeded weighing against the chance that he would prove disloyal, turn on his host, and domuch damage.David sensed his personal danger and pretended to be insane to save his life. EvidentlyAchish dismissed him concluding that David was mad and could be of no help to himagainst Saul (cf. 29:3, 6, 9; Ps. 34 title). Furthermore ancient Near Easterners regardedthe insane as harbingers of evil and so avoided them.". . . insanity was often believed in the ancient world to be an affliction ofthe gods, and it was customary to treat madmen as taboo if not holy,people who should not be harmed in any way." 253In both Nob and Gath David resorted to deception to protect himself, and in each placesome bad consequences resulted. Doeg killed the priests, and David had to abandon Gath.However, he also trusted in the Lord. He wrote Psalms 56 and 34 during and after histime in Gath, according to the titles of those psalms. They reveal that he was trustingGod. His ultimate hope for provision and protection was not the priests or Saul's enemiesbut the Lord Himself. This faith undoubtedly explains the fact that God preserved himand some good consequences came out of these experiences. David had two moreencounters with Achish both of which were beneficial for David. 1 Samuel 21 helps ussee the mixture of right and wrong in David's actions, but David's psalms clarify theproper response that the godly should make when opposition assails us.David's flight to Adullam 22:1-2The town of Adullam (lit. refuge) stood a mile or two south of the Elah Valley whereDavid had slain Goliath and about 10 miles east-southeast of Gath. There are many hugecaves in the limestone hills in that area several of which can accommodate over 400people. Evidently David's family was no longer safe from Saul in Bethlehem, which was10 miles east-northeast of Adullam.253 David Payne, p. 113.