Big Idea: When faith wavers, the Lord’s chosen servants sometimes compromise their identity and resort to desperate measures that place them in a precarious position.
Understanding the Text
Convinced that Saul will never really abandon his quest to kill him, David, for the second time in the story, seeks asylum with Achish, the Philistine king of Gath (cf. 1 Sam. 21:9–15). On the first occasion David was alone, got cold feet, and left in fear. But on this second occasion, he has his own private army with him. He offers his services to Achish as a mercenary and border guard. Achish assigns him to Ziklag, located about twenty-five miles south-southwest of Gath.
On his first visit to Gath, David deceived Achish into thinking he was insane. On this second occasion, David again deceives Achi…
David Flees to Gath—Again
1 Samuel 27:1-12
1 Samuel 27:1-12
Teach the Text
by Robert B. Chisholm Jr.
by Robert B. Chisholm Jr.
Baker Publishing Group, Teaching the Text, by Robert B. Chisholm Jr.