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Text -- 1 Samuel 27:1-4 (NET)

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Context
David Aligns Himself with the Philistines
27:1 David thought to himself, “One of these days I’m going to be swept away by the hand of Saul! There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will despair of searching for me through all the territory of Israel and I will escape from his hand.” 27:2 So David left and crossed over to King Achish son of Maoch of Gath accompanied by his six hundred men. 27:3 David settled with Achish in Gath, along with his men and their families. David had with him his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelite and Abigail the Carmelite, Nabal’s widow. 27:4 When Saul learned that David had fled to Gath, he did not mount a new search for him.
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Abigail the widow of Nabal; wife of David,daughter of Jesse; sister of King David; wife of Ithra/Jether
 · Achish the king of Gath in David's time,the king of Gath in Solomon's time
 · Ahinoam a woman; Saul's wife, daughter of Ahimaaz,a woman; David's wife from Jezreel
 · Carmel a woman resident of the town of Carmel
 · David a son of Jesse of Judah; king of Israel,son of Jesse of Judah; king of Israel
 · Gath a town of the Anakim and Philistines in Judah 12 km south. of Ekron
 · Israel a citizen of Israel.,a member of the nation of Israel
 · Jezreel a resident of the town or region of Jezreel
 · Maoch father of Achish, king of Gath in David's time
 · Nabal a man who was a rich descendant of Caleb in David's time
 · Philistines a sea people coming from Crete in 1200BC to the coast of Canaan
 · Saul the sixth king of Edom,son of Simeon and a Canaanite woman,son of Uzziah of Kohath son of Levi


Dictionary Themes and Topics: SAMUEL, BOOKS OF | Philistines | Maoch | Maachah | MAACAH; MAACHAH | Jezreel | JUDAH, TERRITORY OF | JEZREELITESS | Ittai | Gath | David | Carmel | CARMELITESS | CARMELITE | Ahinoam | Achish | Abigail | ALLIANCE | ABIMELECH | ABIGAIL; ABIGAL | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Wesley , JFB , Clarke , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Poole , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Keil-Delitzsch , Constable , Guzik

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Wesley: 1Sa 27:1 - -- But this was certainly a very great fault in David: for This proceeded from gross distrust of God's promise and providence; and that after such repeat...

But this was certainly a very great fault in David: for This proceeded from gross distrust of God's promise and providence; and that after such repeated demonstrations of God's peculiar care over him. He forsakes the place where god had settled him, 1Sa 22:5, and given him both assurance and experience of his protection there. He voluntarily runs upon that rock, which he cursed his enemies for throwing him upon, 1Sa 26:19, and upon many other snares and dangers, as the following history will shew; and withal, deprives the people of the Lord of those succours which he might have given them, in case of a battle. But God hereby designed to withdraw David from the Israelites, that they might fall by the hand of the Philistines, without any reproach or inconvenience to David.

Wesley: 1Sa 27:4 - -- At their meeting Saul's heart was deeply wounded, and he had said, "Return, my son David, Be with me as in time past." Nor have we the least proof, th...

At their meeting Saul's heart was deeply wounded, and he had said, "Return, my son David, Be with me as in time past." Nor have we the least proof, that he would have sought for him again, with any other design.

JFB: 1Sa 27:1 - -- This resolution of David's was, in every respect, wrong: (1) It was removing him from the place where the divine oracle intimated him to remain (1Sa 2...

This resolution of David's was, in every respect, wrong: (1) It was removing him from the place where the divine oracle intimated him to remain (1Sa 22:5); (2) It was rushing into the idolatrous land, for driving him into which he had denounced an imprecation on his enemies (1Sa 26:19); (3) It was a withdrawal of his counsel and aid from God's people. It was a movement, however, overruled by Providence to detach him from his country and to let the disasters impending over Saul and his followers be brought on by the Philistines.

JFB: 1Sa 27:2-3 - -- The popular description of this king's family creates a presumption that he was a different king from the reigning sovereign on David's first visit to...

The popular description of this king's family creates a presumption that he was a different king from the reigning sovereign on David's first visit to Gath. Whether David had received a special invitation from him or a mere permission to enter his territories, cannot be determined. It is probable that the former was the case. From the universal notoriety given to the feud between Saul and David, which had now become irreconcilable, it might appear to Achish good policy to harbor him as a guest, and so the better pave the way for the hostile measures against Israel which the Philistines were at this time meditating.

Clarke: 1Sa 27:1 - -- I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul - This was a very hasty conclusion: God had so often interposed in behalf of his life, that he was au...

I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul - This was a very hasty conclusion: God had so often interposed in behalf of his life, that he was authorized to believe the reverse. God had hitherto confounded all Saul’ s stratagems, and it was not at all likely that he would now abandon him: there was now no additional reason why he should withdraw from David his helping hand.

Clarke: 1Sa 27:2 - -- David arose, and he passed over - unto Achish - There is not one circumstance in this transaction that is not blameable. David joins the enemies of ...

David arose, and he passed over - unto Achish - There is not one circumstance in this transaction that is not blameable. David joins the enemies of his God and of his country, acts a most inhuman part against the Geshurites and Amalekites, without even the pretense of a Divine authority; tells a most deliberate falsehood to Achish, his protector, relative to the people against whom he had perpetrated this cruel act; giving him to understand that he had been destroying the Israelites, his enemies. I undertake no defense of this conduct of David; it is all bad, all defenceless; God vindicates him not. The inspired penman tells what he did, but passes no eulogium upon his conduct; and it is false to say that, because these things are recorded, therefore they are approved. In all these transactions David was in no sense a man after God’ s own heart. Chandler attempts to vindicate all this conduct: those who can receive his saying, let them receive it.

Clarke: 1Sa 27:3 - -- Every man with his household - So it appears that the men who consorted with David had wives and families. David and his company resembled a tribe o...

Every man with his household - So it appears that the men who consorted with David had wives and families. David and his company resembled a tribe of the wandering Arabs.

TSK: 1Sa 27:1 - -- am 2946, bc 1058, An, Ex, Is 433 And David : 1Sa 16:1, 1Sa 16:13, 1Sa 23:17, 1Sa 25:30; Psa 116:11; Pro 13:12; Isa 40:27-31, Isa 51:12; Mat 14:31; Mar...

am 2946, bc 1058, An, Ex, Is 433

And David : 1Sa 16:1, 1Sa 16:13, 1Sa 23:17, 1Sa 25:30; Psa 116:11; Pro 13:12; Isa 40:27-31, Isa 51:12; Mat 14:31; Mar 4:40; 2Co 7:5

I shall : This was a rash conclusion: God had caused him to be anointed king of Israel, and promised his accession to the throne, and had so often interposed in his behalf, that he was authorised to believe the very reverse.

perish : Heb. be consumed

there is nothing : 1Sa 22:5; Exo 14:12; Num 14:3; Pro 3:5, Pro 3:6; Isa 30:15, Isa 30:16; Lam 3:26, Lam 3:27

into the land : 1Sa 27:10, 1Sa 27:11, 1Sa 21:10-15, 1Sa 28:1, 1Sa 28:2, 1Sa 29:2-11, 1Sa 30:1-3

TSK: 1Sa 27:2 - -- David : This measure of David’ s, in uniting himself to the enemies of his God and people, was highly blameable; was calculated to alienate the a...

David : This measure of David’ s, in uniting himself to the enemies of his God and people, was highly blameable; was calculated to alienate the affections of the Israelites; and led to equivocation, if not downright falsehood.

the six : 1Sa 25:13, 1Sa 30:8

Achish : 1Sa 21:10; 1Ki 2:40

TSK: 1Sa 27:3 - -- with his two : 1Sa 25:3, 18-35, 1Sa 25:42, 1Sa 25:43, 1Sa 30:5

with his two : 1Sa 25:3, 18-35, 1Sa 25:42, 1Sa 25:43, 1Sa 30:5

TSK: 1Sa 27:4 - -- he sought : 1Sa 26:21

he sought : 1Sa 26:21

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Poole: 1Sa 27:1 - -- I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul I see by this late experience his restless and implacable hatred against me, and how little heed is t...

I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul I see by this late experience his restless and implacable hatred against me, and how little heed is to be given to all his pretences of repentance or friendship.

There is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines: but this was certainly a very great mistake and fault in David; for,

1. This proceeded from gross distrust of God’ s promise and providence; and that after such repeated demonstrations of God’ s peculiar care over him, which gave hint cause to conclude quite contrary to what is here said.

2. He forsakes the place where God had settled him, 1Sa 22:5 , and given him both assurance and experience of his protection there.

3. He voluntarily runs upon that rock which he cursed his enemies for throwing him upon, 1Sa 26:19 , and upon many other snares and dangers, as the following history will show; and withal, deprives the people of the Lord of those succours which he might have given them, in case of a battle. But it pleased God to leave David to himself in this, as well as in other particulars, that these might be sensible demonstrations of the infirmities of the best men; and of the necessity of God’ s grace, and daily direction and assistance; and of the freeness and richness of God’ s mercy, in passing by such great offences. And besides, God hereby designed to accomplish his own counsel, to withdraw David from the Israelites, that Saul and they might fall by the hand of the Philistines, without any reproach or inconvenience to David, whom God had put into a safe place.

Poole: 1Sa 27:2 - -- It might seem a bold adventure; but, 1. He thought himself forced to it by Saul’ s inveterate rage, and continued resolutions to persecute him...

It might seem a bold adventure; but,

1. He thought himself forced to it by Saul’ s inveterate rage, and continued resolutions to persecute him.

2. It is probable he had sent some persons to treat with him, and had agreed upon conditions, and received assurance of his safe and peaceable abode with him.

3. David reasonably thought that Achish would gladly receive him, as indeed he did; partly, because he saw Saul’ s implacable enmity against him; partly, because by this means he should be freed from the most formidable enemy which he had in all Israel, who might do him most mischief in the battle; which it seems at this time he designed; and partly, because he came not now alone, as he did before, but brought with him sufficient pledges of his fidelity to Achish; namely, all his soldiers, and his and their wives, 1Sa 27:3 .

Poole: 1Sa 27:4 - -- By which it is implied that he would have gone on in persecuting David, if he had continued in his dominions.

By which it is implied that he would have gone on in persecuting David, if he had continued in his dominions.

Haydock: 1Sa 27:1 - -- Hands. God requires that we should act with prudence. (Du Hamel) --- David probably consulted the Lord, and sent ambassadors to Achis, before he w...

Hands. God requires that we should act with prudence. (Du Hamel) ---

David probably consulted the Lord, and sent ambassadors to Achis, before he went into his dominions, (Menochius) where he had been in such danger before. (Du Hamel)

Haydock: 1Sa 27:2 - -- Maoch, or Maacha, 3 Kings ii. 29. This king had perhaps seen David, when he counterfeited madness. But now he was convinced that, by granting him...

Maoch, or Maacha, 3 Kings ii. 29. This king had perhaps seen David, when he counterfeited madness. But now he was convinced that, by granting him protection, he would greatly annoy Saul, and draw many brave men out of his dominions.

Haydock: 1Sa 27:3 - -- Household. They were aware of the cruelty of Saul. The names of these valiant men are specified, 1 Paralipomenon xii. 1., &c.

Household. They were aware of the cruelty of Saul. The names of these valiant men are specified, 1 Paralipomenon xii. 1., &c.

Gill: 1Sa 27:1 - -- And David said in his heart,.... Within himself, and to himself; while he was pondering things in his own mind, and considering the circumstances in w...

And David said in his heart,.... Within himself, and to himself; while he was pondering things in his own mind, and considering the circumstances in which he was, and things appearing, very gloomy to him, he falls into a fit of unbelief and thus addresses himself:

I shall now one day perish by the hand of Saul; for though he was returned to his place, he knew he was restless and uneasy, very inconstant and unstable, and not at all to be depended on; yea, he might conclude that Saul, observing that God was with him in protecting and defending him, and by delivering him into his hands once and again, he would be the more jealous of him, and envious at him, and seek all opportunities and advantages against him; and he feared that one time or another such would offer, and would be taken, and so he should perish by him: this was a strange fit of unbelief he was sunk into, and very unaccountable and unreasonable it was, had he but considered his being anointed king by the Lord, the promise of God to him, which could not fail, and the providence of God that watched over him from time to time:

there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; which may seem strange, when he was advised by the Prophet Gad to depart from the land of Moab, and go into the land of Judah, 1Sa 22:5, and where he had been so wonderfully preserved; and when he was in so much danger, when in the land of the Philistines before, insomuch that he was obliged to feign himself mad, 1Sa 21:13; and seeing this also was the very thing he lately dreaded, and cursed the men that should be the cause of his going out of his own land into an idolatrous one:

and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel; hearing that he was gone into a foreign country, would seek for him no more in any part of the land of israel, and so despair of ever getting him into his hands, would lay aside all thoughts about him for the future:

so shall I escape out of his hand; and be for ever safe: these were the carnal reasonings of his mind, under the prevalence of unbelief; and shows what poor weak creatures the best of men are, and how low their graces may sink as to exercise, when left to themselves.

Gill: 1Sa 27:2 - -- And David arose,.... From the place where he was: and he passed over; the borders of land of Canaan: with the six hundred men that were with hi...

And David arose,.... From the place where he was:

and he passed over; the borders of land of Canaan:

with the six hundred men that were with him; having neither lost any, nor had any added to him, since he was at Keilah, 1Sa 23:13,

unto Achish, the son of Maoch, king of Gath; whether this was the same Achish David was with before, 1Sa 21:10, is not certain; it seems as if he was not the same, since he is described as the son of Maoch, as if it was to distinguish him from him; though it is not improbable that he was the same person. Some think a that he is described not from his father, but from his mother, whose name was Maacha. The circumstances of David were now very much altered from what they were when he went to Gath before; then he went secretly, now openly; then as a person unknown, now as well known; then alone, now with six hundred men; then when discovered he was seized by the princes of Gath, and brought before the king, and was driven from his presence; but now he came either at the invitation of Achish, hearing how he had been treated by Saul, and thinking to attach him to his interest, and make him more and more the enemy of Saul, and so free himself from a very powerful one, and of whose wisdom and prudence, and military skill, and courage, and valour, he might hope to avail himself; or David sent an embassy to him, to treat with him about his coming into his country, and settlement in it, and terms to mutual satisfaction were agreed upon.

Gill: 1Sa 27:3 - -- And David dwelt with Achish at Gath,.... The metropolis of his kingdom, called, 1Sa 27:5, the royal city: he and his men, every man with his househ...

And David dwelt with Achish at Gath,.... The metropolis of his kingdom, called, 1Sa 27:5, the royal city:

he and his men, every man with his household; or family; which they brought with them, to secure them from the malice of Saul; who in their absence might have destroyed them, as being the families of traitors and fugitives, and might be the more readily received by Achish, as he might hope for some advantage front them; and besides were pledges of their fidelity to him, and of their design to continue with him:

even David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal's wife; who had been the wife of Nabal; of these See Gill on 1Sa 25:43.

Gill: 1Sa 27:4 - -- And it was told Saul that David was fled to Gath,.... Who very probably had his spies out to watch his motions, and report to him where he was, and wh...

And it was told Saul that David was fled to Gath,.... Who very probably had his spies out to watch his motions, and report to him where he was, and what he was doing:

and he sought no more again for him; by which it seems as if he would have sought after him again, had he continued in the land of Israel; but now being gone, and in an enemy's country, and having nothing to fear from him while there, he laid aside all thoughts of seeking after him.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: 1Sa 27:1 Heb “said to his heart.”

NET Notes: 1Sa 27:3 Heb “a man and his house.”

Geneva Bible: 1Sa 27:1 And David said in his heart, I shall now ( a ) perish one day by the hand of Saul: [there is] nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape...

Geneva Bible: 1Sa 27:3 And David ( b ) dwelt with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, [even] David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, an...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: 1Sa 27:1-12 - --1 Saul, hearing David to be in Gath, seeks no more for him.5 David begs Ziklag of Achish.8 He, invading other countries, persuades Achish he fought ag...

MHCC: 1Sa 27:1-7 - --Unbelief is a sin that easily besets even good men, when without are fightings, and within are fears; and it is a hard matter to get over them. Lord, ...

Matthew Henry: 1Sa 27:1-7 - -- Here is, I. The prevalency of David's fear, which was the effect of the weakness of his faith (1Sa 27:1): He said to his heart (so it may be read)...

Keil-Delitzsch: 1Sa 27:1-7 - -- The result of the last affair with Saul, after his life had againbeen spared, could not fail to confirm David in his conviction that Saulwould not d...

Constable: 1Sa 16:1--31:13 - --IV. SAUL AND DAVID 1 Sam. 16--31 The basic theme in Samuel, that blessing, and in particular fertility of all ki...

Constable: 1Sa 21:1--30:31 - --C. David in Exile chs. 21-30 In chapters 21-30 we see David's forces growing stronger and stronger while...

Constable: 1Sa 27:1--31:13 - --4. The end of Saul's reign chs 27-31 David's commitment to God resulted in his continuing to be ...

Constable: 1Sa 27:1-7 - --David's relocation to Ziklag 27:1-7 Was it God's will for David to leave Israel ...

Guzik: 1Sa 27:1-12 - --1 Samuel 27 - David Flees to the Philistines A. David joins with the Philistine leader Achish. 1. (1) David's discouraged decision. And David said...

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Introduction / Outline

JFB: 1 Samuel (Book Introduction) THE FIRST AND SECOND BOOKS OF SAMUEL. The two were, by the ancient Jews, conjoined so as to make one book, and in that form could be called the Book o...

JFB: 1 Samuel (Outline) OF ELKANAH AND HIS TWO WIVES. (1Sa 1:1-8) HANNAH'S PRAYER. (1Sa 1:9-18) SAMUEL BORN. (1Sa 1:20) HANNAH'S SONG IN THANKFULNESS TO GOD. (1Sa 2:1-11) TH...

TSK: 1 Samuel (Book Introduction) The First Book of SAMUEL, otherwise called " The First Book of the KINGS."

TSK: 1 Samuel 27 (Chapter Introduction) Overview 1Sa 27:1, Saul, hearing David to be in Gath, seeks no more for him; 1Sa 27:5, David begs Ziklag of Achish; 1Sa 27:8, He, invading other c...

Poole: 1 Samuel (Book Introduction) FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL OTHERWISE CALLED THE FIRST BOOK OF THE KINGS. THE ARGUMENT. IT is not certainly known who was the penman of this Book, or whe...

Poole: 1 Samuel 27 (Chapter Introduction) SAMUEL CHAPTER 27 David with his six hundred men, and all his faith, goeth to king Achish, and abideth there a while; Saul pursueth no more after h...

MHCC: 1 Samuel (Book Introduction) In this book we have an account of Eli, and the wickedness of his sons; also of Samuel, his character and actions. Then of the advancement of Saul to ...

MHCC: 1 Samuel 27 (Chapter Introduction) (1Sa 27:1-7) David retires to Gath. (1Sa 27:8-12) David deceives Achish.

Matthew Henry: 1 Samuel (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The First Book of Samuel This book, and that which follows it, bear the name of Samuel in the title, ...

Matthew Henry: 1 Samuel 27 (Chapter Introduction) David was a man after God's own heart, and yet he had his faults, which are recorded, not for our imitation, but for our admonition; witness the st...

Constable: 1 Samuel (Book Introduction) Introduction Title First and Second Samuel were originally one book called the Book of...

Constable: 1 Samuel (Outline) Outline I. Eli and Samuel chs. 1-3 A. The change from barrenness to fertility 1:1-2:10 ...

Constable: 1 Samuel 1 Samuel Bibliography Ackroyd, Peter R. The First Book of Samuel. Cambridge Bible Commentary on the New English...

Haydock: 1 Samuel (Book Introduction) THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL; otherwise called, THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGS. INTRODUCTION. This and the following Book are called by the Hebrews, the...

Gill: 1 Samuel (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO 1 SAMUEL This book, in the Hebrew copies, is commonly called Samuel, or the Book of Samuel; in the Syriac version, the Book of Samu...

Gill: 1 Samuel 27 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO FIRST SAMUEL 27 David, fearing he should perish by the hand of Saul at one time or another, went into the land of the Philistines, ...

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