1 Samuel 21:10
That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath.
That day
This phrase indicates a specific moment in time, emphasizing the urgency and immediacy of David's actions. It follows the events where David, fearing for his life, fled from King Saul. The context is crucial as it highlights the ongoing tension and danger David faced, which is a recurring theme in his life.

David fled from Saul
David's flight from Saul is a significant turning point in his life. Saul's jealousy and fear of David's rising popularity and God's favor led to multiple attempts on David's life. This phrase underscores the intense persecution David faced, which is a common experience for many biblical figures who are chosen by God. It also foreshadows the trials and tribulations that David would endure before becoming king.

and went to Achish king of Gath
Gath was one of the five major Philistine cities, and Achish was its king. This move is surprising because Gath was the hometown of Goliath, whom David had slain. David's decision to seek refuge in enemy territory reflects his desperation and the complexity of his situation. Historically, this shows the political dynamics of the time, where allegiances could be fluid. Theologically, it can be seen as a test of faith and reliance on God's protection. This event also prefigures Christ's own experiences of rejection and seeking refuge, drawing a parallel between David's life and the life of Jesus.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The anointed future king of Israel, who is fleeing from King Saul due to Saul's jealousy and intent to kill him. David is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his faithfulness to God, his psalms, and his eventual kingship.

2. Saul
The first king of Israel, who has become increasingly paranoid and hostile towards David, seeing him as a threat to his throne.

3. Achish
The king of Gath, a Philistine city. David seeks refuge with Achish, which is significant given the historical enmity between the Israelites and the Philistines.

4. Gath
A Philistine city, known as the hometown of Goliath, whom David famously defeated. David's decision to flee here is both strategic and risky.

5. Fleeing
This event marks a period of David's life where he is on the run, relying on God's guidance and protection while navigating dangerous situations.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's Protection
Despite being in enemy territory, David's life demonstrates reliance on God's protection. Believers can trust God even in seemingly perilous situations.

Wisdom in Decision-Making
David's choice to flee to Gath shows a strategic, albeit risky, decision. Christians are encouraged to seek God's wisdom in making difficult choices.

Courage in Adversity
David's actions remind us of the courage required to face adversities. Believers are called to be courageous, knowing God is with them.

God's Sovereignty
This passage illustrates God's sovereignty in guiding David's life, even through trials. Christians can find comfort in God's control over their circumstances.

The Role of Fear and Faith
David's experience in Gath highlights the tension between fear and faith. Believers are encouraged to choose faith over fear, trusting in God's promises.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does David's decision to flee to Gath reveal about his character and his relationship with God?

2. How can we apply David's trust in God during his time in Gath to our own lives when facing fear or uncertainty?

3. In what ways does David's experience in Gath foreshadow the challenges and triumphs he will face as king?

4. How does the context of David's flight from Saul enhance our understanding of the psalms he wrote during this period?

5. What lessons can we learn from David's strategic decision-making, and how can we apply these lessons to our own decision-making processes?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 56
Traditionally attributed to David during his time in Gath, this psalm reflects his trust in God amidst fear and danger.

1 Samuel 17
The account of David defeating Goliath, a Philistine from Gath, highlighting the irony and danger of David seeking refuge in Gath.

1 Samuel 18-19
Details Saul's growing jealousy and attempts on David's life, providing context for David's flight.

Matthew 10:23
Jesus advises His disciples to flee persecution, paralleling David's flight from Saul.
Almost GoneF. B. Meyer, B. A.1 Samuel 21:1-15
The Sword of GoliathB. Dale 1 Samuel 21:8-10
The Hero UnheroicD. Fraser 1 Samuel 21:8-15
The Fear of ManB. Dale 1 Samuel 21:10-15
People
Achish, Ahimelech, David, Doeg, Elah, Goliath, Saul
Places
Gath, Nob, Valley of Elah
Topics
Achish, A'chish, David, Face, Fear, Fled, Fleeth, Flight, Gath, Got, Riseth, Rose, Saul
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 21:10

     5086   David, rise of
     7212   exile

1 Samuel 21:10-12

     8830   suspicion

1 Samuel 21:10-13

     5920   pretence

1 Samuel 21:10-15

     5401   madness

Library
Historical Criticism of Mediæval Amplifications.
But along with the genuine and trustworthy matter, the compiler has embodied much that is unattested and in many cases inherently improbable, and even some things that are demonstrably untrue. i. The Miraculous Details.--To the category of the improbable--the fiction of hagiology or the growth of myth--belong the miracles so freely ascribed to Ephraim and the miraculous events represented as attending on his career. It is noteworthy that Ephraim himself, though no doubt he believed that he was
Ephraim the Syrian—Hymns and Homilies of Ephraim the Syrian

The Exile Continued.
"So David fled, and escaped and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done unto him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth" (1 Sam. xix. 18)--or, as the word probably means, in the collection of students' dwellings, inhabited by the sons of the prophets, where possibly there may have been some kind of right of sanctuary. Driven thence by Saul's following him, and having had one last sorrowful hour of Jonathan's companionship--the last but one on earth--he fled to Nob, whither
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

Of Preparation.
That a Christian ought necessarily to prepare himself before he presume to be a partaker of the holy communion, may evidently appear by five reasons:-- First, Because it is God's commandment; for if he commanded, under the pain of death, that none uncircumcised should eat the paschal lamb (Exod. xii. 48), nor any circumcised under four days preparation, how much greater preparation does he require of him that comes to receive the sacrament of his body and blood? which, as it succeeds, so doth it
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Touching Jacob, However, that which He did at his Mother's Bidding...
24. Touching Jacob, however, that which he did at his mother's bidding, so as to seem to deceive his father, if with diligence and in faith it be attended to, is no lie, but a mystery. The which if we shall call lies, all parables also, and figures designed for the signifying of any things soever, which are not to be taken according to their proper meaning, but in them is one thing to be understood from another, shall be said to be lies: which be far from us altogether. For he who thinks this, may
St. Augustine—Against Lying

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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