Dissembling, or the act of concealing one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs, is a theme that appears in the life of David, the second king of Israel, as recorded in the Old Testament. David, a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), is a complex figure whose life is marked by both profound faith and human frailty. His episodes of dissembling are instructive for understanding the challenges of leadership and the human condition.

David at Nob

One of the most notable instances of dissembling in David's life occurs when he flees from King Saul and arrives at Nob, where Ahimelech the priest resides. In 1 Samuel 21:1-2, David deceives Ahimelech by claiming to be on a secret mission for the king: "David went to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. Ahimelech trembled in fear at his presence and asked, 'Why are you alone, and no one is with you?' David answered Ahimelech the priest, 'The king has charged me with a matter and told me, "Let no one know anything about the mission on which I am sending you."'"

David's dissembling here is driven by his need for sustenance and protection, as he is on the run from Saul. This act of deception, however, leads to tragic consequences. Saul, upon learning of Ahimelech's assistance to David, orders the slaughter of the priests of Nob (1 Samuel 22:16-19). David's dissembling, though perhaps understandable in his desperate situation, indirectly results in the loss of innocent lives.

David Among the Philistines

Another instance of dissembling is found in David's interactions with the Philistines. In 1 Samuel 21:10-15, David flees to Gath, seeking refuge with King Achish. Fearing for his life, David pretends to be insane: "So he changed his behavior before them and pretended to be insane in their hands, making marks on the doors of the gate and letting his saliva run down his beard" (1 Samuel 21:13). This act of dissembling allows David to escape potential harm, as Achish dismisses him as a madman.

Later, in 1 Samuel 27, David again seeks refuge with the Philistines and deceives Achish by conducting raids against Israel's enemies while leading Achish to believe he is attacking Israelite territories. David's duplicity here is a strategic maneuver to maintain his safety and the loyalty of his men while living among potential adversaries.

David and Bathsheba

Perhaps the most infamous instance of dissembling in David's life is his sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent attempt to cover it up. In 2 Samuel 11, David commits adultery with Bathsheba and, upon learning of her pregnancy, attempts to conceal the sin by summoning her husband, Uriah, from the battlefield. When Uriah refuses to go home to his wife, David orchestrates his death by sending him to the front lines (2 Samuel 11:14-15).

David's dissembling in this episode is a stark departure from his earlier reliance on God. It is only after the prophet Nathan confronts him that David repents, acknowledging his sin before God (2 Samuel 12:13). This moment of repentance is pivotal, demonstrating the possibility of redemption even after grievous sin.

Theological Reflections

David's episodes of dissembling highlight the tension between human frailty and divine calling. Despite his moments of deception, David remains a central figure in biblical history, chosen by God to establish a dynasty that would ultimately lead to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. His life serves as a reminder of the complexities of human nature and the need for reliance on God's grace and forgiveness.1 Samuel 21:13-15
And he changed his behavior before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down on his beard.
Nave's Topical Index

Temptations.
... bow, and to cut off his head with his own sword, as David served Goliath ... near to
be some proud, abominable hypocrite, or a silly, proud, dissembling wretch at ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xv temptations.htm

The Heinous Sin of Profane Cursing and Swearing
... of David, that they committed these crimes but once; as, on the contrary, of the
patriarch Abraham's distrust of God, that he repeated the dissembling [ ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the heinous sin of profane.htm

Secondly, for Thy Words.
... heart and tongue ever go together in honesty and truth; hate dissembling and lying ...
Pray, therefore, with David, when thou art to speak in any matter that may ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/secondly for thy words.htm

Letter Lxxxii. (AD 405. )
... great a prophet, and one so signally chosen by the Lord God as David was, committed ...
to perform these rites in order that he might, by dissembling, disguise his ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxxii a d 405.htm

The Last Season
... But if he has nothing further for you to do here, why not say with David, "Here
am I, let him do what seemeth him good." He is calling you ... 'O you dissembling. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/xii the last season.htm

The Life of Mr. Patrick Hamilton.
... ruin from the beginning: but such instances of Popish dissembling were not ... Andrews,
David abbot of Aberbrothock, George abbot of Dunfermline, Alexander abbot ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr patrick.htm

The Early Life of Malachy. Having Been Admitted to Holy Orders He ...
... quickly send forth a prayer, as if it were a dart; and, thus dissembling, once more ...
except that by that silence of his he was speaking, with holy David, in the ...
/.../chapter i the early life.htm

The Ministry.
... hand of Christ, as the cymbal in the hand of David; and as David could with ... I can
truly say, and that without dissembling, that when I have been to preach, I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxii the ministry.htm

Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the ...
... Thus, with David, they apply their hearts to fulfil God's ... whoredom, loving a mistress;
simony, gratuity; pride, gracefulness; dissembling, compliment; children ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations on the hindrances which.htm

The Truth of God
... God's providences are uncertain, but his promises are the sure mercies of David.'
Acts 13:34. ... (II.) Truth in words is opposed to dissembling. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/10 the truth of god.htm

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