1. et ait David in corde suo aliquando incidam in uno die in manu Saul nonne melius est ut fugiam et salver in terra Philisthinorum ut desperet Saul cessetque me quærere in cunctis finibus Israël fugiam ergo manus ejus
2. et surrexit David et abiit ipse et sescenti viri cum eo ad Achis filium Mahoc regem Geth
3. et habitavit David cum Achis in Geth ipse et viri ejus vir et domus ejus David et duæ uxores ejus Ahinœm Jezrahelites et Abigail uxor Nabal Carmeli
4. et nuntiatum est Saul quod fugisset David in Geth et non addidit ultra ut quæreret eum
5. dixit autem David ad Achis si inveni gratiam in oculis tuis detur mihi locus in una urbium regionis hujus ut habitem ibi cur enim manet servus tuus in civitate regis tecum
6. dedit itaque ei Achis in die illa Siceleg propter quam causam facta est Siceleg regum Juda usque in diem hanc
7. fuit autem numerus dierum quibus habitavit David in regione Philisthinorum quattuor mensuum
8. et ascendit David et viri ejus et agebant prædas de Gesuri et de Gedri et de Amalechitis hii enim pagi habitabantur in terra antiquitus euntibus Sur usque ad terram Ægypti
9. et percutiebat David omnem terram nec relinquebat viventem virum et mulierem tollensque oves et boves et asinos et camelos et vestes revertebatur et veniebat ad Achis
10. dicebat autem ei Achis in quem inruisti hodie respondebatque David contra meridiem Judæ et contra meridiem Hiramel et contra meridiem Ceni
11. virum et mulierem non vivificabat David nec adducebat in Geth dicens ne forte loquantur adversum nos hæc fecit David et hoc erat decretum illi omnibus diebus quibus habitavit in regione Philisthinorum
12. credidit ergo Achis David dicens multa mala operatus est contra populum suum Israël erit igitur mihi servus sempiternus
Footnotes:
27:1-2 - David flees to Philistine territory, seeking refuge from Saul. This reflects David's desperation in the face of Saul's relentless pursuit and his need for security (see also Psalm 31:1-2 and Psalm 56:3-4).
27:5-7 - David receives the city of Ziklag from Achish, king of the Philistines, where he and his men live for a year and four months. This period represents a period of survival in enemy territory, but also of tactics and diplomacy (see also 1 Kings 2:39-40 and 2 Samuel 1:1).
27:8-9 - David attacks tribes that are enemies of Israel, leaving no survivors. He acts cunningly, deceiving Achish into believing he is attacking Israel itself. This demonstrates David's strategic intelligence (see also Joshua 6:21 and Judges 1:17).
27:10-11 - David lies to Achish about his military campaigns, keeping his true target secret. This narrative raises questions about morality, warfare, and survival, highlighting the dilemmas David faced (see also Exodus 1:19-21 and Romans 3:8).
27:12:00 - Achish trusts David, believing he has become hated by Israel. This secures David a foothold among the Philistines, setting the stage for his future strategic moves (see also 1 Samuel 29:6 and Proverbs 16:7).
Verses related to Liber I Samuelis, 27:
1 Samuel chapter 27 recounts David's controversial decision to ally with the Philistines. How does hopelessness affect David's judgment? This intriguing text recounts David's move to Ziklag, his service to King Achish, and his secret raids against Israel's enemies. The chapter explores themes of moral commitment, survival in hostile territory, and the complexities of leadership in exile. Examine with us five biblical passages that elucidate ethical dilemmas and the consequences of decisions made under pressure in this challenging chapter.
Psalms 56:3: "But I, when I am afraid, will trust you." - This psalm, attributed to David when the Philistines captured him at Gath, reflects his feelings during the period described in 1 Samuel 27.
Proverbs 29:25: "The fear of man will form a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord will be put on high retreat." - It relates to David's decision to seek refuge among the Philistines out of fear of Saul.
2 Corinthians 6:14: "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what do justice and wickedness have in common? Or what communion can light have with darkness?" - It contrasts with David's alliance with Achish, the Philistine king, showing the dangers of such associations.
Psalms 118:8: "It is better to seek refuge in the Lord than to trust in man." - Offers perspective on David's choice to seek protection with the Philistines rather than fully trusting in God.
Jeremiah 17:5: "Thus says the Lord: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in men, who makes mortal humanity his strength, but whose heart turns away from the Lord.'" - It warns against trusting in human protection, as David did when siding with the Philistines.
FAQ:
Why did David seek refuge among the Philistines?
David fled to Gath, a Philistine kingdom, to escape Saul. King Achish accepted him, and David lived in Ziklag, out of reach of Israel. (1 Samuel 27:1-6)
What did David do while living among the Philistines?
David attacked peoples who were enemies of Israel, but he made Achish believe that he was attacking the Israelites themselves, thus securing their trust. (1 Samuel 27:8-12)
Which city did the Philistines give to David?
King Achish gave David the city of Ziklag, where he and his men lived for more than a year. (1 Samuel 27:6-7)
How did David deceive King Achish?
David claimed to attack villages in Judah, but in reality he was destroying other tribes, ensuring that no one survived to tell the truth. (1 Samuel 27:9-11)
Why did Achish trust David?
Achish believed that David had become an enemy of Israel and would remain loyal to the Philistines. (1 Samuel 27:12)
