Now David took these words to heart
David's reaction indicates a deep internalization of the situation he faced. The words he took to heart were those of the servants of Achish, who recognized him as the king of Israel. This moment reflects David's acute awareness of the danger he was in, as he was in enemy territory. The phrase "took these words to heart" suggests a moment of reflection and realization, highlighting David's vulnerability and humanity. This introspection is a recurring theme in David's life, as seen in the Psalms, where he often contemplates his circumstances and God's role in them.

and was very much afraid
David's fear is significant, as it shows that even a man after God's own heart experienced fear. This fear was not just a passing emotion but a profound sense of dread, indicating the seriousness of his predicament. The Bible often records the fears of its heroes to show their reliance on God. David's fear contrasts with his previous courage against Goliath, illustrating that even the faithful can experience moments of weakness. This fear would later lead him to feign madness, a tactic to escape danger, showing his resourcefulness and reliance on God for deliverance.

of Achish the king of Gath
Achish was the king of Gath, one of the five Philistine city-states. Gath was known for its giants, including Goliath, whom David had previously defeated. David's presence in Gath is ironic and dangerous, as he was now among the people he had once fought against. Achish's recognition of David as a threat underscores the tension and danger of the situation. Historically, Gath was a significant Philistine city, and its king would have been a powerful figure. David's fear of Achish highlights the political and military threat he faced, as well as the precariousness of his position as a fugitive from Saul.

1. David
The anointed future king of Israel, currently fleeing from King Saul. Known for his faith in God, yet here he experiences fear.

2. Achish
The king of Gath, a Philistine city. David seeks refuge with him, but the servants of Achish recognize David as a significant threat.

3. Gath
A Philistine city, known for being the home of Goliath, whom David had previously defeated. This adds tension to David's presence there.

4. Fear
David's emotional response upon realizing the potential danger he faces in Gath.

5. Servants of Achish
They recognize David and remind Achish of David's reputation, which contributes to David's fear.The Reality of Fear
Even the most faithful can experience fear. David, a man after God's own heart, felt fear, reminding us that fear is a common human experience.

Trust in God Amidst Fear
David's fear led him to write Psalm 56, where he expresses trust in God. This teaches us to turn to God in prayer and trust when we are afraid.

The Consequences of Fear
Fear can lead to irrational decisions. David's fear led him to act insane to protect himself. We must be cautious of how fear influences our actions.

God's Sovereignty in Our Trials
Despite David's fear and the precarious situation, God was in control. This reassures us that God is sovereign over our circumstances.

Courage Through Faith
True courage is not the absence of fear but the decision to trust God despite it. We are called to live by faith, not by sight.(12) And David laid up these words.--Now, for the first time, David saw how widely travelled was a renown of which he in his humbleness of heart had thought so little, and at once a deadly fear took possession of him. The life he held so cheaply when in battle with the enemies of his country now, strange to say, in his deep degradation and poverty, became of real value to him, and he adopted the piteous and humiliating device of feigning madness, hoping thus to change the wondering admiration of the servants of Achish into pitying scorn. What David hoped took place, and he was driven out of Gath with ignominy; but there is no reason for supposing that had he maintained a quiet dignity of behaviour any evil would have happened to him. The Philistines, for those wild times, seem to have been a cultured people, and by no means devoid of generous instincts. Not one word, strangely enough, is reported to have been spoken about the great injury he had done to the Philistine nation when he slew Goliath. It has been suggested with considerable ingenuity that the great name of the dead champion, the hero of so many battle-fields, was never brought forward here, perhaps out of a natural indisposition to recall a grievous calamity, but more likely out of regard for Goliath's family and friends. Singularly little is told us, in fact, about this renowned hero, whom tradition hints at as the great warrior in the decisive battle when the Ark was captured and the sons of Eli were slain. The Talmud has a curious comment on this strange silence--"Not half the praises of Goliath are related in Scripture; hence it follows that it is wrong to tell the praises of the wicked."--Treatise Soteh, fol. 42, Colossians 2.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Now David
דָּוִ֛ד (dā·wiḏ)
0
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

took
וַיָּ֧שֶׂם (way·yā·śem)
0
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

words
הַדְּבָרִ֥ים (had·də·ḇā·rîm)
0
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

these
הָאֵ֖לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh)
0
Strong's 428: These, those

to heart
בִּלְבָב֑וֹ (bil·ḇā·ḇōw)
0
Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart

and was very much
מְאֹ֔ד (mə·’ōḏ)
0
Strong's 3966: Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily

afraid
וַיִּרָ֣א (way·yi·rā)
0
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

of
מִפְּנֵ֖י (mip·pə·nê)
0
Strong's 6440: The face

Achish
אָכִ֥ישׁ (’ā·ḵîš)
0
Strong's 397: Achish -- king of Gath

the king
מֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

of Gath.
גַּֽת׃ (gaṯ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1661: Gath -- 'wine press', a Philistine city


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OT History: 1 Samuel 21:12 David laid up these words in his (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)