How does 1 Samuel 27:10 connect with the commandment against bearing false witness? Setting the Scene: David’s Words to Achish “Now when Achish would ask, ‘Where have you made a raid today?’ David would reply, ‘Against the Negev of Judah,’ or ‘Against the Negev of Jerahmeel,’ or ‘Against the Negev of the Kenites.’” • David is living among the Philistines, seeking refuge from Saul. • To maintain Achish’s trust, he raids Israel’s enemies but tells Achish he is striking Israelite territories. • His report is an intentional lie; Achish believes David has “utterly detested his people Israel” (v. 12). The Commandment in View Exodus 20:16: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” • “Neighbor” in the commandment covers anyone we interact with (cf. Luke 10:36–37). • Bearing false witness is broader than courtroom perjury; it includes all forms of deceitful speech. Connecting David’s Deception to the Ninth Commandment • David’s answer to Achish is a clear act of bearing false witness—he communicates what is untrue about his actions. • The lie misleads Achish into trusting David, affecting military strategy and political alliances. • Scripture faithfully records David’s failure but never presents it as permissible; it simply states the facts (cf. 2 Samuel 11 for a similar narrative honesty about David’s sin). • Later consequences reinforce the seriousness of deceit: Achish wants David in battle against Israel (1 Samuel 28:1), putting David in an impossible moral bind. The Wider Biblical Witness on Truthfulness • Proverbs 12:22—“Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are His delight.” • Psalm 15:1–2—The one who may dwell with the LORD “speaks truth in his heart.” • Ephesians 4:25—“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor.” • Colossians 3:9—“Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices.” The consistent thread: God’s people are called to reflect His character as “a God of truth” (Isaiah 65:16). Lessons for Today • God’s Word does not sanitize the saints; it shows their flaws so we can heed the warning (1 Corinthians 10:11). • Ends never justify means. Even when under pressure, deception contradicts God’s revealed will. • Trust, once built on lies, entangles us in further compromise; honesty frees us from such snares (John 8:32). • Faithfulness in speech is a daily act of worship, aligning us with the nature of the One who “cannot lie” (Titus 1:2). Living Out the Truth • Commit to truth in every relationship—family, workplace, church, online. • When tempted to shade the facts, recall David’s example and the Ninth Commandment’s clarity. • If failure occurs, confess quickly (1 John 1:9) and make restitution where possible. • Cultivate a heart that treasures truth by meditating on Scripture and relying on the Spirit, “the Spirit of truth” (John 16:13). |
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