How does 1 Samuel 21:14 connect to Psalm 34, written by David?

◄ Link 1 Samuel 21:14 to Psalm 34. ►

Setting the scene

• David is on the run from Saul (1 Samuel 21:10).

• Seeking refuge in Philistine territory, he comes before King Achish of Gath.

• To avoid recognition and death, David “feigned madness” (1 Samuel 21:13).

Achish’s reaction (1 Samuel 21:14)

“Then Achish said to his servants, ‘Look, you can see the man is insane! Why bring him to me?’”

• Achish’s dismissal spares David’s life.

• Humanly, David survives by acting insane; spiritually, God is the true Deliverer (cf. Proverbs 21:31).

David’s deliverance celebrated in Psalm 34

Superscription: “Of David, when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he left.”

• In Psalm 34 David interprets the event not as clever deception alone, but as the LORD’s rescue.

• Key verses:

– v. 4 “ I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.”

– v. 6 “ This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him; He saved him from all his troubles.”

– v. 7 “ The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.”

Key links between the narrative and the psalm

• Same historical moment—1 Sa 21:14 gives the details; Psalm 34 gives the worship response.

• David’s “fears” (Psalm 34:4) = fear of Achish’s court (1 Samuel 21:12).

• Achish “drove him away” (Psalm 34 title) = Achish’s dismissal in 1 Samuel 21:14–15.

• David’s humility (“this poor man,” Psalm 34:6) matches his vulnerable status as a lone fugitive.

• God’s protection in Psalm 34 fulfills the promise of 1 Samuel 21:14’s outcome—David leaves unharmed.

Life applications

• God works through unexpected means—sometimes even through our own weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

• Deliverance should move us from relief to worship, just as David moved from flight (1 Samuel 21) to praise (Psalm 34).

• Fear is answered by seeking the LORD first (Psalm 34:4; Matthew 6:33).

• Testimony strengthens faith: David invites others to “taste and see that the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8) because he personally experienced rescue.

Supporting Scriptures

• Psalm 56 (also written during Philistine danger) highlights parallel trust themes.

• Hebrews 13:6 echoes Psalm 34: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.”

• 2 Timothy 4:18 confirms God’s ongoing deliverance of His servants.