What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 27:2? So David set out • The move begins with action: “So David set out” (1 Samuel 27:2). He has just said in his heart, “I will perish one day by the hand of Saul” (1 Samuel 27:1), so this departure is motivated by real danger. • David is not running from God’s call but seeking preservation until God fulfills His promise of kingship (1 Samuel 16:13; 1 Samuel 24:20). • This step echoes earlier escapes (1 Samuel 21:10–11) and shows a pattern of wisely avoiding Saul while trusting the Lord (Psalm 57:1). • God’s providence is evident: even in flight, David is being positioned for future victories over the Philistines (2 Samuel 5:17–25). with his six hundred men • David’s company has grown from the original “about four hundred men” (1 Samuel 22:2) to six hundred, indicating God’s continued favor and leadership capacity. • These men are loyal despite hardship (1 Samuel 23:13; 30:9). Their presence underscores that David’s decisions affect families and futures, not merely himself. • The size of the group requires significant resources; moving into Philistine territory provides temporary relief from Saul’s pursuit and opens new supply lines (1 Samuel 27:6–7). • Scripture shows God often shapes leaders in the wilderness with a band of faithful followers (Moses – Exodus 18:25; Jesus – Luke 6:13). and went to Achish son of Maoch • Achish is the same Philistine ruler who once regarded David with suspicion (1 Samuel 21:12–15). David’s earlier feigned madness paved the way for a more durable relationship now. • The text calls Achish the “son of Maoch,” grounding the narrative in real history. God’s Word is rooted in factual detail, reaffirming its trustworthiness (Luke 1:3–4). • David’s approach shows strategic thinking: he seeks asylum from an enemy of Saul. By serving Achish, David removes Saul’s excuse to keep chasing him (1 Samuel 27:4). • This alliance is not compromise with paganism but a tactical refuge. Like Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 41:41), David operates within a foreign court while remaining God’s man. the king of Gath • Gath is one of the five principal Philistine cities (Joshua 13:3). It was also Goliath’s hometown (1 Samuel 17:4), highlighting the irony of David’s presence there. • By dwelling among Philistines, David gains insight into their military patterns, information later useful in battles (2 Samuel 5:18–25). • Living under a foreign king tests David’s faithfulness. He must avoid adopting Philistine idolatry (Exodus 20:3) while honoring his host (1 Peter 2:12). • God’s sovereignty shines: even an enemy king becomes a shelter for His anointed (Proverbs 16:7). summary 1 Samuel 27:2 records a calculated move of David, driven by real danger yet guided by faith. He departs decisively, brings his loyal six hundred, allies temporarily with Achish, and dwells in Gath. Each phrase reveals God’s protective hand, David’s strategic obedience, and the unfolding plan that will ultimately seat him on Israel’s throne (2 Samuel 2:4). |
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