What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 27:9? Whenever David attacked a territory “Whenever David attacked a territory” (1 Samuel 27:9) places us in the season when David, fleeing Saul, is living among the Philistines. Achish, king of Gath, grants him Ziklag (27:6–7). To secure both his men’s livelihood and his own cover story, David raids long-standing enemies of Israel such as the Geshurites, Girzites, and Amalekites (27:8). Note the pattern: • Regular, calculated sorties—“whenever.” • Targets outside Israel’s borders, preserving his true loyalty (compare Numbers 24:20; Deuteronomy 25:17-19). • God’s earlier commands to drive out these peoples (Deuteronomy 20:16-18) echo behind David’s actions, showing continuity with divine instruction. he did not leave a man or woman alive This sober line underscores total destruction. The text states the fact without apology, reflecting Israel’s holy-war ethic in certain contexts (1 Samuel 15:3; Joshua 6:21). Why the severity? • Prevents survivors from reporting David’s real movements to Achish—protecting his subterfuge (27:11). • Removes the possibility of these idolatrous cultures influencing Israel (Exodus 23:32-33). • Completes judgments God had already pronounced (1 Samuel 15:18, 32-33). Taken literally, it shows David acting decisively, though not cruelly for cruelty’s sake; he is fulfilling a specific, historic judgment while shielding his people. but he took the flocks and herds, the donkeys, camels, and clothing Spoils were customary in ancient warfare (Genesis 14:11-16). Here they serve three purposes: • Provision for David’s six hundred men and their families (1 Samuel 30:24). • Wealth to present as tribute or evidence of success to Achish, reinforcing trust (27:10). • Confirmation of victory—livestock and garments display God’s favor, much like the plunder from Egypt showcased the Lord’s deliverance (Exodus 12:35-36). David’s choice of goods (livestock, garments) rather than captives maintains his cover while meeting material needs. Then he would return to Achish Returning to Achish completes the cycle of deception: • Achish assumes David raids Judah (27:10), so David’s presence with spoils but no prisoners supports that lie. • The Philistine king grows confident—“He has made himself an utter stench to his people Israel; therefore he will be my servant forever” (27:12). • God quietly advances His plan: David gains security, resources, and experience leading a standing force, all while Saul’s pursuit cools (compare 1 Samuel 28:4). Even within David’s imperfect strategy, God sovereignly positions him for future kingship (2 Samuel 5:4). summary 1 Samuel 27:9 depicts David’s tactical raids from Philistine territory. He consistently strikes Israel’s ancient foes, eliminates witnesses, gathers essential supplies, and reports to Achish to maintain cover. The verse reflects earlier divine mandates against those nations, highlights God’s provision for David’s exiled band, and showcases the Lord’s unseen hand turning even David’s risky deception into preparation for the throne. |
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