1 Samuel 21:11

But the servants of Achish said to him, "Is this not David, the king of the land? Did they not sing about him in their dances, saying: 'Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands'?"

Study Bible

But the servants of Achish
The term "servants" here refers to the officials or attendants of Achish, the king of Gath. In the historical context, Gath was one of the five Philistine city-states, and Achish was a prominent leader. The Hebrew word for "servants" is "עֲבָדִים" (avadim), which can also mean slaves or subjects, indicating their role in serving the king. This highlights the political structure of Philistine society, where the king's attendants were keenly aware of regional events and figures, such as David.

said to him
This phrase indicates a direct communication to Achish, suggesting that the servants were bold enough to speak to their king about their concerns. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, speaking to a king required a certain level of confidence and urgency, reflecting the gravity of the situation they perceived with David's presence.

Is this not David
The recognition of David by the Philistine servants underscores his fame and the widespread knowledge of his exploits. The Hebrew name "David" (דָּוִד) means "beloved," and his reputation had evidently spread beyond Israel's borders. This recognition also foreshadows the tension and fear that David's presence would cause among the Philistines.

the king of the land?
This phrase is intriguing because, at this point in the narrative, David is not yet the king of Israel. The servants' reference to him as "king" could be seen as an acknowledgment of his destined role or as a reflection of his leadership and military prowess. The Hebrew word for "king" is "מֶלֶךְ" (melech), which signifies authority and rule. This premature recognition of David's kingship highlights the divine anointing and future promise over his life.

Did they not sing about him
The act of singing about David indicates the cultural practice of celebrating heroes through song and dance. In ancient Israel, songs were a means of oral tradition, preserving history and heroic deeds. The Hebrew verb "sing" (שִׁיר) suggests a public proclamation of David's victories, which had become well-known even among the Philistines.

as they danced
Dancing was a common expression of joy and celebration in ancient Israelite culture. The Hebrew word "רָקַד" (raqad) means to leap or dance, often in a festive or religious context. This phrase paints a picture of the communal joy and national pride that David's victories inspired among the Israelites.

‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?
This quote is a reference to the popular song that celebrated David's military successes. The comparison between Saul and David highlights the shift in public favor from Saul to David, which is a recurring theme in the narrative. The numbers "thousands" and "tens of thousands" are hyperbolic expressions common in Hebrew poetry, emphasizing the magnitude of David's achievements. This phrase encapsulates the growing tension between Saul and David, as well as the divine favor that rested upon David, setting the stage for his eventual rise to kingship.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The anointed future king of Israel, known for his military prowess and his heart for God. At this point, he is fleeing from King Saul, who seeks to kill him.

2. Achish
The king of Gath, a Philistine city. David seeks refuge with him, which is ironic given David's history of defeating the Philistines.

3. Servants of Achish
These individuals recognize David and recall his reputation, which causes concern for Achish.

4. Gath
A Philistine city, significant as the hometown of Goliath, whom David famously defeated.

5. Saul
The current king of Israel, who is envious of David's success and popularity, leading to his pursuit of David.

Teaching Points

Reputation Precedes Us
David's reputation as a warrior and leader was known even among his enemies. Our actions and character can have far-reaching impacts, influencing how others perceive us.

God's Sovereignty in Adversity
Despite being in enemy territory, David's life is preserved. This reminds us that God is in control, even when circumstances seem dire.

Wisdom in Difficult Situations
David's decision to seek refuge in Gath, though risky, shows the need for discernment and strategic thinking in challenging times.

The Power of Praise and Worship
The song about David's victories was a form of praise that acknowledged God's work through him. Our worship can testify to God's greatness and inspire others.

Trust in God's Protection
Like David, we can trust that God will protect and guide us, even when we are surrounded by those who may wish us harm.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's reputation among the Philistines reflect the impact of his earlier victories, and what does this teach us about the importance of our own reputations?

2. In what ways does David's experience in Gath demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives when facing adversity?

3. How can we exercise wisdom and discernment in difficult situations, as David did when he sought refuge with Achish?

4. What role does praise and worship play in our lives, and how can it influence those around us, as seen in the song about David?

5. How can we cultivate a deeper trust in God's protection and guidance, drawing from David's example during his time in Gath?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 18:7
This verse recounts the song sung by the women of Israel, which the servants of Achish reference. It highlights David's growing reputation and Saul's jealousy.

Psalm 56
Written by David during his time in Gath, this psalm reflects his trust in God amidst fear and danger.

Matthew 10:16
Jesus instructs His disciples to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves," which parallels David's need for wisdom and innocence in dealing with Achish.