A'chish is a Philistine king mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of 1 Samuel and 1 Kings. He is most notably recognized as the ruler of Gath, one of the five principal cities of the Philistines. A'chish plays a significant role in the narrative of David's life, particularly during the period when David was fleeing from King Saul.

Encounter with David:

David first seeks refuge with A'chish in 1 Samuel 21:10-15. Fleeing from Saul, David arrives in Gath, hoping to find sanctuary. However, the servants of A'chish recognize David as the one celebrated in Israelite songs for his military victories, saying, "Is this not David, the king of the land? Did they not sing about him in their dances: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?" (1 Samuel 21:11). Fearing for his life, David pretends to be insane, which leads A'chish to dismiss him as harmless, saying, "Look, you can see the man is insane! Why have you brought him to me?" (1 Samuel 21:14).

David's Second Stay in Gath:

David's relationship with A'chish evolves when he returns to Gath, as recorded in 1 Samuel 27. This time, David brings with him 600 men and their families. A'chish, perhaps seeing an opportunity to use David's prowess for his own advantage, grants him the town of Ziklag. David stays there for a year and four months, during which he conducts raids against various groups but deceives A'chish into believing he is attacking the Israelites. A'chish trusts David, saying, "He has made himself an utter stench to his people Israel; therefore he will be my servant forever" (1 Samuel 27:12).

The Battle of Gilboa:

A'chish's trust in David is further demonstrated when he invites David to join the Philistine forces in the battle against Israel at Gilboa (1 Samuel 28:1-2). However, the Philistine commanders, wary of David's loyalty, refuse to allow him to fight alongside them. A'chish, though disappointed, respects their decision and sends David back to Ziklag (1 Samuel 29:6-11).

Legacy and Historical Context:

A'chish is a figure that illustrates the complex relationships between the Israelites and the Philistines during the time of the early monarchy in Israel. His interactions with David highlight the political and military strategies employed by both sides. A'chish's willingness to harbor David, a fugitive from Saul, and his subsequent trust in him, reflect the nuanced diplomacy and shifting allegiances characteristic of the period.

In 1 Kings 2:39-40, A'chish is mentioned again in a different context, possibly indicating a successor or another king with the same name. This A'chish is the king of Gath to whom Shimei's servants flee, prompting Shimei to leave Jerusalem in violation of Solomon's command.

A'chish's account is a testament to the intricate and often precarious relationships between neighboring peoples in the ancient Near East, as well as the providential care and cunning of David, who would later become one of Israel's greatest kings.A'chish (17 Occurrences)

1 Samuel 21:10
David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath.
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1 Samuel 21:12
David laid up these words in his heart, and was very afraid of Achish the king of Gath.
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1 Samuel 21:14
Then said Achish to his servants, "Look, you see the man is mad. Why then have you brought him to me?
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1 Samuel 27:2
David arose, and passed over, he and the six hundred men who were with him, to Achish the son of Maoch, king of Gath.
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1 Samuel 27:3
David lived with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, even David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal's wife.
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1 Samuel 27:5
David said to Achish, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, let them give me a place in one of the cities in the country, that I may dwell there. For why should your servant dwell in the royal city with you?"
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1 Samuel 27:6
Then Achish gave him Ziklag that day: why Ziklag pertains to the kings of Judah to this day.
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1 Samuel 27:9
David struck the land, and saved neither man nor woman alive, and took away the sheep, and the cattle, and the donkeys, and the camels, and the clothing; and he returned, and came to Achish.
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1 Samuel 27:10
Achish said, "Against whom have you made a raid today?" David said, "Against the South of Judah, against the South of the Jerahmeelites, and against the South of the Kenites."
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1 Samuel 27:12
Achish believed David, saying, "He has made his people Israel utterly to abhor him. Therefore he shall be my servant forever."
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1 Samuel 28:1
It happened in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. Achish said to David, "Know assuredly that you shall go out with me in the army, you and your men."
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1 Samuel 28:2
David said to Achish, "Therefore you shall know what your servant will do." Achish said to David, "Therefore will I make you my bodyguard for ever."
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1 Samuel 29:2
The lords of the Philistines passed on by hundreds, and by thousands; and David and his men passed on in the rearward with Achish.
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1 Samuel 29:3
Then said the princes of the Philistines, "What about these Hebrews?" Achish said to the princes of the Philistines, "Isn't this David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, who has been with me these days, or rather these years, and I have found no fault in him since he fell away to this day?"
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1 Samuel 29:6
Then Achish called David, and said to him, "As Yahweh lives, you have been upright, and your going out and your coming in with me in the army is good in my sight; for I have not found evil in you since the day of your coming to me to this day. Nevertheless, the lords don't favor you.
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1 Samuel 29:8
David said to Achish, "But what have I done? What have you found in your servant so long as I have been before you to this day, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?"
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1 Samuel 29:9
Achish answered David, "I know that you are good in my sight, as an angel of God. Notwithstanding the princes of the Philistines have said,'He shall not go up with us to the battle.'
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A'chish (17 Occurrences)
A'chish. Achish, A'chish. Achitob . Multi-Version Concordance A'chish
(17 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 21:10 David arose, and fled that ...
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Achish (20 Occurrences)

/a/achish.htm - 16k

Achitob

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