Achish, the king of Gath, is a significant figure in the narrative of David's life, particularly during the period when David was fleeing from King Saul. Gath was one of the five principal cities of the Philistines, and Achish is mentioned in the context of David's strategic retreat to Philistine territory to escape Saul's relentless pursuit.

David's First Encounter with Achish

The first recorded encounter between David and Achish occurs in 1 Samuel 21:10-15. Fleeing from Saul, David seeks refuge in Gath, carrying the sword of Goliath, whom he had previously slain. The servants of Achish recognize David and recall his reputation as a formidable warrior, singing, "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 feigns madness before Achish, who dismisses him, saying, "Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this one to act the fool in my presence?" (1 Samuel 21:15).

David's Second Refuge with Achish

David's second and more prolonged refuge with Achish is detailed in 1 Samuel 27. Realizing that Saul would continue to pursue him within Israelite territory, David decides to seek asylum with Achish once more. This time, Achish receives David and his men, granting them the town of Ziklag. "David said to Achish, 'If I have found favor in your eyes, let a place be assigned to me in one of the country towns, that I may live there.' So Achish gave him Ziklag that day" (1 Samuel 27:5-6). David remains in Philistine territory for a year and four months, during which he conducts raids against various groups but deceives Achish about his true targets, leading Achish to believe that David had become a loyal servant.

Achish's Trust in David

Achish's trust in David is evident in 1 Samuel 28:1-2, where he invites David to join the Philistine forces in battle against Israel. Achish tells David, "You must understand that you and your men are to go out to battle with me" (1 Samuel 28:1). David responds ambiguously, and Achish, convinced of David's loyalty, appoints him as his bodyguard for life.

David's Departure from Achish

The relationship between David and Achish culminates in 1 Samuel 29, where the Philistine commanders, wary of David's presence, insist that he not join them in battle against Israel. Despite Achish's protestations of David's faithfulness, he relents to their demands. Achish tells David, "As surely as the LORD lives, you have been upright in my sight, and your actions have been good in my eyes from the day you came to me until today" (1 Samuel 29:6). David and his men depart, returning to Ziklag.

Achish's interactions with David highlight the complexities of David's life as a fugitive and the providential protection he experienced even among his enemies. Achish, though a Philistine king, becomes an unwitting instrument in God's plan for David, providing him refuge and resources during a critical period of his life.1 Samuel 21:10-15
And David arose and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath.
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1 Samuel 27:1
And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.
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1 Samuel 28:1,2
And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said to David, Know you assuredly, that you shall go out with me to battle, you and your men.
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1 Samuel 29:1
Now the Philistines gathered together all their armies to Aphek: and the Israelites pitched by a fountain which is in Jezreel.
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1 Kings 2:39,40
And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away to Achish son of Maachah king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, your servants be in Gath.
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Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... David brought trouble (2 Samuel 12:10 ... them; but it so is seconded by a 'hail-storm,'
and that hail-storm worketh so in wrath, that not one escapes by repentance ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

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