Topical Encyclopedia The Philistines were a significant group of people in the ancient Near East, often depicted in the Bible as adversaries of the Israelites. Among the Philistine rulers, the kings of Achish hold a notable place in biblical narratives, particularly in the context of their interactions with key figures such as David.Historical Context The Philistines were part of the Sea Peoples, who settled along the coastal regions of Canaan, primarily in the five city-states of Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath. The kings of Achish are specifically associated with the city of Gath, one of the principal Philistine cities. Achish, King of Gath Achish is mentioned in several biblical accounts, most prominently in the books of 1 Samuel and 1 Kings. He is depicted as a Philistine king during the time of David, the future king of Israel. The interactions between David and Achish provide insight into the complex relationships between the Israelites and the Philistines. 1. David's Flight to Achish: In 1 Samuel 21:10-15, David, fleeing from King Saul, seeks refuge with Achish, king of Gath. However, the servants of Achish recognize David as a formidable warrior, leading David to feign madness to escape potential harm. "David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish the king of Gath. So he changed his behavior before them and pretended to be insane in their hands" (1 Samuel 21:12-13). 2. David's Alliance with Achish: Later, in 1 Samuel 27, David returns to Achish and is granted asylum. David and his men settle in Ziklag, a town given to him by Achish. During this period, David conducts raids against various groups but deceives Achish about his true targets. Achish trusts David, believing he has become a loyal servant: "Achish trusted David, thinking, 'He has made himself an utter stench to his people Israel; therefore he will be my servant forever'" (1 Samuel 27:12). 3. The Battle of Gilboa: In 1 Samuel 29, as the Philistines prepare to battle Israel at Mount Gilboa, Achish intends to have David and his men fight alongside him. However, the other Philistine commanders distrust David and insist he be sent back. Achish reluctantly complies, expressing his confidence in David's loyalty: "I know that you are as pleasing in my sight as an angel of God" (1 Samuel 29:9). Achish in Later Texts The name Achish appears again in 1 Kings 2:39-40, where Shimei, a servant of Solomon, travels to Gath to retrieve his runaway slaves. This reference suggests the continued prominence of Gath and its rulers in the region, although it is unclear if this Achish is the same individual from the time of David or a successor bearing the same name. Cultural and Theological Significance The accounts of Achish and his interactions with David highlight the political and military dynamics of the period. They illustrate the precarious nature of alliances and the role of personal relationships in the broader context of Israelite-Philistine conflicts. The narratives also underscore themes of divine providence and protection, as seen in David's survival and eventual rise to kingship despite the odds against him. The kings of Achish, particularly in their dealings with David, serve as a testament to the complex interplay of diplomacy, trust, and deception in the ancient world, reflecting the broader biblical themes of God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His purposes through human history. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 21:10-15And David arose and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 27:2-12 1 Samuel 28:1,2 1 Samuel 29:1 Library How David Fled to Ahimelech and Afterwards to the Kings of the ... Now Saul Upon God's not Answering Him Concerning the Fight with ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus What Doest Thou Here? The History of David The Bright Dawn of a Reign Chapter xxvi The Historical Books. Canaan The History of Saul Resources Who were the Philistines? | GotQuestions.orgWhy were the Philistines and the Israelites always at war? | GotQuestions.org What were the emerods God afflicted the Philistines with in 1 Samuel 5? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Philistines for Their History During the Leadership of Samson See Philistines: Allowed to Remain in Canaan Philistines: Called Cherethites Philistines: David Finds Refuge Among Philistines: David Kills Two-Hundred Men Philistines: Defeat the Israelites Philistines: Defeat the Israelites and Kill Saul and his Sons Philistines: Defeated by David Philistines: Defeated by Hezekiah Philistines: Defeated by Samuel Philistines: Defeated by Saul and Jonathan Philistines: Descendants of Mizraim Philistines: Kings of Abimelech I Philistines: Kings of Abimelech Ii Philistines: Pay Taxes to Jehoshaphat Philistines: Prophecies Against Philistines: Shamgar Kills Six-Hundred Men With an Ox Goad Philistines: Their Champion, Goliath, Killed by David The Philistines were a Great People and Governed by Kings in the Patriarchal The Philistines: Always Confederated With the Enemies of Israel The Philistines: Besieged in Gibbethon by Nadab The Philistines: Called: The Caphtorims The Philistines: Called: The Cherethites The Philistines: Character of Idolatrous The Philistines: Character of Proud The Philistines: Character of Superstitious The Philistines: Character of Warlike The Philistines: Conquered the Avims and Took from Them the West Coast of The Philistines: Country of: Called Philistia The Philistines: Country of: Divided Into Five Sates of Lordships The Philistines: Country of: Given by God to the Israelites The Philistines: Country of: had Many Flourishing Cities The Philistines: David: Distrusted By The Philistines: David: Fled To, for Safety The Philistines: David: Gained the Confidence of Achish King of The Philistines: David: had a Guard Composed of The Philistines: David: Often Defeated During Saul's Reign The Philistines: David: Often Defeated in the Course of his Reign The Philistines: David: Procured Saul's Daughter for and Hundred Foreskins of The Philistines: David: Slew Goliath the Champion of The Philistines: Defeated by Hezekiah The Philistines: Defeated by Uzziah The Philistines: Defeated Israel and Took the Ark The Philistines: Defeated Israel at Ebenezer The Philistines: Defeated Israel at Ephesdammim and Pursued to Ekron The Philistines: Defied Israel by Their Champion The Philistines: Descended from Casluhim The Philistines: Distressed Judah Under Ahaz The Philistines: Gathered all Their Armies to Aphek Against Israel The Philistines: Invaded the Land of Israel With a Great Army The Philistines: Israel Condemned for Imitating The Philistines: Israel Defeated By, and Saul Slain The Philistines: Jonathan and his Armour-Bearer Smote a Garrison of, at The The Philistines: Jonathan Smote a Garrison of, at Geba and Provoked Them The Philistines: Men of Great Strength and Stature Amongst The Philistines: Miraculously Discomfited The Philistines: Miraculously Routed at Mizpeh The Philistines: Oppressed Israel After the Death of Abdon Forty Years The Philistines: Oppressed Israel After the Death of Jair for Eighteen Years The Philistines: Originally Dwelt in the Land of Caphtor The Philistines: Plagued for Retaining the Ark The Philistines: Prophecies Respecting: Base Men to be Their Rulers The Philistines: Prophecies Respecting: Destruction and Desolation of Their Cities The Philistines: Prophecies Respecting: Dismay at Ruin of Tyre The Philistines: Prophecies Respecting: Hatred and Revenge Against Israel to be Fully Recompensed The Philistines: Prophecies Respecting: Punishment With Other Nations The Philistines: Prophecies Respecting: Their Country to be a Future Possession to Israel The Philistines: Prophecies Respecting: To Help in Israel's Restoration The Philistines: Prophecies Respecting: Union With Syria Against Israel The Philistines: Prophecies Respecting: Utter Destruction by Pharaoh King of Egypt The Philistines: Put the Ark Into Dagon's House The Philistines: Samson: Blinded and Imprisoned By The Philistines: Samson: Burned Vineyards of The Philistines: Samson: Intermarried With The Philistines: Samson: Promised As a Deliverer From The Philistines: Samson: Pulled Down the House of Dagon and Destroyed Immense The Philistines: Samson: Slew a Thousand With the Jawbone of an Ass The Philistines: Samson: Slew Many for Burning his Wife The Philistines: Samson: Slew Thirty, Near Askelon The Philistines: Saul Constantly at War With The Philistines: Sent Back the Ark and Were Healed The Philistines: Sent by God Against Jehoram The Philistines: Shamgar Slew Six Hundred of, and Delivered Israel The Philistines: some of, Left to Prove Israel The Philistines: Ziklag a Town of, Taken and Plundered by the Amalekites Related Terms |