Return to Philistia

As we return to our studies in 1 Samuel, we find the immediate results of David’s decision to stop dodging Saul’s pursuit within Israel and seek a permanent respite. He apparently had grown weary of living in constant danger and had despaired of God’s promise that he would sit one day on Israel’s throne, despite numerous instances of divine deliverance and repeated assurances that he would wear the crown. But instead of confessing his weariness and fear to God, and asking for divine direction, David resorted to his own devices. And so he set out for the Philistine city of Gath once more, taking his two wives, his six hundred men, and their families.

David went to Gath when he first fled from Saul (21:10–15) and was welcomed by Achish, the king of Gath. However, he was not well received by Achish’s servants, who knew of him as one of Saul’s right-hand men, the anointed successor to Israel’s throne, and a scourge of Philistine soldiers. Now, however, David comes to Philistia as a clear enemy of Saul. It is “obvious” to these pagans that David has been driven out of Israel against his will, and that he has no hope of ever donning Saul’s crown. And so Achish receives David once again, apparently with no objection from his servants.

Eventually word of David’s departure to the land of the Philistines filters back to Israel and comes to the ears of Saul. When he hears this news, we are told, Saul “sought him no more.” Saul had but recently sworn to desist from seeking David, and while today’s passage does not definitively indicate that he has resumed doing so, it at least seems to indicate intent. As Matthew Henry writes, “Notwithstanding the professions of repentance he had lately made, if he had had David in his reach, he would have aimed another blow.” But Saul now realizes that David has gone beyond his reach—as long as the Philistines harbor him, Saul cannot touch him.

Thus, it seems that David makes a good decision by coming to Philistia. The danger is still real in Israel, but the Philistines prove receptive. And so David and his men settle in with Achish at Gath. But we must not lose sight of the fact that David made this move in defiance of a command of God and without seeking God’s guidance. Therefore, we should not expect this period of peace to endure.