1 - 12 David among the PhilistinesDavid realizes that one day he will be killed by Saul. David and 600 men go on the road. Achish gives him Ziklag. David raids the Geshurites, Girzites and Amalekites, completely razine each area. Achish believes that David's actions will make him his servant forever.
1 comment:
(J.P.'s Comment)
David realizes that the only way to stop Saul from persuing him is to go to Philistine territory. He, his 600 men, and their families go to Gath, ruled by Achish. He asks Achish to give him a country town to live in (Ziklag). David lived there over a year. During that time David would raid Philistine groups (Geshurites, Girzites, and Amalekites). He'd kill all the people (so they wouldn't tell on him) and bring home the live stock. He told Achish that he was attacking Israelite areas and Achish thought he was a model citizen and glad to have him.
Notes indicate that Achish welcomed David because he was known as an enemy of Saul and offering him sanctuary would obligate David to him militarily. Saul was paranoid of David taking his throne so, with him out of the country, Saul felt safe. David asked for the country town so he could raid and not be under the kings eye. David didn't move from Ziklag until Saul died.
Notes also indicate that David shows a faltering in his faith by moving to Philistine territory. God has taken care of him so far so he should continue to trust him. Apparently he just wants a break from Saul's chase (I can't blame him). Although this move and his plundering the Philistine territories behind Achish's back aren't ethical much less "Christian" behavior, God doesn't punish him in any way YET. We'll see if he gets away with it.
Post a Comment