This passage reveals that God’s hand was on David’s life, even in enemy territory.
But the servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David the king of the land? Did they not sing of this one as they danced, saying, ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands’?” (v.11)
This verse takes place around 1010 BC, when David, who had been anointed by the prophet Samuel but was not yet ruling as king, fled to the Philistine city of Gath under King Achish’s reign. Gath lay west of the hill country of Judah and was one of the principal cities of the Philistines. David sought refuge there as he fled from King Saul’s attempts on his life. However, the servants of Achish recognized David as Israel’s celebrated warrior, recalling the popular song that exalted David’s military successes above Saul’s. Their remarks—“Is this not David the king of the land?”—show how widely David’s reputation had spread, even into hostile territories. Although David was not officially king at this time, the Philistines viewed him as a leader of Israel because of his fabled victory over Goliath and other triumphs (1 Samuel 17).
It is significant that the servants referred to David’s victories by quoting the chorus that had once angered Saul, demonstrating that news of Israel’s champion had reached far beyond Israel’s borders. Their words also suggest that God’s favor on David was becoming apparent to the surrounding nations. Immediately after this recognition, David realized he was in danger. Fearing for his life, he resorted to pretending madness in Achish’s court so the Philistines would see him as harmless and let him escape (1 Samuel 21:13). This passage highlights David’s cunning but also his continued reliance on the LORD for deliverance. Later reflections, such as Psalm 56, show David’s prayers and praises to God for rescue in this desperate situation.
Having discovered David’s true identity, the Philistines’ alarm foreshadows that David would one day become king over all Israel, fulfilling God’s promise through Samuel. Yet, at this juncture, David was still learning to trust God’s guidance in dire circumstances. His journey underscores that though he would become king, he endured suffering and uncertainty in the process.
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1 Samuel 21:11 meaning
But the servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David the king of the land? Did they not sing of this one as they danced, saying, ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands’?” (v.11)
This verse takes place around 1010 BC, when David, who had been anointed by the prophet Samuel but was not yet ruling as king, fled to the Philistine city of Gath under King Achish’s reign. Gath lay west of the hill country of Judah and was one of the principal cities of the Philistines. David sought refuge there as he fled from King Saul’s attempts on his life. However, the servants of Achish recognized David as Israel’s celebrated warrior, recalling the popular song that exalted David’s military successes above Saul’s. Their remarks—“Is this not David the king of the land?”—show how widely David’s reputation had spread, even into hostile territories. Although David was not officially king at this time, the Philistines viewed him as a leader of Israel because of his fabled victory over Goliath and other triumphs (1 Samuel 17).
It is significant that the servants referred to David’s victories by quoting the chorus that had once angered Saul, demonstrating that news of Israel’s champion had reached far beyond Israel’s borders. Their words also suggest that God’s favor on David was becoming apparent to the surrounding nations. Immediately after this recognition, David realized he was in danger. Fearing for his life, he resorted to pretending madness in Achish’s court so the Philistines would see him as harmless and let him escape (1 Samuel 21:13). This passage highlights David’s cunning but also his continued reliance on the LORD for deliverance. Later reflections, such as Psalm 56, show David’s prayers and praises to God for rescue in this desperate situation.
Having discovered David’s true identity, the Philistines’ alarm foreshadows that David would one day become king over all Israel, fulfilling God’s promise through Samuel. Yet, at this juncture, David was still learning to trust God’s guidance in dire circumstances. His journey underscores that though he would become king, he endured suffering and uncertainty in the process.