1 Samuel, Chapter 27:
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Verses from 1 Samuel, Chapter 27 of the book of 1 Samuel in the Bible.
David among the Philistines
- 1. However, David thought: “One day I will be killed by Saul. I'd better flee to the land of the Philistines. This way, Saul will stop looking for me throughout Israel, and I will be able to escape.”
- 2. Then David and the six hundred men who were with him went to Achish, son of Maoch, king of Gath.
- 3. David and his soldiers settled in Gath, being welcomed by Achish. Each man took his family, and David took his two wives: Ahinoam, from Jezreel, and Abigail, who had been the wife of Nabal, from Carmel.
- 4. When Saul heard that David had fled to Gath, he stopped pursuing him.
- 5. David then said to Achish: “If I have found favor in your eyes, allow me to have a place in one of the cities of this land, where I can live. Why should this servant of yours live with you in the royal city?”
- 6. That day Achish gave him the city of Ziklag. To this day, Ziklag belongs to the kings of Judah.
- 7. David lived in Philistine territory for a year and four months.
- 8. He and his soldiers attacked the Geshurites, the Gersites and the Amalekites, people who had inhabited the region since ancient times, extending from Shur to Egypt.
- 9. When David attacked the region, he spared neither men nor women, plundering the cattle, sheep, donkeys, camels and clothing. They then returned to Achish.
- 10. When Achish asked, “Who did you attack today?” David replied, “The Negeb of Judah” or “The Negeb of Jeramel” or “The Negev of the Kenites.”
- 11. David killed all the men and women, so that there would be no witnesses who could denounce him in Gath. This was his practice while in Philistine territory.
- 12. Achish trusted David and said, “He has become so hated by his own people, the Israelites, that he will be my servant forever.”
