And David took these words to heart and was much afraid of Achish the king of Gath.
God's promises and His providences often seem to pull in opposite directions, yet this trial of faith is itself how He accomplishes His counsel. David, anointed king, now wanders homeless among Philistines; Israel's darling rejected by his own king, yet sheltered by his nation's enemy. Strange mercy comes often from unexpected hands.
AI summary
Commenting on 1 Samuel 21:10-15
And David laid up these words in his heart,.... Pondered upon them, and thought them over in his mind, finding that he was known, and his character also, and considered with himself what might be the consequence of this: and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath; lest he should be set against him, and be prevailed upon by his servants to take...
1Sa 21:12-13 But David took these words to heart, and was in great fear of Achish, lest he should treat him as an enemy, and kill him. In order to escape this danger, “he disguised his understanding (i.e., pretended to be out of his mind) in their eyes (i.e., before the courtiers of Achish), behaved insanely under their hands (when they tried to hold him...
Commenting on 1 Samuel 21:12-13