10 And David riseth and fleeth on that day from the face of Saul, and cometh in unto Achish king of Gath; 11 and the servants of Achish say unto him, 'Is not this David king of the land? is it not of this one they sing in dances, saying, 'Saul smote among his thousands, and David among his myriads?' 12 And David layeth these words in his heart, and is exceedingly afraid of the face of Achish king of Gath, 13 and changeth his behaviour before their eyes, and feigneth himself mad in their hand, and scribbleth on the doors of the gate, and letteth down his spittle unto his beard. 14 And Achish saith unto his servants, 'Lo, ye see a man acting as a madman; why do ye bring him in unto me? 15 A lack of madmen 'have' I, that ye have brought in this one to act as a madman by me! doth this one come in unto my house?'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:10-15
Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:10-15
(Read 1 Samuel 21:10-15)
God's persecuted people have often found better usage from Philistines than from Israelites. David had reason to put confidence in Achish, yet he began to be afraid. His conduct was degrading, and discovered wavering in his faith and courage. The more simply we depend on God, and obey him, the more comfortably and surely we shall walk through this troublesome world.