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1 Samuel 27

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‹ Chapter 26 1 Samuel — All Chapters Chapter 28 ›

1 David, however, said to himself, “One of these days now I will be swept away by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will stop searching for me all over Israel, and I will slip out of his hand." 2 So David set out with his six hundred men and went to Achish son of Maoch, the king of Gath. 3 David and his men settled in Gath with Achish. Each man had his family with him, and David had his two wives: Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail of Carmel, the widow of Nabal. 4 And when Saul learned that David had fled to Gath, he no longer searched for him. 5 Then David said to Achish, “If I have found favor in your eyes, let me be assigned a place in one of the outlying towns, so I can live there. For why should your servant live in the royal city with you?" 6 That day Achish gave him Ziklag, and to this day it still belongs to the kings of Judah. 7 And the time that David lived in Philistine territory amounted to a year and four months. 8 Now David and his men went up and raided the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites. (From ancient times these people had inhabited the land extending to Shur and Egypt.) 9 Whenever David attacked a territory, he did not leave a man or woman alive, but he took the flocks and herds, the donkeys, camels, and clothing. Then he would return to Achish, 10 who would ask him, “What have you raided today?” And David would reply, “The Negev of Judah,” or “The Negev of Jerahmeel,” or “The Negev of the Kenites." 11 David did not leave a man or woman alive to be brought to Gath, for he said, “Otherwise they will report us, saying, ‘This is what David did.’” And this was David’s custom the whole time he lived in Philistine territory. 12 So Achish trusted David, thinking, “Since he has made himself an utter stench to his people Israel, he will be my servant forever."

‹ Chapter 26 1 Samuel — All Chapters Chapter 28 ›

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 27

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Chapter Summary

In 1 Samuel 27, David, fearing for his life due to King Saul's pursuit, decides to flee to the land of the Philistines, settling in the city of Gath under the protection of King Achish. David and his men are given the city of Ziklag, where they engage in raids against the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites, killing all the inhabitants and taking their livestock as plunder. The chapter highlights David's military prowess and his strategic decision-making, as well as his continued trust in God's providence, even in the midst of uncertainty and danger, as seen in 1 Samuel 27:1-12.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 Samuel, which describes the transition from the period of the judges to the monarchy in Israel. The chapter fits into the story of David's rise to power, highlighting his experiences as a fugitive and his relationships with foreign leaders. The events of 1 Samuel 27 are closely tied to the surrounding chapters, particularly 1 Samuel 26 and 1 Samuel 28, which describe David's interactions with King Saul and the Philistines.

Heart Application

As believers, we can learn from David's example to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of uncertainty and danger. We can apply this lesson by seeking to deepen our faith and perseverance, as well as by navigating complex relationships and situations with wisdom and discernment, always looking to God for guidance and deliverance.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter tells the story of David's flight to the land of the Philistines, where he settles in the city of Ziklag and engages in raids against the surrounding tribes. Despite the challenges and dangers he faces, David trusts in God's sovereignty and provision, demonstrating his faith and perseverance. As seen in 1 Samuel 27:1-12, David's experiences as a fugitive and a warrior foreshadow the life and ministry of Christ, who also faced opposition and danger during his time on earth.

Voices from the Church

“The believer's life is a pilgrimage, and he must be prepared to face many dangers and uncertainties along the way. Yet, even in the midst of these challenges, he can trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as David did in 1 Samuel 27.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“David's decision to flee to the Philistines was not a sign of weakness, but rather a demonstration of his trust in God's providence. As believers, we can learn from David's example to seek God's guidance and protection, even in the most difficult circumstances.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. David's Decision to Flee (1 Samuel 27:1-2) — David decides to flee to the land of the Philistines, fearing for his life due to King Saul's pursuit.
  2. David's Reception by King Achish (1 Samuel 27:3-4) — David and his men are received by King Achish, who gives them the city of Ziklag as a place to settle.
  3. David's Raids Against the Surrounding Tribes (1 Samuel 27:5-12) — David and his men engage in raids against the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites, killing all the inhabitants and taking their livestock as plunder.
  4. David's Deception of King Achish (1 Samuel 27:8-12) — David deceives King Achish, telling him that they are raiding against the tribes of Judah, when in fact they are raiding against the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites.
  5. Conclusion (1 Samuel 27:12) — David's actions in this chapter demonstrate his faith and perseverance, as well as his strategic decision-making and military prowess.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God
This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, guiding David's decisions and actions, even in the midst of uncertainty and danger, as seen in 1 Samuel 27:1-12.
The Importance of Faith and Perseverance
The chapter highlights the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity, demonstrating that believers can trust in God's provision and protection, as seen in 1 Samuel 27:1-2.
The Complexity of Human Relationships
The chapter illustrates the complexity of human relationships, particularly in the context of foreign cultures and allegiances, as seen in David's interactions with King Achish and the Philistines.
The Foreshadowing of Christ
The chapter foreshadows the life and ministry of Christ, who also faced opposition and danger during his time on earth, as seen in John 1:1 and Hebrews 11:32-34.

Lessons from 1 Samuel 27

  1. The Importance of Trusting in God's Sovereignty — This chapter teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of uncertainty and danger.
  2. The Value of Faith and Perseverance — The chapter highlights the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity, demonstrating that believers can trust in God's provision and protection.
  3. The Complexity of Human Relationships — The chapter illustrates the complexity of human relationships, particularly in the context of foreign cultures and allegiances.
  4. The Foreshadowing of Christ — The chapter foreshadows the life and ministry of Christ, who also faced opposition and danger during his time on earth.
  5. The Application of David's Experiences to Our Own Lives — We can apply the lessons from David's experiences in this chapter to our own lives, trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, and persevering in the face of adversity.

Themes from 1 Samuel 27

  1. The Sovereignty of God — This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, guiding David's decisions and actions, even in the midst of uncertainty and danger.
  2. The Importance of Faith and Perseverance — The chapter highlights the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity, demonstrating that believers can trust in God's provision and protection.
  3. The Complexity of Human Relationships — The chapter illustrates the complexity of human relationships, particularly in the context of foreign cultures and allegiances.
  4. The Foreshadowing of Christ — The chapter foreshadows the life and ministry of Christ, who also faced opposition and danger during his time on earth.
  5. The Application of David's Experiences to Our Own Lives — We can apply the lessons from David's experiences in this chapter to our own lives, trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, and persevering in the face of adversity.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What can we learn from David's example in this chapter about trusting in God's sovereignty and provision?
  2. How does David's decision to flee to the Philistines demonstrate his faith and perseverance?
  3. What complexities and challenges does David face in his relationships with King Achish and the Philistines?
  4. How does this chapter foreshadow the life and ministry of Christ?
  5. What lessons can we apply to our own lives from David's experiences in this chapter?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. David's Decision to Flee (1 Samuel 27:1-2)

27:1 David decides to flee to the land of the Philistines, fearing for his life due to King Saul's pursuit.
27:2 David and his men go to the king of Gath, where they are received by King Achish.

2. David's Reception by King Achish (1 Samuel 27:3-4)

27:3 David and his men are given the city of Ziklag as a place to settle.
27:4 David and his men settle in Ziklag, where they engage in raids against the surrounding tribes.

3. David's Raids Against the Surrounding Tribes (1 Samuel 27:5-12)

27:5 David and his men engage in raids against the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites, killing all the inhabitants and taking their livestock as plunder.
27:6 David and his men are given the city of Ziklag as a place to settle, and they engage in raids against the surrounding tribes.
27:7 David and his men live in Ziklag for a year and four months, engaging in raids against the surrounding tribes.
27:8 David and his men engage in raids against the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites, killing all the inhabitants and taking their livestock as plunder.
27:9 David and his men leave no one alive in the villages they raid, taking all the livestock and goods as plunder.
27:10 David and his men bring the plunder back to King Achish, telling him that they have been raiding against the tribes of Judah.
27:11 David and his men kill all the inhabitants of the villages they raid, leaving no one alive to testify against them.
27:12 David and his men live in Ziklag, engaging in raids against the surrounding tribes and bringing the plunder back to King Achish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did David decide to flee to the land of the Philistines?

David decided to flee to the land of the Philistines because he feared for his life due to King Saul's pursuit, as seen in 1 Samuel 27:1.

What was the outcome of David's raids against the surrounding tribes?

The outcome of David's raids was the killing of all the inhabitants and the taking of their livestock and goods as plunder, as seen in 1 Samuel 27:8-12.

How did King Achish respond to David's raids?

King Achish was deceived by David, believing that he was raiding against the tribes of Judah, when in fact he was raiding against the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites, as seen in 1 Samuel 27:10-12.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 1 Samuel 27:1 → Psalm 56:3 David's fear and trust in God's sovereignty are echoed in Psalm 56:3, where he writes, 'When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.'
2 1 Samuel 27:2 → 1 Samuel 21:10-15 David's decision to flee to the Philistines is reminiscent of his earlier flight to Gath, where he pretended to be insane to escape from King Achish, as seen in 1 Samuel 21:10-15.
3 1 Samuel 27:3 → 1 Chronicles 12:1-7 The men who joined David at Ziklag are listed in 1 Chronicles 12:1-7, where they are described as mighty men of valor who helped David in his battles.
4 1 Samuel 27:5 → Joshua 13:2-5 The tribes that David raids, including the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites, are mentioned in Joshua 13:2-5, where they are listed as tribes that the Israelites were unable to drive out.
5 1 Samuel 27:6 → 1 Samuel 30:1-31 The city of Ziklag, which was given to David and his men, is also the city that was raided by the Amalekites in 1 Samuel 30:1-31, where David and his men recovered all that had been taken from them.
6 1 Samuel 27:7 → 1 Samuel 29:1-11 David's time in Ziklag is also mentioned in 1 Samuel 29:1-11, where he is summoned by King Achish to join the Philistine army in their battle against the Israelites.
7 1 Samuel 27:8 → Judges 3:3 The tribes that David raids, including the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites, are mentioned in Judges 3:3, where they are listed as tribes that the Israelites were unable to drive out.
8 1 Samuel 27:10 → 2 Samuel 8:1-14 David's raids against the surrounding tribes are similar to the military campaigns he undertakes as king of Israel, as seen in 2 Samuel 8:1-14, where he defeats the Moabites, the Syrians, and the Edomites.
9 1 Samuel 27:11 → Deuteronomy 20:16-18 The command to kill all the inhabitants of the villages they raid is reminiscent of the instructions given to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 20:16-18, where they are commanded to destroy all the inhabitants of the cities they conquer.
10 1 Samuel 27:12 → Psalm 52:1-9 David's actions in this chapter are reflected in Psalm 52:1-9, where he writes about the wickedness of those who trust in their wealth and power, rather than in God.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 27

SermonDescription
Mike Bickle David in Ziglag: Compromise and Recovery (1 Sam. 27-30) by Mike Bickle Mike Bickle discusses David's time in Ziklag, emphasizing how David, despite experiencing God's miraculous interventions, succumbed to despair and compromise by fleeing to the Phil
F.B. Meyer And David Said, I Shall Now Perish One Day by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer reflects on David's moment of despair, highlighting how even a man of faith can succumb to doubt and fear when surrounded by negative influences. Despite God's promises

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Samuel 27

In this chapter, we see David's faith and perseverance in the midst of uncertainty and danger. Despite his fears, David trusts in God's sovereignty and provision, demonstrating his faith and perseverance. The chapter also highlights the complexity of human relationships, particularly in the context of foreign cultures and allegiances. As Matthew Henry notes, 'David's faith and perseverance are a great encouragement to us to trust in God's providence and protection, even in the most difficult circumstances.' The chapter also foreshadows the life and ministry of Christ, who also faced opposition and danger during his time on earth. As Henry writes, 'The story of David's flight to the Philistines is a type of Christ's flight into Egypt, and his subsequent ministry to the Gentiles.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

David's Fear and Faith

David's fear of King Saul is evident, yet he still trusts in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in 1 Samuel 27:1-2. This mix of fear and faith is a common experience for believers, demonstrating the complexities of the human heart.

The Complexity of David's Relationships

David's relationships with King Achish and the Philistines are complex, involving both protection and deception, as seen in 1 Samuel 27:6-12. This complexity highlights the challenges of navigating different cultures and allegiances.

The Sovereignty of God

Despite David's fears and uncertainties, God remains sovereign, guiding David's decisions and actions, as seen in 1 Samuel 27:1-12. This sovereignty is a comforting truth for believers, reminding them that God is always in control.

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