# 1 Samuel Chapter 27
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## Summary
David demonstrates himself as a shrewd servant of the Lord. He recognises that with Saul continually after him he would do well to seek safety among *"The enemy of my enemy"* and therefore along with 600 men and both wives he retreats to Gath one of the five cities of the Philistines.

Amongst the Philistines David makes his home amongst the Philistines and leads raids against the Geshurites, Girzites and Amalekites. David however decieves Achish king of Gath, misleading him to believe that he is striking Israelites rather than the enemies of Israel. In this way Achish is led to believe that David has made himself an enemy of the people of Israel.

## Meditatio
The Israelites and the Philistines have a complex history but suffice to say that the Philistines are seen to represent the opposition or enemies of God. As such David makes his dwelling place the people of God, and has such a lasting impact that Ziklag (his dwelling place) belonged to the kings of Judah thereafter[^1].

It would be interesting to consider how such a move would be seen politically. David likely would have appeared to the people to have sided with the Philistines, and therefore it's entirely surprising that Saul does not follow. Both Saul and Archish are convinced that David's actions have made him entirely unpalatable to the people of God.

In reality David continues to fight for his people, albeit he is unable to do so in a particularly public fashion. Instead he removes himself entirely and avoids the possibility that idle lips will gossip and paint both he and his men in a negative fashion. Why might this be important? Why indeed rais this point at all?

Perhaps historically it was necessary to account for a questionable absence and exile in Gath. This book clearly was written by an admirer of David and as such attempts to reiterate his good character and noble actions might have been a political ploy to demonstrate his commitment to Israel despite Israels faithlessness towards him.

It is difficult reading to hear that David put men and women to the sword. Entire families decimated, children too presumably or by proxy given the death of mothers and fathers. None are permitted to live to explain to Achish how he is aiding and abetting a known fugitive. Indeed we can only anticipate how David will repay Achish or what action he will take against him when he comes to power.

[^1]: [1 Samuel 27:6](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2027&version=ESV)