Old Testament
1 Samuel 21:10
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That same day, David fled because he feared Saul and went to King Achish of Gath.
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And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath.
What 1 Samuel 21:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
On that day, David was filled with fear as he realized that King Saul was determined to kill him. To escape this threat, he decided to flee to Gath, a city ruled by King Achish. This was a risky move, as Gath was a Philistine city, and David was known for defeating their champion, Goliath. David's fear drove him to seek refuge in a place where he was not welcomed. This moment highlights the intense pressure David faced and the lengths he would go to survive. It also shows how fear can lead us to make unexpected choices, sometimes putting us in even more dangerous situations. David's journey to Gath illustrates the struggle between trusting God and succumbing to fear. In his desperation, he sought safety in an unlikely place, reminding us that we all face moments of fear and uncertainty in our lives. How we respond to those moments can shape our paths significantly, just as it did for David in this critical time of his life. His story encourages us to seek wisdom in our decisions.
How to apply 1 Samuel 21:10 to your life
When faced with fear, we often make choices that may not be the best for us. Like David, we might seek refuge in unexpected places. It's essential to pause and consider our options carefully. Trusting in a higher purpose can guide us through our fears and lead to better outcomes. Reflect on your choices when fear arises, and seek wisdom in your decisions.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary
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Illustrated scene from David's story: David Pretends to Be Mad (1 Samuel 21:10–15)
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David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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Keep studying 1 Samuel 21:10
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At a Glance — the Book of 1 Samuel
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Samuel 21:10 mean?
1 Samuel 21:10 describes David fleeing to Gath out of fear for his life from King Saul. It highlights the desperation David felt and his willingness to seek refuge in a Philistine city, despite the risks involved.
What is the significance of David going to Gath in 1 Samuel 21:10?
David's journey to Gath signifies a moment of vulnerability and fear. It illustrates how he sought safety in an unexpected place, emphasizing the lengths one might go to escape danger.
Why did David fear Saul in 1 Samuel 21:10?
David feared Saul because Saul was determined to kill him, viewing David as a threat to his throne. This fear drove David to make the difficult decision to flee.
What can we learn from 1 Samuel 21:10 about decision-making?
1 Samuel 21:10 teaches that fear can lead us to make unexpected choices, sometimes putting us in risky situations. It encourages careful consideration of our options when faced with fear.
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