David Pretends to Be Mad

On the Run · Gath

1 Samuel 21:10–15

¹⁰That same day, David fled because he feared Saul and went to King Achish of Gath. ¹¹But the servants of Achish said to him, "Isn't this David, the king of the land? Didn't they sing about him in their dances, saying, 'Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands'?" ¹²David pondered these words in his heart and was very afraid of Achish, the king of Gath. ¹³So he pretended to be insane while they watched. He scratched at the doors of the city gate and let spit dribble down into his beard. ¹⁴Achish said to his servants, "Look at him — the man is clearly out of his mind! Why did you bring him to me?" ¹⁵Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this one to act crazy in front of me? Should this fellow come into my house?

Read 1 Samuel 21

Up nextThe Cave of Adullam1 Samuel 22:1–5

About this event

What happened?

David fled to Achish, king of the Philistine city of Gath. The king's servants recognized him as the David of the song about tens of thousands. David was afraid, so he acted as if he were insane. He scratched on the doors of the gate and let saliva run down his beard. Achish asked why they had brought a madman to him, and David got away.

Who is here?

Achish, king of Gath
Achish's servants

Where did this happen?

Gath

One of the chief cities of the Philistines, and Goliath's hometown.

Where this fits

Event 2 of 13 in On the Run: David hides from Saul in caves and deserts, spares Saul's life twice, and mourns him when he dies.

Good to know

The title of Psalm 34 ties it to this time but names the king Abimelech. Readers explain the difference in different ways.

Keep exploring

Before thisBread and a Sword at Nob1 Samuel 21:1–9 After thisThe Cave of Adullam1 Samuel 22:1–5

David's Story