Achish
The Philistine King Who Sheltered David
Name Information
- Meaning: Uncertain, possibly related to 'only man' or a royal title
- Language of Origin: Philistine (possibly Semitic or Indo-European origin)
- Gender Usage: Masculine
Achish was a Philistine king of Gath who twice encountered David — first as a fleeing enemy, and later as a trusted guest. Though David feigned madness before him once, Achish later gave David refuge and land. Their uneasy alliance highlights the complexity of David’s exile and God’s protection in unlikely places.
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Roles
- King
- Philistine Ruler
- Unexpected Ally
Relationships
- Friend: David
Story
David, fleeing from Saul, went to Gath with Goliath’s sword — a bold and dangerous move.
Fearing for his life, David acted insane in front of Achish, scratching doors and drooling.
Achish dismissed him, saying, 'Do I lack madmen?' and let him go.
Later, David returned to Achish, who gave him land and trust, not knowing David raided Israel’s enemies.
Before the battle at Jezreel, Philistine commanders refused David’s presence, forcing Achish to send him away.
Spiritual Significance
- Achish first encountered David when he fled from Saul and sought refuge in Gath, carrying Goliath’s sword.
- Fearing recognition, David pretended to be insane to avoid death — and Achish let him go.
- Later, Achish accepted David into his service, giving him the town of Ziklag.
- Achish trusted David, but other Philistine leaders distrusted him — prompting David’s removal before battle.
What We Can Learn
- God sometimes protects His people through unexpected means — even through their enemies.
- Human alliances are fragile and complex — David’s time in Philistia shows how survival required strategy and discernment.
- Even when exiled, God’s hand was on David, preparing him for kingship.
Memory Verses
Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this fellow to behave as a madman in my presence?
— 1 Samuel 21:15
Key Passages
- 1 Samuel 21:10–15
- 1 Samuel 27–29
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