1 samuel 27:2 - David arose, and passed over, he and the six hundred men who were with him, to Achish the son of Maoch, king of Gath.

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 27:2

What does "1 samuel 27:2" mean?


This verse, 1 Samuel 27:2, is a concise statement of David's action:

"David arose, and passed over..." This indicates that David made a deliberate decision and took action. "Passed over" suggests he crossed a boundary or border.

"...he and the six hundred men who were with him..." This highlights the significant number of men loyal to David. They represent a considerable fighting force, and their presence underscores the danger David posed to King Saul of Israel.

"...to Achish the son of Maoch, king of Gath." This specifies David's destination: Gath, a Philistine city. Achish, the king of Gath, was the leader to whom David was going. Gath was a major Philistine city, and the Philistines were traditional enemies of Israel.

In essence, this verse tells us that David, fleeing from King Saul, sought refuge in the Philistine city of Gath, taking his band of 600 warriors with him.

Contextual Significance:

This verse is pivotal because it marks a turning point in David's story. It shows him:

Seeking refuge with the enemy: David, an Israelite and a champion against the Philistines, now seeks protection from a Philistine king. This highlights the desperation of his situation.
Strategic move: David likely believed that by going to Gath, he would be safe from Saul's relentless pursuit. It was a calculated risk.
Potential compromise: This decision raises questions about David's loyalty to Israel and his willingness to compromise his principles for survival. The following chapters explore the implications of this alliance.

Therefore, this seemingly simple verse sets the stage for a complex and morally ambiguous chapter in David's life. It forces him to navigate the treacherous political landscape and make difficult choices.