David Escapes to Philistine Territory

1David told himself, “One of these days I’ll perish by Saul’s hand. There is nothing better for me to do than to escape to Philistine territory. Saul will give up searching for me anymore within the borders of Israel, so I’ll escape from him.” 2So David got up, and he and the 600 men who were with him went to Maoch’s son Achish, the king of Gath. 3David stayed with Achish in Gath along with his men, each of whom was with his household. David had his two wives, Ahinoam from Jezreel and Abigail, who had been the wife of Nabal of Carmel. 4Saul was told that David had fled to Gath, and he did not continue to search for him.

Achish Gives Ziklag to David

5David told Achish, “If it pleases you, give me a place in one of the outlying towns,a so I may live there. Why should your servant live with you in the royal city?” 6So that day Achish gave him Ziklag, and therefore, Ziklag has belonged to the kings of Judah until the present time. 7David lived in Philistine territory for a year and four months.

David’s Raids on the Land

8David and his men went up and raided the descendants of Geshur, the descendants of Girzi, and the Amalekites, for they had been living in the land since ancient times, from the entrance ofb Shur all the way to the land of Egypt. 9David struck the land and did not leave a man or woman alive. He took sheep, cattle, donkeys, camels, and clothing, and then came back and went to Achish.

10Achish said, “Where did you raid today?”

David answered, “Against the Negevc of Judah, against the Negevd of the Jerahmeelites, and against the Negeve of the Kenites.” 11David did not leave a man or woman alive to bring to Gath. He told himself,f “Otherwise, they’ll say, ‘This is what David is doing, and this has been his practice all the time he has lived in Philistine territory.’”

12Achish believed David, telling himself,g “He has certainly made himself repulsive to his people in Israel. He will be my servant forever.”