1 Samuel 21:12
And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֧שֶׂם
laid up
H7760
וַיָּ֧שֶׂם
laid up
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
1 of 12
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדְּבָרִ֥ים
these words
H1697
הַדְּבָרִ֥ים
these words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
4 of 12
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
וַיִּרָ֣א
afraid
H3372
וַיִּרָ֣א
afraid
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
7 of 12
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
מְאֹ֔ד
and was sore
H3966
מְאֹ֔ד
and was sore
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
Historical Context
David's decision to flee to Gath may have assumed that enemies of his enemy (Saul) might become allies. This calculation failed because his reputation preceded him. Ancient Near Eastern kings frequently executed enemy champions to prevent future threats.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you process threatening information—do you ruminate in fear or bring it to God in prayer?
- What does David's 'exceeding fear' teach about the experience of fear even among the faithful?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath.
The Hebrew phrase 'vayasem et-haddevarim' (laid up these words) indicates David carefully considered the implications of what he heard. His fear intensified—'vayira me'od' (was exceedingly afraid). This internal response contrasts sharply with the David who faced Goliath without trembling. The difference reveals that circumstances, exhaustion, and isolation can erode even courageous faith. David's fear was rational—he had entered enemy territory carrying their champion's weapon. Yet his response would demonstrate that faith can coexist with fear, and that God's servants sometimes find deliverance through unconventional means. Psalm 56 records his prayer during this terrifying time.