1 Samuel 21:15
Have I need of mad men, that ye have brought this fellow to play the mad man in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house?
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָב֥וֹא
in my presence shall this fellow come
H935
יָב֥וֹא
in my presence shall this fellow come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
5 of 13
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עָלָ֑י
H5921
עָלָ֑י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הֲזֶ֖ה
H2088
Historical Context
Ancient royal courts carefully controlled access to the king's presence. Achish's rejection meant David would be expelled from Gath, removing the immediate threat while leaving him homeless. This began David's wilderness wandering period.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Psalm 34, written after this event, reshape your understanding of this passage?
- When has rejection or dismissal by others actually been God's means of protection?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Have I need of mad men, that ye have brought this fellow to play the mad man in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house?
Achish's rhetorical questions complete David's deliverance through dismissal. The Hebrew 'chaser meshugga'im' (lacking madmen) sarcastically implies he already has enough troubled individuals around him. His refusal to allow David into his 'house' (royal court) effectively banished the fugitive from Philistine territory. The double reference to 'this fellow' (Hebrew 'zeh') expresses contempt—yet this contempt saved David's life. Psalm 34's superscription connects it to this event, where David praises God: 'I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.' What appeared as degrading self-abasement became the vehicle of divine deliverance.