1 Samuel 27:6
Then Achish gave him Ziklag that day: wherefore Ziklag pertaineth unto the kings of Judah unto this day.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּתֶּן
gave
H5414
וַיִּתֶּן
gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 15
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
הַיּ֥וֹם
that day
H3117
הַיּ֥וֹם
that day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
4 of 15
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַה֖וּא
H1931
הַה֖וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
5 of 15
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לָכֵ֞ן
H3651
לָכֵ֞ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
הָֽיְתָ֤ה
H1961
הָֽיְתָ֤ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
9 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
12 of 15
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
עַ֖ד
H5704
עַ֖ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
13 of 15
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Historical Context
Ziklag's location in the Negev, on the border between Philistine and Israelite territory, made it ideal for David's purposes. Originally assigned to Judah (Joshua 15:31), it had apparently come under Philistine control. David's possession of it began his territorial accumulation.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God provided for you through unexpected and unlikely sources?
- What possessions or opportunities have come from circumstances you might have questioned at the time?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Achish's gift of Ziklag to David establishes an ironic reversal: the future king of Israel receives his first territorial possession from a Philistine lord. The editorial note that 'Ziklag pertaineth unto the kings of Judah unto this day' indicates this city remained crown property for generations. The Hebrew 'lacen' (therefore, on account of this) suggests Ziklag's status resulted directly from this grant. God's providence works through strange channels, using even pagan generosity to establish David's initial domain.