1 Samuel 21:14
Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me?
Original Language Analysis
תִרְאוּ֙
Lo ye see
H7200
תִרְאוּ֙
Lo ye see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
6 of 12
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אִ֣ישׁ
the man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
7 of 12
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
לָ֛מָּה
H4100
לָ֛מָּה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
תָּבִ֥יאוּ
wherefore then have ye brought
H935
תָּבִ֥יאוּ
wherefore then have ye brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
10 of 12
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
Historical Context
Philistine kings (seranim) maintained courts similar to other ancient Near Eastern monarchs. Bringing a seemingly mad person before the king wasted royal time and risked supernatural contamination of the court.
Questions for Reflection
- How have you seen God use cultural assumptions or circumstances to provide unexpected deliverance?
- What does Achish's dismissive response teach about how God blinds enemies to truth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me?
Achish's response indicates David's ruse succeeded. The Hebrew 'hinneh' (behold/lo) introduces his observation with dramatic emphasis. His irritated question to the servants deflects responsibility for David's presence onto them. The king's annoyance reveals he considered dealing with a madman beneath his dignity. Ancient kings surrounded themselves with skilled advisors and warriors, not deranged individuals. God used the cultural assumptions about madness to deliver David from certain death. This demonstrates divine providence working through human customs and beliefs to accomplish His purposes—even when His servant's methods are questionable.