1 Samuel 27:2
And David arose, and he passed over with the six hundred men that were with him unto Achish, the son of Maoch, king of Gath.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֣קָם
arose
H6965
וַיָּ֣קָם
arose
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
1 of 15
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וַיַּֽעֲבֹ֣ר
and he passed over
H5674
וַיַּֽעֲבֹ֣ר
and he passed over
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
3 of 15
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
ה֔וּא
H1931
ה֔וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
4 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
וְשֵׁשׁ
with the six
H8337
וְשֵׁשׁ
with the six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
5 of 15
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
אִ֖ישׁ
men
H376
אִ֖ישׁ
men
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
7 of 15
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)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עִמּ֑וֹ
H5973
עִמּ֑וֹ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
9 of 15
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Cross References
1 Samuel 25:13And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff.1 Samuel 21:10And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath.
Historical Context
Achish, son of Maoch (or Maachah), ruled Gath, one of the five principal Philistine cities. The Philistines, recent migrants from the Aegean region, operated as competing city-states rather than a unified nation, allowing David to exploit their political divisions.
Questions for Reflection
- What compromises have you made in seasons of desperation that created ongoing complications?
- How do you navigate relationships with those whose values differ from yours when survival requires cooperation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
David's flight to Achish of Gath with six hundred men represents a significant escalation from his earlier desperate visit. The Hebrew 'wayya'abor' (passed over) suggests crossing a boundary, both geographical and spiritual. David's band now included families, transforming from a guerrilla force into a community requiring permanent settlement. This move placed the future king of Israel in service to a Philistine lord, creating moral and political complexities that would test David's integrity throughout his sixteen-month stay.