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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadPaul Kretzmann Commentary - 1 Samuel 27:8 - 27:12
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David's Campaign Against the Heathen
v. 8. And David and his men, no longer under the direct observation of the Philistines, went up and invaded the Geshurites and the Gezrites, small nations living south of the Philistine territory, and the Amalekites, the nomadic tribes whom Saul had almost destroyed, 1Sa_15:7; for those nations were of old the inhabitants of the land, as thou goest to Shur, even unto the land of Egypt, on the Egyptian border.
v. 9. And David smote the land, and left neither man nor woman alive, since they would naturally inform against him, and took away the sheep, and the oxen, and the asses, and the camels, and the apparel, and returned and came to Achish, bringing this rich booty along.
v. 10. And Achish said, it was his custom to ask, Whither have ye made a road today? referring to their latest raid. And David said, Against the south of Judah and against the south of the Jerahmeelites and against the south of the Kenites, his geographical references being purposely vague and indefinite, in order to make Achish think that his expeditions were directed against some tribe of Israel or against their allies on the southern border.
v. 11. And David saved neither man nor woman alive to bring tidings to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell on us, David and his men, saying, So did David, and so will be his manner all the while he dwelleth in the country of the Philistines, that is, such was David's custom while nominally under the jurisdiction of the Philistine king.
v. 12. And Achish believed David, saying, He hath made his people Israel utterly to abhor him, making himself a stench, a loathing, completely alienating himself from the Israelites; therefore he shall be my servant forever. Thus Achish was deceived, while David continued to harass and destroy the desert tribes which were a menace to Israel. Thus he, while receiving evil at the hand of Saul, rewarded good to the entire people of Israel, a fine example of love toward one's enemies.