1 Samuel 27:1-28:2 – In the Country of the Philistines
In chapter 27 the endgame begins for David and Saul. The note about time in verse 7 signals a picking up of the pace, 16 months in exile after being on the run for 6 to 10 years, maybe as many as 15. The story is told dramatically, alternating between scenes and leaving us with cliff hangers. This is the climax – the ball is rolling towards Saul’s death.
Things take a surprising twist – David goes to the country of the Philistines, Israel’s greatest enemy. Their raids and attacks had been a constant threat to Israel’s very existence. David has been raised up to be the promised deliverer from Israel’s enemies, including the Philistines. He has already dispatched his tens of thousands, as recorded in the pop song of 18:7; a ditty known in Philistia (21:11). David’s going here is a surprise and a shock.
It’s not unusual though – in war things can change pretty quickly. The truth of the saying, “My enemy’s enemy is my friend” means that sides can quickly change. After the Second World War, within seven years Japan and America were firm allies, and many war criminals released and pardoned. Things change quickly in war. David arrives in Philistia as a rebel on the run, a successful general offering himself as a mercenary. King Achish jumps at the chance and David lives in the country of the Philistines.
We shouldn’t let the term ‘Philistine’ carry the baggage of our culture: uncouth, uncultured, and uncivilised. The Philistines of 1000BC were ‘couth’, cultured, and civilised, having highly developed technology and civilisation. David will learn how to govern and how to fight – vital military and administration skills.
Yet, “living in the country of the Philistines” (verse 7) is not ideal. The David we see here is far from flawless, and his actions now will land him in a serious pickle in chapter 29.
Questions
- Have you ever “lived in the land of the Philistines?”
Prayer Points
- Pray that this week we would learn the lessons of David’s time in the land of the Philistines.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.