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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 27:1 David, however, said to himself, "One of these days now I will be swept away by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will stop searching for me all over Israel, and I will slip out of his hand."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/27-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/09_1Sa_27_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 27:1 - David and the Philistines" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="David, however, said to himself, One of these days now I will be swept away by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will stop searching for me all over Israel, and I will slip out of his hand." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/27-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/27-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/27.htm">Chapter 27</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/26-25.htm" title="1 Samuel 26:25">◄</a> 1 Samuel 27:1 <a href="/1_samuel/27-2.htm" title="1 Samuel 27:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_samuel/27.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/27.htm">New International Version</a> But David thought to himself, &#8220One of these days I will be destroyed by the hand of Saul. The best thing I can do is to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will give up searching for me anywhere in Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/27.htm">New Living Translation</a> But David kept thinking to himself, “Someday Saul is going to get me. The best thing I can do is escape to the Philistines. Then Saul will stop hunting for me in Israelite territory, and I will finally be safe.” <a href="/esv/1_samuel/27.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then David said in his heart, “Now I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will despair of seeking me any longer within the borders of Israel, and I shall escape out of his hand.” <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/27.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> David, however, said to himself, “One of these days now I will be swept away by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will stop searching for me all over Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.” <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/27.htm">King James Bible</a> And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/27.htm">New King James Version</a> And David said in his heart, “Now I shall perish someday by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape to the land of the Philistines; and Saul will despair of me, to seek me anymore in any part of Israel. So I shall escape out of his hand.” <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/27.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then David said to himself, “Now I will perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to safely escape into the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will despair of searching for me anymore in all the territory of Israel, and I will escape from his hand.” <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/27.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then David said to himself, &#8220Now I will perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape into the land of the Philistines. Saul then will despair of searching for me anymore in all the territory of Israel, and I will escape from his hand.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/27.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then David said to himself, “Now I will perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape into the land of the Philistines. Saul then will despair of searching for me anymore in all the territory of Israel, and I will escape from his hand.” <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/27.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then David said in his heart, “Now I will be swept away one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should utterly escape into the land of the Philistines. Saul then will despair of searching for me anymore in all the territory of Israel, and I will escape from his hand.” <a href="/amp/1_samuel/27.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But David said in his heart, “Now I will die one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will give up searching for me inside the borders of Israel, and I will escape from his hand [once and for all].” <a href="/csb/1_samuel/27.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> David said to himself, “One of these days I’ll be swept away by Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape immediately to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will give up searching for me everywhere in Israel, and I’ll escape from him.” <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/27.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> David said to himself, &#8220One of these days I&#8217ll be swept away by Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape immediately to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will stop searching for me everywhere in Israel, and I&#8217ll escape from him.&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_samuel/27.htm">American Standard Version</a> And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul will despair of me, to seek me any more in all the borders of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/27.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> but he thought to himself, "One of these days, Saul is going to kill me. The only way to escape from him is to go to Philistia. Then I'll be outside of Israel, and Saul will give up trying to catch me." <a href="/erv/1_samuel/27.htm">English Revised Version</a> And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in all the borders of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/27.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> David said to himself, "One of these days Saul will sweep me away. The best thing for me to do is to make sure that I escape to Philistine territory. Then Saul will give up looking all over Israel for me, and I'll escape from him." <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/27.htm">Good News Translation</a> David said to himself, "One of these days Saul will kill me. The best thing for me to do is to escape to Philistia. Then Saul will give up looking for me in Israel, and I will be safe." <a href="/isv/1_samuel/27.htm">International Standard Version</a> David told himself, "One of these days I'll perish by Saul's hand. There is nothing better for me to do than to escape to Philistine territory. Saul will give up searching for me anymore within the borders of Israel, so I'll escape from him." <a href="/msb/1_samuel/27.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> David, however, said to himself, ?One of these days now I will be swept away by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will stop searching for me all over Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.? <a href="/net/1_samuel/27.htm">NET Bible</a> David thought to himself, "One of these days I'm going to be swept away by the hand of Saul! There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will despair of searching for me through all the territory of Israel and I will escape from his hand." <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/27.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> David said in his heart, "I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me except that I escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul will despair of me, to seek me any more in all the borders of Israel. So shall I escape out of his hand." <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/27.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul will despair of me, to seek me any more in any border of Israel; so shall I escape from his hand. <a href="/web/1_samuel/27.htm">World English Bible</a> David said in his heart, “I will now perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul will despair of me, to seek me any more in all the borders of Israel. So I will escape out of his hand.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/27.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And David says to his heart, “Now I am consumed by the hand of Saul one day; there is nothing better for me than that I diligently escape to the land of the Philistines, and Saul has been despairing of me—of seeking me anymore in all the border of Israel, and I have escaped out of his hand.” <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/27.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And David saith unto his heart, 'Now am I consumed one day by the hand of Saul; there is nothing for me better than that I diligently escape unto the land of the Philistines, and Saul hath been despairing of me -- of seeking me any more in all the border of Israel, and I have escaped out of his hand.' <a href="/slt/1_samuel/27.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And David will say in his heart, Now shall I be added one day into the hand of Saul: nothing good to me but escaping, I will escape into the land of the rovers; and Saul despairing to seek me farther in all the bound of Israel: and I was saved out of his hand.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/27.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And David said in his heart: I shall gone day or other fall into the hands of Saul: is it not better for me to flee, and to be saved in the land of the Philistines, that Saul may despair of me, and cease to seek me in all the coasts of Israel? I will flee then out of his hands. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/27.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And David said in his heart: “At some time, I will one day fall into the hands of Saul. Is it not better if I flee, and be saved in the land of the Philistines, so that Saul may despair and cease to seek me in all the parts of Israel? Therefore, I will flee away from his hands.” <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/27.htm">New American Bible</a> David said to himself: “I shall perish some day at the hand of Saul. I have no choice but to escape to the land of the Philistines; then Saul will give up his continual search for me throughout the land of Israel, and I will be out of his reach.” <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/27.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> David said in his heart, “I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul; there is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines; then Saul will despair of seeking me any longer within the borders of Israel, and I shall escape out of his hand.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/27.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> AND David said in his heart, Now if I should fall some day into the hands of Saul, it would not be good for me, but it is better for me that I should escape to the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of seeking me any more in the territory of Israel; so I shall escape out of his hands. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/27.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And David said in his heart: “Now if I fall one day into the hands of Shaul, it is no good for me unless I escape to the land of the Philistines, and Shaul will labor to seek me again in all the borders of Israel, and I shall be delivered from his hands”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/27.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And David said in his heart: 'I shall now be swept away one day by the hand of Saul; there is nothing better for me than that I should escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul will despair of me, to seek me any more in all the borders of Israel; so shall I escape out of his hand.' <a href="/sep/1_samuel/27.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And David said in his heart, Now shall I be one day delivered for death into the hands of Saul; and there is no good thing for me unless I should escape into the land of the Philistines, and Saul should cease from seeking me through every coast of Israel: so I shall escape out of his hand. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/27-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=8096" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/27.htm">David and the Philistines</a> 1<a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David, however,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lib·bōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">himself,</a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: ’e·ḥāḏ (Number-ms) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">“One</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yō·wm- (N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">of these days</a> <a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: ‘at·tāh (Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive.">now</a> <a href="/hebrew/5595.htm" title="5595: ’es·sā·p̄eh (V-Nifal-Imperf-1cs) -- To sweep or snatch away, catch up. A primitive root; properly, to scrape together or away.">I will be swept away</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yaḏ- (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">by the hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">of Saul.</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ên- (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">There is nothing</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (N-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">better</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">for me</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">than</a> <a href="/hebrew/4422.htm" title="4422: him·mā·lêṭ (V-Nifal-InfAbs) -- A primitive root; properly, to be smooth, i.e. to escape; causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth young, emit sparks.">to escape</a> <a href="/hebrew/4422.htm" title="4422: ’im·mā·lêṭ (V-Nifal-Imperf-1cs) -- A primitive root; properly, to be smooth, i.e. to escape; causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth young, emit sparks."></a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’e·reṣ (N-fsc) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">the land</a> <a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: pə·liš·tîm (N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">of the Philistines.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">Then Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/2976.htm" title="2976: wə·nō·w·’aš (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To despair. A primitive root; to desist, i.e. to despond.">will stop</a> <a href="/hebrew/1245.htm" title="1245: lə·ḇaq·šê·nî (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf:: 1cs) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">searching</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·men·nî (Prep:: 1cs) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">for me</a> <a href="/hebrew/5750.htm" title="5750: ‘ō·wḏ (Adv) -- Or rod; from uwd; properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially, again, repeatedly, still, more."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: bə·ḵāl (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all over</a> <a href="/hebrew/1366.htm" title="1366: gə·ḇūl (N-msc) -- Border, boundary, territory. Or gbul; from gabal; properly, a cord, i.e. a boundary; by extens. The territory inclosed."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4422.htm" title="4422: wə·nim·laṭ·tî (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConjPerf-1cs) -- A primitive root; properly, to be smooth, i.e. to escape; causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth young, emit sparks.">and I will slip</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: mî·yā·ḏōw (Prep-m:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">out of his hand.”</a> 2So David set out with his six hundred men and went to Achish son of Maoch, the king of Gath.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/psalms/56-3.htm">Psalm 56:3-4</a> When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. / In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? <a href="/psalms/34-1.htm">Psalm 34:1-4</a> Of David, when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, so that the king drove him away. I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. / My soul boasts in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice. / Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together. ... <a href="/1_samuel/21-10.htm">1 Samuel 21:10-15</a> That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath. / But the servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David, the king of the land? Did they not sing about him in their dances, saying: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?” / Now David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish the king of Gath. ... <a href="/1_samuel/23-14.htm">1 Samuel 23:14-15</a> And David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hill country of the Wilderness of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God would not deliver David into his hand. / While David was in Horesh in the Wilderness of Ziph, he saw that Saul had come out to take his life. <a href="/1_samuel/29-1.htm">1 Samuel 29:1-11</a> Now the Philistines brought all their forces together at Aphek, while Israel camped by the spring in Jezreel. / As the Philistine leaders marched out with their units of hundreds and thousands, David and his men marched behind them with Achish. / Then the commanders of the Philistines asked, “What about these Hebrews?” Achish replied, “Is this not David, the servant of King Saul of Israel? He has been with me all these days, even years, and from the day he defected until today I have found no fault in him.” ... <a href="/1_samuel/30-1.htm">1 Samuel 30:1-6</a> On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down. / They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way. / When David and his men came to the city, they found it burned down and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. ... <a href="/2_samuel/15-14.htm">2 Samuel 15:14</a> And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.” <a href="/2_samuel/17-21.htm">2 Samuel 17:21-22</a> After the men had gone, Ahimaaz and Jonathan climbed up out of the well and went to inform King David, saying, “Get up and cross over the river at once, for Ahithophel has given this advice against you.” / So David and all the people with him got up and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, there was no one left who had not crossed the Jordan. <a href="/1_kings/19-3.htm">1 Kings 19:3-4</a> And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, / while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” <a href="/genesis/32-7.htm">Genesis 32:7-8</a> In great fear and distress, Jacob divided his people into two camps, as well as the flocks and herds and camels. / He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one camp, then the other camp can escape.” <a href="/joshua/9-24.htm">Joshua 9:24</a> The Gibeonites answered, “Your servants were told clearly that the LORD your God had commanded His servant Moses to give you all the land and wipe out all its inhabitants before you. So we greatly feared for our lives because of you, and that is why we have done this. <a href="/proverbs/29-25.htm">Proverbs 29:25</a> The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high. <a href="/matthew/10-23.htm">Matthew 10:23</a> When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. <a href="/matthew/2-13.htm">Matthew 2:13-15</a> When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.” / So he got up, took the Child and His mother by night, and withdrew to Egypt, / where he stayed until the death of Herod. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” <a href="/luke/12-4.htm">Luke 12:4-5</a> I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. / But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.A.<a href="/1_samuel/16-1.htm">1 Samuel 16:1,13</a> And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons… <a href="/1_samuel/23-17.htm">1 Samuel 23:17</a> And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.<a href="/1_samuel/25-30.htm">1 Samuel 25:30</a> And it shall come to pass, when the LORD shall have done to my lord according to all the good that he hath spoken concerning thee, and shall have appointed thee ruler over Israel;I shallperish [heb] be consumed <a href="/1_samuel/22-5.htm">1 Samuel 22:5</a> And the prophet Gad said unto David, Abide not in the hold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hareth.<a href="/exodus/14-12.htm">Exodus 14:12</a> Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.<a href="/numbers/14-3.htm">Numbers 14:3</a> And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?into the land<a href="/1_samuel/27-10.htm">1 Samuel 27:10,11</a> And Achish said, Whither have ye made a road to day? And David said, Against the south of Judah, and against the south of the Jerahmeelites, and against the south of the Kenites… <a href="/1_samuel/21-10.htm">1 Samuel 21:10-15</a> And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath… <a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm">1 Samuel 28:1,2</a> And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said unto David, Know thou assuredly, that thou shalt go out with me to battle, thou and thy men… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/7-13.htm">Anymore</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-23.htm">Better</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-18.htm">Border</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-7.htm">Borders</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-13.htm">Coast</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-25.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-20.htm">Despair</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-28.htm">Escape</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-23.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-37.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-20.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-10.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-1.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-25.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-14.htm">Searching</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-20.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/judges/2-23.htm">Speedily</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-10.htm">Swept</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/2-28.htm">Anymore</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-11.htm">Better</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-3.htm">Border</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-5.htm">Borders</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-14.htm">Coast</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-2.htm">David</a> <a href="/job/6-26.htm">Despair</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-14.htm">Escape</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-17.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-5.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-12.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-27.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-7.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-4.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-20.htm">Searching</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-4.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-11.htm">Speedily</a> <a href="/job/1-17.htm">Swept</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 27</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/27-1.htm">Saul, hearing David to be in Gath, seeks no more for him</a> 5. <a href="/1_samuel/27-5.htm">David begs Ziklag of Achish</a> 8. <a href="/1_samuel/27-8.htm">He, invading other countries, persuades Achish he fought against Judah.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/27.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/27.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>David, however, said to himself This phrase indicates an internal dialogue, showing David's introspection and decision-making process. It highlights a moment of personal crisis and fear, as David contemplates his future. This introspection is a common theme in the Psalms, many of which are attributed to David, where he often reflects on his circumstances and seeks God's guidance.One of these days now I will be swept away by the hand of Saul David acknowledges the persistent threat posed by King Saul, who has been pursuing him relentlessly. This reflects the historical context of Saul's jealousy and fear of David, who was anointed by Samuel to be the next king of Israel. The phrase "swept away" suggests a sense of inevitability and danger, emphasizing David's precarious situation. This fear is consistent with previous encounters where Saul attempted to kill David (1 Samuel 18-26).There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines David considers seeking refuge among the Philistines, Israel's traditional enemies. This decision underscores the desperation of his situation, as he chooses to align temporarily with those who oppose his own people. The Philistines were a significant power in the region, and their territory offered a potential safe haven. This move is strategic, as it removes David from Saul's immediate reach.Then Saul will stop searching for me all over Israel David anticipates that by leaving Israel, Saul will cease his pursuit. This reflects the political and geographical realities of the time, where crossing into enemy territory would make it difficult for Saul to justify continued pursuit. It also highlights Saul's focus on internal threats, as he would be less likely to chase David into Philistine lands.and I will slip out of his hand The imagery of slipping out of Saul's hand suggests evasion and escape from danger. It conveys David's hope for relief from constant threat and pursuit. This phrase also foreshadows David's eventual rise to power, as he continues to evade Saul's grasp until Saul's death. David's ability to escape Saul's hand can be seen as a testament to God's providence and protection over his anointed servant, aligning with the broader biblical narrative of God's faithfulness to His chosen leaders.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The anointed future king of Israel, currently fleeing from King Saul who seeks his life. 2. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The first king of Israel, who is pursuing David out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne. 3. <a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a> A neighboring people and traditional enemies of Israel, among whom David seeks refuge. 4. <a href="/topical/l/land_of_the_philistines.htm">Land of the Philistines</a> The territory where David plans to escape to avoid Saul's pursuit. 5. <a href="/topical/d/david's_internal_struggle.htm">David's Internal Struggle</a> David's decision-making process as he contemplates his safety and future.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_timing.htm">Trust in God's Timing</a> David's decision to flee reflects a moment of doubt in God's timing. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem dire. <a href="/topical/s/seeking_refuge_in_unlikely_places.htm">Seeking Refuge in Unlikely Places</a> David's choice to seek refuge among the Philistines, traditional enemies, shows that God can provide safety in unexpected ways. We should remain open to God's unconventional methods of provision. <a href="/topical/t/the_battle_of_the_mind.htm">The Battle of the Mind</a> David's internal dialogue ("David said in his heart") highlights the importance of guarding our thoughts and aligning them with God's promises. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_fear.htm">The Consequences of Fear</a> Fear can lead to decisions that may not align with God's will. It's crucial to confront fear with faith and seek God's guidance in every decision. <a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_despite_our_doubts.htm">God's Faithfulness Despite Our Doubts</a> Even when David doubted, God remained faithful. This reassures us that God's faithfulness is not dependent on our perfect faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_27.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 27</a> <a href="/q/evidence_of_david_in_philistine_land.htm">Are there historical or archaeological records that confirm David’s stay in Philistine territory mentioned in 1 Samuel 27? </a> <a href="/q/why_did_david_seek_refuge_with_enemies.htm">How could David justify seeking refuge among Israel’s enemies in 1 Samuel 27:1? </a> <a href="/q/why_no_objection_to_david's_philistine_ties.htm">Why is there no mention of the Israelites objecting to David’s alliance with Philistines in 1 Samuel 29, given David’s notable status and background? </a> <a href="/q/why_did_philistines_suddenly_fear_david.htm">In 1 Samuel 29:3–5, why would the Philistines fear David so abruptly if Achish had trusted him for an extended time? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/27.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) And David said in his heart.--David's position seems to have grown more and more untenable during the latter days of Saul's reign. Probably the paroxysms of the king's fatal malady grew sharper and more frequent, and his chieftains and favourites, whom, as we have already seen (1 Samuel 26), he had chosen mostly out of the one small tribe of Benjamin, feared--and with good reason--the advent of David to the throne, which they saw was imminent in the event of Saul's dying or being permanently disqualified to rule. These men, whose bitter hostility to David is more than hinted at in several places, doubtless taking advantage of the king's state of mind, incited him against David. The words and persuasions of such men as Cush the Benjamite (see Psalms 7), Doeg the Edomite, probably Abner the captain of the host, the men of Ziph, and others, quickly erased from the memory of Saul such scenes as we have witnessed in the En-gedi cave, and, still more recently, in the hill of Hachilah, and more than counterbalanced the devotion and powerful friendship of true warriors like Jonathan, who loved and admired David. In David's words, after he had taken the spear and cruse from the side of the sleeping Saul, we see something of what was passing in his mind--his constant fear of a violent death; his knowledge that powerful and wicked men were constantly plotting against him; and his determination to seek a home in another land, where, however, he expected to find a grave far away from the chosen race, among the idolators and enemies of Jehovah of Israel. He now realises a part of these sorrowful forebodings. But in this determination of the son of Jesse we never hear of prayer, or of consultation with prophet or with priest. A dull despair seems to have at this time deprived David at once of faith and hope.Into the land of the Philistines.--David chose to seek a refuge among these warlike people, for he believed he would be in greater security there than among his friendly kinsfolk, the Moabites, where, in former days, he had found such a kindly welcome for his family in the first period of Saul's enmity. He probably doubted the power of Moab to protect him.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/27.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Ver 1. - David said in his heart. Hebrew, "to his heart," to himself (see <a href="/1_samuel/1-13.htm">1 Samuel 1:13</a>). l shall perish by the hand. The verb is that used in <a href="/1_samuel/12-25.htm">1 Samuel 12:25</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/26-10.htm">1 Samuel 26:10</a>, but instead of by the hand the Hebrew has into the hand. Hence the versions generally render it, "I shall some day fall into the hand." Really it is a proegnans constructio: "I shall perish by failing into the hand of Saul." It was the second treachery of the Ziphites which made David feel that, surrounded as he was by spies, there was no safety for him but in taking that course to which, as he so sorrowfully complained to Saul, his enemies were driving him (<a href="/1_samuel/26-19.htm">1 Samuel 26:19</a>). His words there show that the thought of quitting Judaea was already in his mind, so that this chapter follows naturally on ch. 26, and not, as some have argued, upon ch. 24. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/27-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>David, however, דָּוִד֙ (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse said וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to himself, לִבּ֔וֹ (lib·bōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre “One אֶחָ֖ד (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> United, one, first of these days יוֹם־ (yō·wm-) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day now עַתָּ֛ה (‘at·tāh) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6258.htm">Strong's 6258: </a> At this time I will be swept away אֶסָּפֶ֥ה (’es·sā·p̄eh) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5595.htm">Strong's 5595: </a> To sweep or snatch away, catch up by the hand בְּיַד־ (bə·yaḏ-) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand of Saul. שָׁא֑וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites There is nothing אֵֽין־ (’ên-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle better ט֜וֹב (ṭō·wḇ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good for me לִ֨י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> than כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction to escape הִמָּלֵ֥ט (him·mā·lêṭ) Verb - Nifal - Infinitive absolute <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4422.htm">Strong's 4422: </a> To be smooth, to escape, to release, rescue, to bring forth young, emit sparks to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the land אֶ֣רֶץ (’e·reṣ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land of the Philistines. פְּלִשְׁתִּ֗ים (pə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia Then Saul שָׁאוּל֙ (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites will stop וְנוֹאַ֨שׁ (wə·nō·w·’aš) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2976.htm">Strong's 2976: </a> To desist, to despond searching לְבַקְשֵׁ֤נִי (lə·ḇaq·šê·nî) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> To search out, to strive after for me מִמֶּ֤נִּי (mim·men·nî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of all over בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every Israel, יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc and I will slip וְנִמְלַטְתִּ֖י (wə·nim·laṭ·tî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4422.htm">Strong's 4422: </a> To be smooth, to escape, to release, rescue, to bring forth young, emit sparks out of his hand.? מִיָּדֽוֹ׃ (mî·yā·ḏōw) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/27-1.htm">1 Samuel 27:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/27-1.htm">1 Samuel 27:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/27-1.htm">1 Samuel 27:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/27-1.htm">1 Samuel 27:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/27-1.htm">1 Samuel 27:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/27-1.htm">1 Samuel 27:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/27-1.htm">1 Samuel 27:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/27-1.htm">1 Samuel 27:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/27-1.htm">1 Samuel 27:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/27-1.htm">1 Samuel 27:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-1.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 27:1 David said in his heart I shall (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/26-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 26:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 26:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/27-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 27:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 27:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>