David Flees to Gath, Feigns Insanity

King Achish, to whom David fled when pursued by Saul, is called Abimelech in the title of Ps. 34, Achish being a Philistine name, and Abimelech, Semitic. This psalm was written by David when he feigned madness before the men of Philistia. As an outlaw David could not find help in Israel. It was quite a common occurrence for the outlaws of a nation to be given shelter by the enemies of that nation.

Gath was not far away, perhaps less than 30 mi. from Nob. Saul would hardly think of looking for him there. David was well acquainted with the country where he had obtained the dowry for his wife Michal. If he should confide in Achish, he was sure Saul would not be permitted to take him. In times of great personal temptation and trial, when enemies are exalted and friends are debased, when no matter which way one moves he is deprived of the counsel and help he needs, it is well to review the narrative of David's escape from Saul, his contact with Ahimelech and Doeg at Nob, and his flight to the enemies of Israel at Gath, and then to read his inspired song of thanksgiving (Ps. 34) thought to have been composed at that time.