What does 1 Samuel 21:14 mean?
"Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me?" - 1 Samuel 21:14
The verse 1 Samuel 21:14 from the King James Version reads: "Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me?" This verse is part of the larger narrative of David's escape from King Saul and his seeking refuge with the Philistine king Achish. The verse is situated in the context of the first book of Samuel, which recounts the transition of leadership from the rule of judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel.
In this verse, Achish, the king of Gath, observes David's behavior and concludes that David must be mad. Earlier in the chapter, David had feigned madness in order to escape from the Philistines, who were the enemies of the Israelites. David, aware of the danger he was in, pretended to be insane to avoid suspicion and to secure his safety. This verse reflects Achish's reaction to David's behavior, as he questions why his servants have brought a seemingly insane man before him.
The themes in this verse revolve around the concept of deception, as well as the idea of using unconventional methods to escape from dangerous situations. David's feigned madness serves as a survival tactic, highlighting his resourcefulness and ability to think quickly on his feet. The verse also touches upon the theme of trust and betrayal, as David must rely on the Philistines, traditional enemies of the Israelites, for refuge. This situation underscores the complex and precarious nature of David's position as he navigates the political landscape of ancient Israel.
The context of this verse is significant in understanding the broader narrative of David's rise to power. The story of David's escape from King Saul and his seeking of refuge with the Philistines sets the stage for David's eventual ascent to the throne. This period of David's life represents a time of trial and adversity, as he faces formidable challenges and threats to his safety.
Symbolism in this verse can be seen in the contrast between David's apparent madness and his true cunning and intelligence. David's ability to deceive his enemies reflects his strategic acumen and determination to survive. Additionally, the tension between the Israelites and the Philistines serves as a symbol of the broader themes of conflict and diplomacy in the ancient world.
Overall, 1 Samuel 21:14 from the King James Version presents a compelling and multi-faceted narrative that explores themes of survival, deception, and the complexities of political alliances. This verse offers insight into David's character and the challenges he faced on his path to becoming the revered king of Israel. Through its symbolism and rich historical context, this verse enriches our understanding of the larger biblical narrative and the timeless themes it explores.
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1 Samuel 21:14 - "Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me?"
"Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me?" - 1 Samuel 21:14
1 Samuel 14:21 - "Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan."
1 Samuel 21:10-15
1 Samuel 14:6
1 Samuel 8:21 - "And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD."
1 Samuel 3:21 - "And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD."
1 Samuel 14:27
2 Samuel 6:14
1 Samuel 14:7
1 Samuel 11:14 - "Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there."
John 14:15-21
2 Samuel 14:21 - "¶ And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again."
1 Samuel 22:21 - "And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the LORD'S priests."
1 Samuel 17:14 - "And David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul."
1 Samuel 2:21 - "And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD."
1 Samuel 23:21 - "And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me."
1 Samuel 15:14 - "And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?"
1 Samuel 21:10 - "¶ And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath."
2 Samuel 21:14 - "And the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son buried they in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the sepulchre of Kish his father: and they performed all that the king commanded. And after that God was intreated for the land."
1 Samuel 13:21 - "Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads."
1 Samuel 14:51 - "And Kish was the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel."
1 Kings 21:14 - "Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, Naboth is stoned, and is dead."
1 Samuel 17:21 - "For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army."
1 Samuel 1:21 - "And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow."
1 Samuel 14:25 - "And all they of the land came to a wood; and there was honey upon the ground."
1 Samuel 9:14 - "And they went up into the city: and when they were come into the city, behold, Samuel came out against them, for to go up to the high place."
1 Samuel 19:14 - "And when Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, He is sick."
1 Samuel 14:46 - "Then Saul went up from following the Philistines: and the Philistines went to their own place."
1 Samuel 21:12 - "And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath."