1 Samuel 21:13

changed his behaviour Psalms 34. is ascribed by its title to this occasion, but the contents do not bear out the reference. The title of Psalms 56. states that it was written by David "when the Philistines laid hold on him in Gath," and though it is not expressly said here that he was arrested, the words "feigned himself mad in their hands" together with the mention of his escapein 1 Samuel 22:1, seem to imply that he was a prisoner.

feigned himself mad So that they might suppose him harmless. The Philistines moreover may have shared the Oriental feeling which regards madness with a kind of reverence. See Smith's Dict. of the Bible, Art. Madness." "Aghyle Aga, a well-known modern Arab chief, escaped from the governor of Acre in like manner, pretending to be a mad dervish." Stanley, Lect. II. 52.

scrabled on the doors of the gate i.e. scratched, or made marks. The word is still used in some provincial dialects. The Sept. however reads "drummed on the doors of the gate," which is a more suitable gesture for a raving madman. "The doors" meant are probably those of the court of Achish's palace.