College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
1 Samuel 27 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 27
David again in Gath. David's return to Philistia has been called a lapse of faith. He had been told by the prophet Gad not to flee outside the borders of Israel. David must have given up hope of living safely in Israel. He disobeyed God's commandment and returned to Achish, the king of Gath.
David's pretended campaign against Judah. The king of Gath gave the city of Ziklag to David for his residence. David and his men dwelt there for sixteen months. On a number of occasions he invaded the Geshurites and other foreigners to the south of Judah. He reported to Achish the king of Gath that he had been making attacks against Judah itself. He was trying to curry favor with Achish by pretending to attack his own people.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
The weakness of the flesh. David had demonstrated many times that he was a man of great faith. He finally weakened and went against the instructions of God. We look to David as a hero but we realize that he was human. He reached the end of his endurance and gave in to the wisdom of the world which was not the wisdom of God.
2.
A lie is never justifiable. David lied to Achish when he said that he had attacked the south of Judah (1 Samuel 27:10). He was forced to slay all the inhabitants of the cities which he attacked lest some would report that he was not actually fighting against Judah. One sin led to another. When he lied about where he was fighting, he also had to kill any who might tell the truth. God cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18) and He does not expect His servants to lie, even to save their own lives,
CHAPTER 27 IN REVIEW
1.
To what foreign country did David finally flee?
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2.
How many men did David have with him?
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3.
To what city did he flee?
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4.
What wives of David were with him?
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5.
Who was king of the country?
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6.
What city was given to David and his men?
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7.
How long did David stay in the city?
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8.
To whom did the city later belong?
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9.
Against what people did David make raids?
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10.
Against whom did David say he made raids?
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