27:1 David thought to himself David is growing weary of constantly fleeing from Saul.

Saul will desist By going to the Philistines, Saul would cease to pursue him.

27:2 the six hundred men The first time David went to Gath, he was either alone or accompanied by a few soldiers (apparently no more than five people; see 21:3). Now, he is accompanied by his army and has little reason to fear Achish or the forces in Gath (see 21:12; 22:1).

27:3 the wife of Nabal Refers to Abigail; the author of 1–2 Samuel frequently refers to her in this manner (e.g., 30:5; 2 Sam 2:2; 3:3).

27:4 he no longer searched for him David’s plan to rid himself of Saul’s pursuit is successful.

27:5 the country towns A location on the fringe of Philistine territory allows David to accomplish his goals without Achish knowing (1 Sam 27:8–9, 11).

27:6 Ziklag Located north of Beer-sheba (see 3:20 and note), close to the southernmost border of Israel.

27:7 one year and four months During this 16-month respite from Saul’s attacks, David must wait for God to carry out His purposes with regard to the rejected king.

27:8 the Geshurites and the Girzites and the Amalekites Israel should have exterminated these ancient enemies during their conquest of the promised land (see Deut 20:16–17). David is thus fulfilling the Law and does not incur bloodguilt for their deaths (compare 1 Sam 25:26 and note). With regard to the Amalekites, David’s actions against them accomplish what Saul did not (see ch. 15).

27:9 did not leave a man or a woman alive Prevents anyone from reporting back to Achish (v. 11).

he returned and came to Achish David offers gifts to his “master” from among his spoils.

27:10 Against the Negev of David lies, claiming that he has been raiding the southern desert territories of Judah or specific Judahite clans. Achish, who appears thoroughly enamored with David throughout the remainder of the narrative, believes his lie (v. 12).