In 1 Samuel 27, David, who was on the run from Saul, decides to seek refuge with the Philistines. Fearing for his life, he goes to Achish, the king of Gath, and asks for a place to settle with his men. Achish agrees and assigns the city of Ziklag to David.
David and his men reside in Ziklag for a year and four months. During this time, David goes on raids against the enemies of the Philistines, making sure to leave no survivors to report back. However, he lies to Achish by telling him that he is raiding the Israelite cities instead. This deceit protects David from exposing his true loyalties.
Meanwhile, Achish grows increasingly trusting of David and believes that he has turned against his own people. He plans to make David his permanent bodyguard. However, the Philistine leaders are skeptical about David’s loyalty, and they express their concerns to Achish.
Unbeknownst to Achish, David is actually using his time among the Philistines to eliminate potential threats to his future as the king of Israel. He targets groups such as the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites, leaving none alive to report his actions.
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