1 Samuel 27 begins a five chapter unit that concerns David’s time in the land of the Philistines.1 The accession narrative continues the story of David’s rise to power (1 Samuel 27:1-28:2), coupled with a demonstration of the depths to which Saul has fallen (1 Samuel 28:3-25)2 before concluding with the details of the final days of Saul’s life and rule (1 Samuel 29-31).3 Apart from 1 Samuel 27, each chapter is somehow related to Saul’s death and provides a generally positive interpretation on David’s Philistine interlude.4 One of the key aims of this section is to explain that David was not involved in Saul’s death.5
The events narrated in 1 Samuel 27-28:2 are difficult to interpret. The LORD is not explicitly mentioned and there is also no obvious moral commentary on David’s actions.6 In its wider context however, the passage serves to emphasise David’s ingenuity and ability to succeed in the most hostile environments.7 Indeed, his time with the Philistines would serve as good preparation for his rule over Israel. It allowed him to learn new military techniques as well as administrative organisation, areas in which the Philistines were far more advanced than Israel.8 Most certainly, he did not become a traitor to Israel but continued to fight for God’s people behind enemy lines. 1 Samuel 27 is thus not a criticism of David and his actions, but a celebration of his shrewdness, how he was able to use his time in exile to do good for Israel and deceive their enemies.9
1 Then David said in his heart, “Now I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will despair of seeking me any longer within the borders of Israel, and I shall escape out of his hand.”