John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 2. And David said to Achish, surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do , etc.] By which he would have Achish understand, and so he did, that he would exert himself in favour of the Philistines, and against Israel, and do great and brave things, of which Achish would be, made sensible, through his heroic courage and valour; though he meant rather what he could and should do for Israel against the Philistines, if he had an opportunity: but it seems best of all to consider David as quite undetermined, and at a loss what to do, hoping that God in his providence would extricate him out of this difficulty, and direct him what he should do, which then Achish would know; and accordingly he was delivered out of it: and Achish said to David : putting confidence in him on account of his answer, and believing he was hearty in engaging in the war with the Philistines against Israel: therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever ; the captain of his bodyguard, which post he should hold for life; or he proposed to put him into this post, that he might be with him, near his person, and under his eye, that he might observe how he behaved himself; which may show some suspicion of him.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-6 - David could not refuse Achish without danger. If he promise assistance, and then stood neuter, or went over to the Israelites, he would behave with ingratitude and treachery. If he fought agains Israel, he would sin greatly. It seemed impossible that he should ge out of this difficulty with a clear conscience; but his evasive answer intended to gain time, was not consistent with the character of a Israelite indeed. Troubles are terrors to the children of disobedience In his distress, Saul inquired of the Lord. He did not seek in faith but with a double, unstable mind. Saul had put the law in force agains those that had familiar spirits, Ex 22:18. Many seem zealous against sin, when they are any way hurt by it, who have no concern for the glory of God, nor any dislike of sin as sin. Many seem enemies to sin in others, while they indulge it in themselves. Saul will drive the devil out of his kingdom, yet harbours him in his heart by envy an malice. How foolish to consult those whom, according to God's law, he had endeavoured to root out!
Original Hebrew ויאמר559 דוד1732 אל413 אכישׁ397 לכן3651 אתה859 תדע3045 את853 אשׁר834 יעשׂה6213 עבדך5650 ויאמר559 אכישׁ397 אל413 דוד1732 לכן3651 שׁמר8104 לראשׁי7218 אשׂימך7760 כל3605 הימים׃3117
