1 Samuel 28:1-2– Don’t be gullible but be wise and discerning

David, his wives Abigail and Ahinoam and his band of 600 motley men, as we have learned, were living among the Philistines and were well accepted by them. Wisely, his moves of raiding the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites, all adversaries of the Philistines assured King Achish that David had no sinister intention against him and his people. But the situation had become tricky for him here. Why? The Philistines were rallying to fight against Isreal. So long as Achish was not fighting Saul and Israel, David could stay neutral. Things had become complicated now that they had decided to take up arms against Israel.

We recall that in earlier days, David would lead Israel’s army to fight the Philistines and return victorious. But the situation now was very different. He and his men had been living among the Philistines, who had been charitable with them. What should they do now that the Philistines had mounted aggression and rallied them to fight Israel? The question that naturally emerges would be on whose side would David and his men are? Achish expected David to fight on his side. So he said to David, “Know assuredly that you will go out with me in the camp, you and your men.” David was in a thick predicament. How could he go out and fight his nation, God’s chosen people?

What would be David’s decision in this dilemma? Had he overplayed his cleverness in dealing with Achish till the latter thought that he was entirely for him? David was now expected to fight on his side. Cleverly he responded to Achish saying, “Very well, you shall know what your servant can do.” To Achish, this must be an excellent response. He read it as David said “Great, you will see what I can do.” But we know that David was dodging the question. He had given a non-committal response. In verse 2 we see his predicament thicken when Achish said to him, “Very well, I will make you my bodyguard for life.” Achish was expressing his confidence in David concluding that he was pledging his loyalty to him. We are puzzled at his naiveté. David had completely duped him. Unknowingly, Achish had put himself in a life-threatening risk. Achish’s response must be welcoming news to David. Inadvertently, the king of Gath had allowed David much freedom of movement as his own bodyguard.

Achish has shown himself to be an undiscerning man. He presumed that David would be for him since Saul was against David. He was too naïve and gullible. Hence, he was easily duped. The wise discerns but the fool assumes. We must learn not to assume, ask if we must. Learn to identify what is false and what is true. When we can tell between the two, our decision in the critical moment of life will be made easier and sharper. Seek wisdom and be discerning.