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Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 27 - Verse 10

27:10
And Achish said, Whither have ye made a road to day? And David said, Against the south of Judah, and against the south of the Jerahmeelites, and against the south of the Kenites.

Meaning

In this verse, Achish, the king of Gath, questions David about his whereabouts and activities. David, who is in exile and seeking refuge with Achish, provides a deceptive response indicating that he has been raiding areas in the southern region of Judah. David strategically withholds information about his raids, mentioning locations such as the Jerahmeelites and Kenites, which were enemies of the Israelites at the time. By misleading Achish about his true activities, David avoids raising suspicions and maintains his alliance with Achish. This verse highlights David's cunning and strategic thinking as he navigates the delicate political landscape while in exile. It also shows the delicate balance David must maintain as he faces challenges from both his enemies and his allies during this tumultuous time in his life.

Theological Overview

In this passage, King Achish questions David about his activities, seeking to know the purpose of his journey. David's response reveals his strategic planning as he mentions three different regions in the south of Judah where he claims to have been. This could indicate that David was trying to mislead Achish about his true whereabouts and intentions, as he was actually raiding other enemies of Israel. The mention of the Jerahmeelites and Kenites in this context may hold theological significance, as these were tribes associated with the descendants of Abraham through Keturah and Esau respectively. The inclusion of these names could serve to remind the reader of the complex historical and genealogical relationships within the biblical narrative, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various peoples and their interactions with the Israelites. Overall, this verse highlights David's cunning and strategic thinking, while also subtly pointing to the broader theological themes of ancestry and tribal affiliations.

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