Verses 21–25
Saul repeated his good words and good wishes. But he showed no evidence of true repentance
towards God. David and Saul parted to meet no more. No reconciliation among men is firm, which
is not founded in an cemented by peace with God through Jesus Christ. In sinning against God,
men play the fool, and err exceedingly. Many obtain a passing view of these truths, who hate and
close their eyes against the light. Fair professions do not entitle those to confidence who have long
sinned against the light, yet the confessions of obstinate sinners may satisfy us that we are in the
right way, and encourage us to persevere, expecting our recompence from the Lord alone.
Chapter 27
Chapter Outline
David retires to Gath. (1–7)
David deceives Achish. (8–12)Verses 1–7
Unbelief is a sin that easily besets even good men, when without are fightings, and within are
fears; and it is a hard matter to get over them. Lord, increase our faith! We may blush to think that
the word of a Philistine should go further than the word of an Israelite, and that the city of Gath
should be a place of refuge for a good man, when the cities of Israel refuse him a safe abode. David
gained a comfortable settlement, not only at a distance from Gath, but bordering upon Israel, where
he might keep up a correspondence with his own countrymen.
Verses 8–12
While David was in the land of the Philistines, he attacked some remains of the devoted nations.
The people whom he cut off were long before doomed to destruction. It is often wisdom to shun
public notice, but we must in no situation be idle. We must always try to do somewhat in the cause
of God. This expedition David hid from Achish. But an equivocation which serves the purpose of
a lie, is as like to it as a hypocrite is to a profane person, it is only better in appearance, therefore
more dangerous. Yet, though believers often manifest imperfections, they can never be prevailed
upon to renounce the service of God, and to unite interests with his enemies, or finally to become
the servants of sin and Satan. But what a train of evils follow from unbelief! When we forget the
Lord's past mercies, and his gracious assurances, we shall be overwhelmed with desponding fears,
and probably be led to adopt some dishonourable method to get rid of our troubles. Nothing can
so effectually establish us in holy tempers and practices, and preserve us from perplexities, as firm,
unshaken dependence upon the promises of God in Christ Jesus.