1 Samuel 21:10-15

Modern English Version

David Flees to Gath

¹⁰ David arose and fled that day from Saul. And he went to Achish the king of Gath. ¹¹ The servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David the king of the land? Did they not sing with dances for him, saying,

¹² And David took these words to heart and greatly feared Achish the king of Gath. ¹³ Therefore he changed his behavior before them and pretended to be insane in their hands. And he scratched on the doors of the gate and let his spittle run down his beard.

¹⁴ Then said Achish to his servants, “You see the man is acting like a madman. Why then have you brought him to me? ¹⁵ Am I one who lacks lunatics, that you brought this one to behave as a madman in my presence? Will this man come into my house?”