Topical Encyclopedia
Achish is a Philistine king mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of 1 Samuel and 1 Kings. He is most notably recognized as the ruler of Gath, one of the five principal cities of the Philistines. Achish plays a significant role in the narrative of David, the future king of Israel, during his period of fleeing from King Saul.
Encounter with David:David first encounters Achish when he seeks refuge in Gath to escape Saul's pursuit. In
1 Samuel 21:10-15, David arrives in Gath, carrying the sword of Goliath, whom he had previously slain. The servants of Achish recognize David and express concern about his presence, recalling his reputation as a formidable warrior. Fearing for his life, David feigns madness before Achish, scratching on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard. Achish, convinced of David's insanity, dismisses him, saying, "Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this one to act the madman in my presence? Shall this man come into my house?" (
1 Samuel 21:15).
David's Second Stay in Gath:David's relationship with Achish evolves when he returns to Gath later, this time with a band of followers. In
1 Samuel 27:1-7, David seeks asylum with Achish, who grants him and his men the town of Ziklag. David remains in Philistine territory for a year and four months, during which he conducts raids against various groups but deceives Achish about his activities, leading Achish to believe that David is raiding Israelite territories. Achish trusts David, thinking, "He has made himself an utter stench to his people Israel; therefore he will always be my servant" (
1 Samuel 27:12).
The Battle of Gilboa:Achish's trust in David is further demonstrated when he invites David to join the Philistine forces in the battle against Israel at Gilboa. However, the Philistine commanders, wary of David's loyalty, object to his presence. Achish, though reluctant, heeds their concerns and sends David back, saying, "As surely as the LORD lives, you have been upright, and your going out and your coming in with me in the army are pleasing in my sight" (
1 Samuel 29:6).
Legacy and Historical Context:Achish is also mentioned in
1 Kings 2:39-40, where he is referred to as the king of Gath during the reign of Solomon. This reference suggests that Achish, or perhaps a successor bearing the same name, continued to hold a position of influence in the region.
Achish's interactions with David highlight the complex relationships between the Israelites and the Philistines. Despite being traditional enemies, Achish's acceptance of David into his service illustrates the political dynamics and personal alliances that could transcend national hostilities. Achish's portrayal in the biblical narrative underscores themes of trust, deception, and the providential protection of David as he navigates the challenges of his path to kingship.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Achishthus it is; how is this
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Achish(angry), a Philistine king of Gath, who in the title of the 34th Psalm is called Abimelech. David twice found a refuge with him when he fled from Saul. (B.C. 1061.) On the first occasion he was alarmed for his safety, feigned madness, and was sent away.
ATS Bible Dictionary
AchishKin of Gath, a city of the Philistines, to whom David twice fled for protection from Saul. On the first occasion, being recognized by the king's officers, and thinking his life in danger, he feigned madness, and by this device escaped,1 Samuel 21:10. Several years after, he returned with a band of 600 men, and was welcomed by Achish as an enemy of Saul and of Israel. Achish gave him Ziklag for a residence; and being deceived as to the views and operations of David, expected his assistance in a war with Israel, but was persuaded by his officers to send him home to Ziklag,1 Samuel 27:1-29:11.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Angry, perhaps only a general title of royalty applicable to the Philistine kings.
(1.) The king with whom David sought refuge when he fled from Saul (1 Samuel 21:10-15). He is called Abimelech in the superscription ofPsalm 34. It was probably this same king to whom David a second time repaired at the head of a band of 600 warriors, and who assigned him Ziklag, whence he carried on war against the surrounding tribes (1 Samuel 27:5-12). Achish had great confidence in the valour and fidelity of David (1 Samuel 28:1, 2), but at the instigation of his courtiers did not permit him to go up to battle along with the Philistine hosts (1 Samuel 29:2-11). David remained with Achish a year and four months.
(2.) Another king of Gath, probably grandson of the foregoing, to whom the two servants of Shimei fled. This led Shimei to go to Gath in pursuit of them, and the consequence was that Solomon put him to death (1 Kings 2:39-46).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ACHISHa'-kish ('akhish): King of the city of Gath in the days of David. His father's name is given as Maoch (1 Samuel 27:2), and Maacah (1 Kings 2:39). David sought the protection of Achish when he first fled from Saul, and just after his visit to Nob (1 Samuel 21:10-15). Fearing rough treatment or betrayal by Achish, he feigned madness. But this made him unwelcome, whereupon he fled to the Cave of Adullam (1 Samuel 22:1). Later in his fugitive period David returned to Gath to be hospitably received by Achish (1 Samuel 27:1), who gave him the town of Ziklag for his home. A year later, when the Philistines invaded the land of Israel, in the campaign which ended so disastrously for Saul (1 Samuel 31), Achish wished David to participate (1 Samuel 28:1-2), but the lords of the Philistines objected so strenuously, when they found him and his men with the forces of Achish, that Achish was compelled to send them back. Achish must have been a young man at this time, for he was still ruling forty years later at the beginning of Solomon's reign (1 Kings 2:39). He is mentioned as Abimelech in the title ofPsalm 34. SeeABIMELECH.
Edward Mack
Strong's Hebrew
397. Akish -- king of Gath... 396, 397. Akish. 398 . king of Gath. Transliteration: Akish Phonetic Spelling:
(aw-keesh') Short Definition:
Achish. Word
...Achish. Of
...Library
Making the Best of Trouble
... for me in all the land of Israel; and so I will escape from him." David, therefore,
with the six hundred men who were with him went over toAchish, king of Gath...
A Song of Deliverance
... How unlike the true man was to what he appeared to be toAchish and his Philistines!...
for man would swallow me up'"that isAchish and his Philistines....
The Bright Dawn of a Reign
... There he had been for over a year, during which he had won the regard of
Achish, the Philistine king of Gath. He had, atAchish's...
The Exile Continued.
... It was an ugly sign that the servants ofAchish should be quoting the words of the
chant of victory which extolled him as the slayer of their countryman....
How David, when He had Twice the Opportunity of Killing Saul did...
... Accordingly, he came with the six hundred men that were with him toAchish,
the king of Gath, which was one of their five cities....
The Statute of David for the Sharing of the Spoil
... David had so wrongfully entangled himself with the Philistine king, that
he felt bound to go withAchish to fight against Israel....
Now Saul Upon God's not Answering Him Concerning the Fight with...
... attack the Hebrews. Then didAchish, the king of Gath, desire David to assist
them with his armed men against the Hebrews. This he...
Chapter xxvi
... for the Egyptian, finds definite support in the heading of Psalm 34, where Abimelech
is used as a title for the man who 1 Samuel 21:10-15 appears asAchish....
The History of David
... For whilst David had been out withAchish the king, they of Amalek had been in Ziklag
and taken all that was therein prisoners, and robbed and carried away...
Historical Criticism of Medi??val Amplifications.
... 20): and the simulated madness by which he evaded the call of the Episcopate is
apparently borrowed from the history of David's behavior beforeAchish and his...
Thesaurus
Achish (20 Occurrences)...Achish had great confidence in the valour and fidelity of David (1 Samuel 28:1,
2), but at the instigation of his courtiers did not permit him to go up to
...A'chish (17 Occurrences)
A'chish.Achish, A'chish. Achitob .... 1 Samuel 21:10 David arose, and fled that
day for fear of Saul, and went toAchish the king of Gath. (See RSV)....
Gath (44 Occurrences)
... It was famous also as being the birthplace or residence of Goliath (1 Samuel
17:4). David fled from Saul toAchish, king of Gath (1 Samuel 21:10; 27:2-4; Psalm...
Ziklag (13 Occurrences)
... followers.Achish, the king, assigned him Ziklag as his place of residence.
There he dwelt for over a year and four months. From...
Maachah (19 Occurrences)
... (5.) The father ofAchish, the king of Gath (1 Kings 2:39), called also Maoch (1
Samuel 27:2). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MAACAH; MAACHAH....
Maoch (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Compressed, the father ofAchish, king of Gath (1 Samuel
27:2). Called also Maachah (1 Kings 2:39). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia....
Abimelech (63 Occurrences)
... This most authorities consider the more correct reading. (5.)Achish, king of
Gath, in the title of Psalm 34. (Comp. 1 Samuel 21:10-15.). Int....
Reconciliation (11 Occurrences)
... On one occasion when the Philistines gathered together to battle against Israel,
David and his band of men accompaniedAchish king of Gath to the muster-place....
Madness (13 Occurrences)
... Peter 2:16). David feigned madness (1 Samuel 21:13) at Gath because he "was
sore afraid ofAchish.". Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n...
Bodyguard (23 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 28:2 David said toAchish, "Therefore you shall know what your servant
will do."Achish said to David, "Therefore will I make you my bodyguard for ever...
Resources
What is the significance of Ziklag in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a mime? Does the Bible say anything about miming? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Philistines? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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