1 Samuel 21:10

Achish. Achish is called Ahimelech in the title of Psalm 34, Achish being a Philistine name, and Ahimelech, Semitic. This psalm was written by David when he feigned madness before the men of Philistia. As an outlaw David could not find help in Israel. It was quite a common occurrence for the outlaws of a nation to be given shelter by the enemies of that nation. Gath was not far away, perhaps less than 30 miles from Nob. Saul would hardly think of looking for him there. David was well acquainted with the country where he had obtained the dowry for his wife Michal. If he should confide in Achish, he was sure Saul would not be permitted to take him.

History reveals many instances in which God’s children have been persecuted by their own people and greatly helped by those who were considered enemies. Zedekiah, for instance, imprisoned Jeremiah for his prophecy (Jeremiah 32:3), but the Babylonian conquerors showed him mercy (Jeremiah 40:1-6). David’s experiences exhibited strange contrasts and paradoxes. Why did God permit him to become an exile? What training was there in God’s allowing him one day to be son-in-law to the king, and the next day to beg for bread?