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1 Samuel

David Feigns Madness at Gath

21
Chapter 21
10 The priest said, "The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you struck in the Valley of Elah—here it is, wrapped in a garment behind the ephod. If you will take it, take it, for there is no other like it here." And David said, "There is none like it. Give it to me." 11 David arose and fled that day from Saul and came to Achish king of Gath. 12 The servants of Achish said to him, "Is this not David, the king of the land? Do they not sing about this one in dances, saying, 'Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands'?" 13 David put these words in his heart and greatly feared Achish king of Gath. 14 He changed his behavior in their sight and acted insanely in their presence. He scribbled on the doors of the gate, and his saliva ran down onto his beard. 15 Achish said to his servants, "You see a man acting like a madman. Why do you bring him to me?"