Achish believed David, saying, “He has made his people Israel utterly to abhor him. Therefore he will be my servant forever.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 12. Harm. Hebrew “he hath made himself stinking (an object of horror) to his people.” A strong expression used, Genesis 34:30. Exodus 5:21. Calmet.—Septuagint “he is quite covered with confusion.” Achis supposed that David had thus forfeited all his pretensions to dwell among, much less, to reign over Israel: so that he might keep him always in his service. Bible.—In the mean time, Saul was exterminating the people of Gabaon, which brought a pestilence on Israel, 40 years later. Theodoret.—He perhaps supposed that the oath of Josue had not been yet put in execution, as it ought to be, herein indulging too much his cruel temper. Salien.