Achish

Achish was the king of the Philistine city of Gath, one of the major centers in the Philistine pentapolis, during the period described in the Hebrew Bible as belonging to the late Judges and the early monarchy. He is a central figure in the David narrative in the Books of Samuel, where his relationship with David shapes several key episodes.

In the biblical account, David seeks refuge with Achish after fleeing from King Saul. To avoid being recognized as a threat, David pretends to be insane before Achish, who concludes that the man is harmless and dismisses him. David then leaves Gath and, under the protection of Achish, settles in the Philistine city of Ziklag, which the king grants to him to govern. David and his men remain in Ziklag for about a year and four months, during which time David conducts raiding expeditions against local enemies such as the Geshurites, Girzites, and Amalekites, while maintaining his status within the Philistine sphere.

Later, Achish asks David to accompany him in a campaign against Saul and Israel. The other Philistine commanders distrust David’s loyalty, and ultimately Achish is persuaded to allow David and his men to return to Ziklag rather than march to the battlefield. While they are away, Amalekites attack Ziklag and burn the city, taking the families of David and his men captive. David and his followers pursue the raiders and recover their families and spoil.

Scholars view the Achish passages as illustrating the precarious position of David as he navigates alliances with the Philistines while ultimately moving toward his kingship in Israel. The historicity and interpretation of these episodes are subjects of scholarly discussion.