What does 1 Samuel 21:12 mean?

"And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath." - 1 Samuel 21:12

1 Samuel 21:12 - "And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath."

1 Samuel 21:12 - "And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath."

The verse 1 Samuel 21:12 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath." This verse is a significant moment in the life of David, the future king of Israel, as he faces fear and uncertainty while seeking refuge from Saul, the current ruler of Israel.

In the broader context of the book of 1 Samuel, David is on the run from King Saul, who seeks to kill him out of jealousy and insecurity. In this particular chapter, David flees to the city of Gath, which is part of Philistine territory and ruled by King Achish. David comes to Achish seeking asylum and protection from Saul's relentless pursuit. However, when he arrives in Gath, David realizes that his presence as an enemy of Saul could be dangerous and cause him harm. This realization is what leads to the fear mentioned in 1 Samuel 21:12.

The verse can be interpreted as a reflection of the human experience. David, despite his bravery and faith in God, experiences fear and insecurity as he faces a potentially life-threatening situation. This serves as a reminder that even the most courageous individuals can struggle with feelings of fear and doubt when confronted with overwhelming circumstances. In this sense, David's fear in this verse humanizes him and makes him a relatable figure for readers.

Furthermore, the verse sheds light on the theme of trust and faith in God. Despite his fear, David does not see the situation as hopeless. Instead, he turns to God for guidance and protection. Throughout the book of 1 Samuel, David's faith in God is a prominent aspect of his character. In this particular instance, David's fear does not lead him away from God, but rather draws him closer to Him. This serves as a powerful example of how individuals can turn to their faith in times of trouble, finding strength and courage to face their fears.

The symbolism in this verse is also significant. David "laid up these words in his heart" implies that he pondered the situation and the potential consequences of his presence in Gath. This demonstrates David's introspective nature and his ability to weigh the risks and benefits of his actions. It also symbolizes the internal struggle that he is facing, as he must reconcile his fear with his trust in God.

The mention of Achish, the king of Gath, adds to the tension and suspense of the verse. David's fear is not unfounded, as Achish could easily recognize him as an enemy of the Philistines and hand him over to Saul. This further emphasizes the perilous nature of David's predicament and the high stakes involved in seeking refuge in a foreign land.

Overall, 1 Samuel 21:12 captures a pivotal moment in David's life, highlighting his human vulnerability and his unwavering faith in God. It serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent struggles and fears that individuals face, and the importance of relying on one's faith in times of uncertainty. The verse also sets the stage for David's continued journey and his eventual rise to become the beloved king of Israel.

1 Samuel 21:12 Artwork

1 Samuel 21:12 - "And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath."

1 Samuel 21:12 - "And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath."

1 Samuel 2:12

1 Samuel 2:12

1 Samuel 12:21 - "And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain."

1 Samuel 12:21 - "And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain."

1 Samuel 8:21 - "And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD."

1 Samuel 8:21 - "And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD."

1 Samuel 3:21 - "And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD."

1 Samuel 3:21 - "And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD."

1 Samuel 22:21 - "And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the LORD'S priests."

1 Samuel 22:21 - "And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the LORD'S priests."

1 Samuel 12:18 - "So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel."

1 Samuel 12:18 - "So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel."

1 Samuel 23:21 - "And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me."

1 Samuel 23:21 - "And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me."

1 Samuel 17:21 - "For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army."

1 Samuel 17:21 - "For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army."

1 Kings 21:12 - "They proclaimed a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people."

1 Kings 21:12 - "They proclaimed a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people."

1 Samuel 13:21 - "Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads."

1 Samuel 13:21 - "Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads."

1 Samuel 2:21 - "And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD."

1 Samuel 2:21 - "And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD."

1 Samuel 21:10 - "¶ And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath."

1 Samuel 21:10 - "¶ And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath."

1 Samuel 12:6 - "¶ And Samuel said unto the people, It is the LORD that advanced Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt."

1 Samuel 12:6 - "¶ And Samuel said unto the people, It is the LORD that advanced Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt."

1 Samuel 18:12 - "¶ And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul."

1 Samuel 18:12 - "¶ And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul."

1 Samuel 2:12 - "¶ Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD."

1 Samuel 2:12 - "¶ Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD."

1 Samuel 1:12 - "And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth."

1 Samuel 1:12 - "And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth."

1 Samuel 1:21 - "And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow."

1 Samuel 1:21 - "And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow."

1 Samuel 12:1 - "And Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, I have hearkened unto your voice in all that ye said unto me, and have made a king over you."

1 Samuel 12:1 - "And Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, I have hearkened unto your voice in all that ye said unto me, and have made a king over you."

1 Samuel 12:11 - "And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and ye dwelled safe."

1 Samuel 12:11 - "And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and ye dwelled safe."

1 Samuel 7:12 - "Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us."

1 Samuel 7:12 - "Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us."

1 Samuel 15:12 - "And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal."

1 Samuel 15:12 - "And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal."

1 Samuel 28:12 - "And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul."

1 Samuel 28:12 - "And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul."

1 Samuel 5:12 - "And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of the city went up to heaven."

1 Samuel 5:12 - "And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of the city went up to heaven."

1 Samuel 11:12 - "¶ And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death."

1 Samuel 11:12 - "¶ And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death."

1 Samuel 10:12 - "And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?"

1 Samuel 10:12 - "And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?"

1 Samuel 16:21 - "And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer."

1 Samuel 16:21 - "And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer."

1 Samuel 21:3 - "Now therefore what is under thine hand? give me five loaves of bread in mine hand, or what there is present."

1 Samuel 21:3 - "Now therefore what is under thine hand? give me five loaves of bread in mine hand, or what there is present."

1 Samuel 21:1 - "Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee?"

1 Samuel 21:1 - "Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee?"

1 Samuel 19:12 - "¶ So Michal let David down through a window: and he went, and fled, and escaped."

1 Samuel 19:12 - "¶ So Michal let David down through a window: and he went, and fled, and escaped."