And David arose, and he passed over with the six hundred men that [were] with him unto Achish, the son of Maoch, king of Gath.
Ver. 2. And David arose, and he passed over with the six hundred men.] Who might have done far better service in fighting against the Philistines in that fatal battle; 1Sa 31:1-7 and haply have hindered that great slaughter of God's people: but there was a providence in it, God fetching good out of evil; as the Athenians fancied that their goddess Minerva ordered their evil counsels to the best events. The Philistines entertained them gladly, as the Persians did Themistocles, the Lacedemonians Alcibiades, and the Volscians Coriolanus. But David and his men may no more be excused herein, say some, than if a captain with a band of men being Christian should flee to the Turk to fight for him. Others think that he did well and wisely; from whom I dissent.
Unto Achish … king of Gath.] But fide publica, it is like; upon better security beforehand given than formerly was had; else he would hardly have ventured.