ACHISH
(ay' kish) HEBREW: ACHISH
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Fleeing Saul, David sought refuge with Achish, the Philistine king of Gath. When David first came to Gath, Achish's men did not trust him because of his reputation for killing Philistines, including the champion Goliath, one of their own. David feigned madness and hastily departed from Gath. Later, when David returned with a large band of followers, Achish accepted him and his men as mercenaries and gave them the town of Ziklag to live in. Achish trusted David and even planned to use his force in battle against Israel, but the other Philistine commanders rejected the crafty refugee as an ally.
{E2 Dictionary of Biblical People}