And David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring tidings to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell on us, saying, So did David, and so will be his manner all the while he dwelleth in the country of the Philistines.
David didn't let any man or woman live to carry news back to Gath, saying, 'Otherwise they might report what we're doing, saying, This is how David acts, and this is what he'll keep doing as long as he lives in Philistine territory.'
David killed everyone in his raids so no one could report back to the Philistines about what he was really doing.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative of 1 Samuel, David was fleeing from King Saul, who sought to kill him out of jealousy and fear of David's rising popularity. To survive, David sought refuge with the Philistines in Gath and lived in Ziklag, where he conducted raids on Israel's enemies while pretending loyalty to the Philistines. This verse describes his tactic of leaving no survivors to prevent any reports that might expose his true allegiance and endanger his position.
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