Achish trusted David and said to himself, "He has become so odious to
his people, the Israelites, that he will be my servant forever." I Samuel 27:12 (NIV)

It’s sort of amazing that David, who humiliated the Philistines and Goliath of Gath, would now be welcomed by Achish King of Gath to live amongst them. It’s even more surprising that David could continue to earn Achish’s trust and favor. I couldn’t help but think of The Godfather: "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." David had an uncanny ability (or God given gift) to understand people and win their favor, which served him well – especially throughout the 20 odd years that he was a renegade and a fugitive.

Flickr photo courtesy of capitrueno