15 Am I so short of madmen that you have to bring this fellow here to carry on like this in front of me? Must this man come into my house?"
15 Have I need of mad men, that ye have brought this fellow to play the mad man in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house?
15 Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this fellow to behave as a madman in my presence? Shall this fellow come into my house?"
15 Don't you think I have enough crazy people to put up with as it is without adding another? Get him out of here!"
15 Have I need of madmen, that you have brought this fellow to play the madman in my presence? Shall this fellow come into my house?"
15 We already have enough of them around here! Why should I let someone like this be my guest?"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:15
Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:10-15
(Read 1 Samuel 21:10-15)
God's persecuted people have often found better usage from Philistines than from Israelites. David had reason to put confidence in Achish, yet he began to be afraid. His conduct was degrading, and discovered wavering in his faith and courage. The more simply we depend on God, and obey him, the more comfortably and surely we shall walk through this troublesome world.