The answer is: He pretended to be insane

1 Samuel 21:13 - He scratched the doors of the gate and dribbled down his beard

In a surprising encounter in 1 Samuel, we find David at a crossroads—having already been anointed as Israel's future king, he finds himself fleeing from the wrath of King Saul. Needing sanctuary, he turns to Achish, the king of Gath, a town known for its giants and Philistine warriors. It's here that David takes kindly to a bit of theatrical flair. Pretending to be mad, he scratches at the gates and lets slobber drip down his beard, a truly desperate and outrageous scheme!

This unorthodox act might sound quirky, but it was a strategic move, reflective of ancient customs where madness could invoke sympathy and caution. In royal cultures, particularly among the Philistines, this would have been alarming, leading Achish to dismiss him as a threat. "Have I need of madmen?" Achish says, showcasing not only his desire to maintain stability but also how openly a show of madness was viewed—it could save David from certain death.

Another interesting tidbit is that this moment connects to later Jewish interpretations. They tie these events into deeper analyses of human nature and discernment—sometimes, we must shed societal norms to survive. Ultimately, David’s insanity routine works brilliantly, blending cunningness with sheer survival, reminding us that cleverness can sometimes masquerade as folly. After all, when it's about life and death, a bit of insanity may just be the smartest strategy!