The answer is: He pretended to be insane

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

When David found himself in Gath, hanging out with King Achish—talk about a peculiar situation! Picture this: David, a hero who defeated giants, now reduced to a wild act to protect himself. He plays the role of the insane man, employing some, shall we say, creative theatrics, scratching at the gates and dribbling as if he were out of his mind. This quick thinking not only ensured his safety but also made Achish question why he would harbor such a madman.

Now let’s take a moment to appreciate the theatre here. This scene resonates across history, showcasing a fallible, human side to a figure we often elevate only to heroic exploits. It's interesting to note that the ancient investigators had a somewhat fascinating relationship with ideas surrounding madness and royalty. They took kings’ wisdom seriously, but madness was a sign that stirred great concern!

Moreover, David’s actions momentarily strip away ideas of matinee idol heroism, revealing a common thread in human experiences—sometimes, escape lies in the embrace of folly.

His encounter here also ejects echoes from later biblical reflections on leadership and protection, with the Old Testament consistently stressing the need for reliance and cleverness amidst life's storms. Willing to show vulnerability even in esteemed company? Now that’s a fascinating quirk of faith in action!