The answer is: He pretended to be insane

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

Picture this: David, the mighty warrior, now at the point of faking lapses in sanity to secure his safety! In 1 Samuel 21, we see a fascinating turn in the saga of David, who, while on the run from Saul, finds himself in enemy territory—the Philistine city of Gath, ruled by King Achish. His trick of pretending to be insane might come off as bizarre at first glance, but it spotlights the lengths to which one might go under threat.

Imagine seeing David, once a beloved harbinger of music and battle, now gumming down his beard like a toddler and leaving scratch marks on gates! This wild display was not merely to repel a king’s watchful eye; it darted straight to utilitarian gains, ensuring his safety. In that fleeting moment of chaos, he demonstrated strategic cunning that was just as formidable as wielding a slingshot.

It’s interesting to note how echoes of insanity appear throughout the Scriptures. Think of the prophet Ezekiel, who, in a flash of divine inspiration, acted out his prophecies in unusual ways. Or consider Jesus' use of unconventional parables to bring divine truths to life. Playful antics in narrative technique remind us of the complexity behind the seemingly simple, revealing divine truths wrapped in human experiences. Just like David’s crafty ruse, they invite us to view situations from a different angle, showcasing that wisdom doesn’t always wear the robe of leadership; sometimes, it carries away a bowl of drool too!