The kings of Gath maintain an unlikely safe space for Hebrew refugees.
Achish the son of Maoch, king of Gath
Account
Achish allows the mad David to live with him
When David fled from Saul, he got the bread of the Presence and Goliath's sword from Ahimelech in Nob and went to Achish the king of Gath. His servants recognized him as the one who struck down his ten thousands, so David was afraid and pretended to be mad, making marks on doors and letting his spittle run down his beard. The king fell for the act. (1 Samuel 21)
So, does he act mad and spit on himself for the full year and 4 months, and Achish thinks he's just great and keeps promoting him in that state?? Or does David awkwardly admit he was pretending but he is totally real now - that he hates and attacks Israel all the time, and it is not another act? Obviously God has intervened here to protect David, but Achish is acting very foolishly!
Achish gives David Ziklag
David and his 600 men came to Achish and lived with him at Gath. David asked if he could have his own place, and Achish gave him Ziklag. David stayed in Philistia for a year and 4 months, making raids and taking the livestock and clothing and returning to Achish. When he asked, David said he was raiding the Negeb of Judah, the Negeb of the Jerahmeelites, or the Negeb of the Kenites. Achish trusted David, thinking he has made himself an utter stench to his people Israel and will always be his servant. (1 Samuel 27:2-12)
Achish sends David to Ziklag instead of allowing him in the battle against Israel
The Philistines gathered their forces for war against Israel. Achish told David, "Understand that you and your men are to go out with me in the army." David said, "Very well, you shall know what your servant can do." And Achish said to David, "Very well, I will make you my bodyguard for life." The Philistines encamped at Shunem, while all of Israel encamped at Gilboa. (1 Samuel 28:1-4)
The Philistines gathered all their forces at Aphek, by hundreds and thousands, while the Israelites were encamped by the spring in Jezreel. The lords of the Philistines asked why these Hebrews were here. Achish told the commanders David has been with them for days and years without fault. The Philistines insisted "ten thousands" David could become a threat to them in battle, so despite Achish viewing him as blameless as an angel of God, he had to send David back to Philistia early next morning, while the Philistines continued to Jezreel. (1 Samuel 29)
Achish, the son of Maacah, king of Gath (1 Kings 2:39)
He can't be the same guy as the son of Maoch, right? David's 40 year reign and 3 of Solomon's reign are in between David's refugee phase and Shimei's fleeing servants.
Account
Shimei the son of Gera's servants flee to Achish
Two of Shimei's servants ran away to Achish, son of Maacah, king of Gath. Shimei broke house arrest to pursue them, and King Solomon executed him. (1 Kings 2:39)