Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Samuel 21:13

13 And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands , and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard.

His Speech and Gesture; and, it may be, his Habit also.

Which they might the more easily believe; partly, became of the disappointment of his great hopes, and his extream danger and trouble from Saul, which might well make him mad: and partly, because he had put himself into their hands; which they supposed, none but a Fool, or a Mad-man would have done. And David counterfeited this Madness, that he might procure, both their Pity, and their Contempt; that they being freed from jealousies and fears of future Mischief from David, and from his wise Conduct, of which they had sad Experience, might be secure of him, and so spare him.

i. e. Whilest he was in their Power, and before them.

Marginal references: Psal. 34. title.; Or, made marks.