1 Samuel 23:1-6·~1 min

David Delivers Keilah

News of Keilah's distress reaches David, and he asks the LORD whether he should go. When his men fear the risk, he asks again and receives the same command with a promise of victory.

N¹ow it was reported to David, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and looting the threshing floors.” ²So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” ³But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” ⁴Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: “Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.”

David goes to Keilah, defeats the Philistines, and saves the city with a heavy blow. Abiathar's arrival with the ephod quietly marks the priestly means by which David seeks the LORD.

⁵Then David and his men went to Keilah, fought against the Philistines, and carried off their livestock, striking them with a mighty blow. So David saved the people of Keilah. ⁶(Now Abiathar son of Ahimelech had brought the ephod with him when he fled to David at Keilah.)

Section summaryDavid hears that Keilah is under Philistine attack and seeks the LORD before he moves. Though his men are afraid, he asks again, receives a clear promise, and delivers the city.

Role in the chapterThis opening section presents David as a leader who does not act on urgency alone. It begins the chapter by joining his rising public service to his steady dependence on the LORD's direction.