I Samuel 23 Commentary
Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors.
Therefore David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the Lord said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.
And David’s men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?
Then David enquired of the Lord yet again. And the Lord answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand.
So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.
And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand.
And it was told Saul that David was come to Keilah. And Saul said, God hath delivered him into mine hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that hath gates and bars.
And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men.
And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.
Then said David, O Lord God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake.
Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O Lord God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the Lord said, He will come down.
Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the Lord said, They will deliver thee up.
Then David and his men, which were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth.
And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.
And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.
And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.
And they two made a covenant before the Lord: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.
Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon?
Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire of thy soul to come down; and our part shall be to deliver him into the king’s hand.
And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the Lord; for ye have compassion on me.
Go, I pray you, prepare yet, and know and see his place where his haunt is, and who hath seen him there: for it is told me that he dealeth very subtilly.
See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah.
And they arose, and went to Ziph before Saul: but David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the plain on the south of Jeshimon.
Saul also and his men went to seek him. And they told David: wherefore he came down into a rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon.
And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.
But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land.
Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Sela–hammahlekoth.
And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at En–gedi.
I Samuel 23 tells a thrilling story of faith, betrayal, and divine intervention. Even in the midst of relentless pursuit by Saul, David demonstrates unwavering loyalty to his people and dependence on God. This chapter reveals God's faithfulness in protecting David and provides valuable lessons on courage, discernment, and the importance of godly friendships, all while facing constant danger. Let's dive in and explore the rich tapestry of events unfolding in I Samuel 23.
David's Compassion for Keilah (I Samuel 23:1-6)
I Samuel 23:1 reveals that David, despite being a fugitive, remained deeply concerned for the well-being of his fellow Israelites. He was more than just hiding from Saul; he was a loyal son of Israel and a member of the tribe of Judah. When the Philistines attacked Keilah, a Judean town located about three miles south of Adullam, David’s heart went out to his countrymen.
Before taking action, David sought God's guidance in I Samuel 23:2. This wasn't a reckless charge into battle, but a deliberate step of faith. He inquired of the LORD, likely using the ephod that Abiathar the priest had brought from Nob (I Samuel 23:6). The ephod housed the Urim and Thummim, tools the priest used to discern God's will. David received a clear "yes" from God, instructing him to rescue Keilah (I Samuel 23:2).
However, David's men were hesitant (I Samuel 23:3). They feared facing the Philistines while simultaneously evading Saul's relentless pursuit. This is understandable; they were outnumbered and outgunned on two fronts. David, undeterred, sought the Lord's guidance a second time and received another affirmative answer. With this renewed assurance from God, David and his men bravely engaged the Philistines and secured a decisive victory, liberating Keilah from their oppressors (I Samuel 23:4-5). This victory highlights the importance of seeking God's will and acting in obedience, even when faced with daunting circumstances.
The Threat Within: Keilah's Potential Betrayal (I Samuel 23:7-14)
The victory at Keilah, however, didn't bring David lasting peace. News of David's presence reached Saul, who saw this as an opportunity to trap him. Saul gathered his army, intending to march on Keilah and capture David. David suspected the people of Keilah might betray him to Saul (I Samuel 23:7-12). The people of Keilah likely knew what happened to the people of Nob (see I Samuel 22:11-19), and they wanted no part of protecting David at such a cost.
Once again, David turned to the Lord, consulting Him through the ephod (I Samuel 23:9). He didn't want the blood of Keilah's people on his conscience, knowing Saul wouldn't hesitate to slaughter them. God revealed that Saul would indeed attack and that the people of Keilah would hand David over. Faced with this stark reality, David and his men fled into the wilderness strongholds (I Samuel 23:13-14). This passage underscores the importance of discernment and seeking God's wisdom in complex situations. David's willingness to leave, even after rescuing them, demonstrates his understanding that God's protection sometimes requires strategic withdrawal.
Jonathan's Encouragement in the Wilderness (I Samuel 23:15-18)
David's morale must have been at a low point (I Samuel 23:15). Even rescuing his own countrymen hadn’t provided him with relief or safety. It was at this crucial moment that God sent Jonathan to encourage him in his faith (I Samuel 23:16). Jonathan sought David out, offering words of hope and reaffirming God's promise that David would be king.
Jonathan was confident that God would spare David and make him king over Israel. Jonathan was looking forward to serving as David’s second-in-command one day (I Samuel 23:17), but sadly, that would never happen. David and Jonathan renewed the covenant they had made previously and parted (I Samuel 23:18; see I Samuel 18:3). This would be the last time these two friends would see one another. This passage shows the importance of faithful friends who can offer encouragement and remind us of God's promises during difficult times. It challenges Christians to be faithful "Jonathans" to fellow believers who are experiencing spiritual low points, loving our neighbors as ourselves.
Betrayal by the Ziphites (I Samuel 23:19-23)
Even in the desolate wilderness, David wasn't safe. The Ziphites, residents of a town in the Judean wilderness near David's hiding place, were eager to betray him to Saul (I Samuel 23:19-20). Perhaps they wanted to ingratiate themselves with the king, or maybe they wanted to avoid being accused of knowing David's location and not reporting it. Regardless, they informed Saul of David's whereabouts.
Saul was delighted with the Ziphites' treachery (I Samuel 23:21-23). He instructed them to return and act as his spies, gathering precise information about David's movements. This incident highlights the ever-present danger David faced and the lengths to which people would go to gain favor with Saul. It also serves as a reminder that betrayal can come from unexpected sources.
Divine Intervention at the Rock of Separation (I Samuel 23:24-29)
The Ziphite spies were effective. David and Saul soon found themselves on the same mountain, with Saul mere steps away from capturing his prey (I Samuel 23:26). But, by the providence of God, the Philistines launched a raid on Israel, forcing Saul to abandon his pursuit of David (I Samuel 23:27-28).
This dramatic escape was commemorated by naming the site the Rock of Separation, a reminder of God's miraculous deliverance (I Samuel 23:28). However, David knew better than to remain in one place. This respite allowed him to move to En-gedi, an oasis along the Dead Sea about thirty-five miles southeast of Jerusalem (I Samuel 23:29). There, David and his men hid in a cave, where he would soon prove his innocence once again. This section underscores the importance of recognizing God's hand in our lives, even in the midst of seemingly coincidental events. It also highlights the need for continued vigilance and dependence on God, even after experiencing deliverance. The chapter ends with David seeking refuge in En-gedi, setting the stage for the events of the following chapter. I Samuel 23 is a testament to God's unwavering protection of those who trust in Him, even when surrounded by enemies.
Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors.
Therefore David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the Lord said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.
And David’s men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?
Then David enquired of the Lord yet again. And the Lord answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand.
So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.
And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand.
And it was told Saul that David was come to Keilah. And Saul said, God hath delivered him into mine hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that hath gates and bars.
And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men.
And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.
Then said David, O Lord God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake.
Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O Lord God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the Lord said, He will come down.
Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the Lord said, They will deliver thee up.
Then David and his men, which were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth.
And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.
And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.
And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.
And they two made a covenant before the Lord: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.
Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon?
Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire of thy soul to come down; and our part shall be to deliver him into the king’s hand.
And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the Lord; for ye have compassion on me.
Go, I pray you, prepare yet, and know and see his place where his haunt is, and who hath seen him there: for it is told me that he dealeth very subtilly.
See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah.
And they arose, and went to Ziph before Saul: but David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the plain on the south of Jeshimon.
Saul also and his men went to seek him. And they told David: wherefore he came down into a rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon.
And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.
But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land.
Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Sela–hammahlekoth.
And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at En–gedi.
I Samuel 23 tells a thrilling story of faith, betrayal, and divine intervention. Even in the midst of relentless pursuit by Saul, David demonstrates unwavering loyalty to his people and dependence on God. This chapter reveals God's faithfulness in protecting David and provides valuable lessons on courage, discernment, and the importance of godly friendships, all while facing constant danger. Let's dive in and explore the rich tapestry of events unfolding in I Samuel 23.
David's Compassion for Keilah (I Samuel 23:1-6)
I Samuel 23:1 reveals that David, despite being a fugitive, remained deeply concerned for the well-being of his fellow Israelites. He was more than just hiding from Saul; he was a loyal son of Israel and a member of the tribe of Judah. When the Philistines attacked Keilah, a Judean town located about three miles south of Adullam, David’s heart went out to his countrymen.
Before taking action, David sought God's guidance in I Samuel 23:2. This wasn't a reckless charge into battle, but a deliberate step of faith. He inquired of the LORD, likely using the ephod that Abiathar the priest had brought from Nob (I Samuel 23:6). The ephod housed the Urim and Thummim, tools the priest used to discern God's will. David received a clear "yes" from God, instructing him to rescue Keilah (I Samuel 23:2).
However, David's men were hesitant (I Samuel 23:3). They feared facing the Philistines while simultaneously evading Saul's relentless pursuit. This is understandable; they were outnumbered and outgunned on two fronts. David, undeterred, sought the Lord's guidance a second time and received another affirmative answer. With this renewed assurance from God, David and his men bravely engaged the Philistines and secured a decisive victory, liberating Keilah from their oppressors (I Samuel 23:4-5). This victory highlights the importance of seeking God's will and acting in obedience, even when faced with daunting circumstances.
The Threat Within: Keilah's Potential Betrayal (I Samuel 23:7-14)
The victory at Keilah, however, didn't bring David lasting peace. News of David's presence reached Saul, who saw this as an opportunity to trap him. Saul gathered his army, intending to march on Keilah and capture David. David suspected the people of Keilah might betray him to Saul (I Samuel 23:7-12). The people of Keilah likely knew what happened to the people of Nob (see I Samuel 22:11-19), and they wanted no part of protecting David at such a cost.
Once again, David turned to the Lord, consulting Him through the ephod (I Samuel 23:9). He didn't want the blood of Keilah's people on his conscience, knowing Saul wouldn't hesitate to slaughter them. God revealed that Saul would indeed attack and that the people of Keilah would hand David over. Faced with this stark reality, David and his men fled into the wilderness strongholds (I Samuel 23:13-14). This passage underscores the importance of discernment and seeking God's wisdom in complex situations. David's willingness to leave, even after rescuing them, demonstrates his understanding that God's protection sometimes requires strategic withdrawal.
Jonathan's Encouragement in the Wilderness (I Samuel 23:15-18)
David's morale must have been at a low point (I Samuel 23:15). Even rescuing his own countrymen hadn’t provided him with relief or safety. It was at this crucial moment that God sent Jonathan to encourage him in his faith (I Samuel 23:16). Jonathan sought David out, offering words of hope and reaffirming God's promise that David would be king.
Jonathan was confident that God would spare David and make him king over Israel. Jonathan was looking forward to serving as David’s second-in-command one day (I Samuel 23:17), but sadly, that would never happen. David and Jonathan renewed the covenant they had made previously and parted (I Samuel 23:18; see I Samuel 18:3). This would be the last time these two friends would see one another. This passage shows the importance of faithful friends who can offer encouragement and remind us of God's promises during difficult times. It challenges Christians to be faithful "Jonathans" to fellow believers who are experiencing spiritual low points, loving our neighbors as ourselves.
Betrayal by the Ziphites (I Samuel 23:19-23)
Even in the desolate wilderness, David wasn't safe. The Ziphites, residents of a town in the Judean wilderness near David's hiding place, were eager to betray him to Saul (I Samuel 23:19-20). Perhaps they wanted to ingratiate themselves with the king, or maybe they wanted to avoid being accused of knowing David's location and not reporting it. Regardless, they informed Saul of David's whereabouts.
Saul was delighted with the Ziphites' treachery (I Samuel 23:21-23). He instructed them to return and act as his spies, gathering precise information about David's movements. This incident highlights the ever-present danger David faced and the lengths to which people would go to gain favor with Saul. It also serves as a reminder that betrayal can come from unexpected sources.
Divine Intervention at the Rock of Separation (I Samuel 23:24-29)
The Ziphite spies were effective. David and Saul soon found themselves on the same mountain, with Saul mere steps away from capturing his prey (I Samuel 23:26). But, by the providence of God, the Philistines launched a raid on Israel, forcing Saul to abandon his pursuit of David (I Samuel 23:27-28).
This dramatic escape was commemorated by naming the site the Rock of Separation, a reminder of God's miraculous deliverance (I Samuel 23:28). However, David knew better than to remain in one place. This respite allowed him to move to En-gedi, an oasis along the Dead Sea about thirty-five miles southeast of Jerusalem (I Samuel 23:29). There, David and his men hid in a cave, where he would soon prove his innocence once again. This section underscores the importance of recognizing God's hand in our lives, even in the midst of seemingly coincidental events. It also highlights the need for continued vigilance and dependence on God, even after experiencing deliverance. The chapter ends with David seeking refuge in En-gedi, setting the stage for the events of the following chapter. I Samuel 23 is a testament to God's unwavering protection of those who trust in Him, even when surrounded by enemies.