Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Again David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men to Saul?” And the LORD said, “They will.” New Living Translation Again David asked, “Will the leaders of Keilah betray me and my men to Saul?” And the LORD replied, “Yes, they will betray you.” English Standard Version Then David said, “Will the men of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” And the LORD said, “They will surrender you.” Berean Standard Bible So David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” “They will,” said the LORD. Berean Literal Bible And David said, “Will the men of Keilah shut up me and my men into the hand of Saul?” And YHWH said, “They will shut you up.” King James Bible 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. New King James Version Then David said, “Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul?” And the LORD said, “They will deliver you.” New American Standard Bible Then David said, “Will the citizens of Keilah hand me and my men over to Saul?” And the LORD said, “They will hand you over.” NASB 1995 Then David said, “Will the men of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” And the LORD said, “They will surrender you.” NASB 1977 Then David said, “Will the men of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” And the LORD said, “They will surrender you.” Legacy Standard Bible Then David said, “Will the men of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” And Yahweh said, “They will surrender you.” Amplified Bible Then David asked, “Will the men of Keilah surrender me and my men to Saul?” The LORD said, “They will surrender you.” Berean Annotated Bible So David (beloved) asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah (fortress) surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul (desired)?” “They will,” said the LORD {YHWH}. Christian Standard Bible Then David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah hand me and my men over to Saul? ” “They will,” the LORD responded. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah hand me and my men over to Saul?” “They will,” the LORD responded. American Standard Version Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver up me and my men into the hand of Saul? And Jehovah said, They will deliver thee up. Contemporary English Version David asked, "Would the leaders of Keilah hand me and my soldiers over to Saul?" "Yes, they would," the LORD answered. English Revised Version Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver up me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up. GOD'S WORD® Translation "Will the citizens of Keilah hand me and my men over to Saul?" David asked. "They will hand you over," the LORD answered. Good News Translation "And will the citizens of Keilah hand my men and me over to Saul?" David asked again. "They will," the LORD answered. International Standard Version Then David said, "Will the people of Keilah hand me over to Saul?" The LORD said, "They'll hand you over." NET Bible David asked, "Will the leaders of Keilah deliver me and my men into Saul's hand?" The LORD said, "They will deliver you over." New Heart English Bible Then David said, "Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul?" The LORD said, "They will deliver you up." Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” “They will,” said the LORD. World English Bible Then David said, “Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul?” Yahweh said, “They will deliver you up.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd David says, “Do the possessors of Keilah shut up me and my men into the hand of Saul?” And YHWH says, “They shut [you] up.” Berean Literal Bible And David said, “Will the men of Keilah shut up me and my men into the hand of Saul?” And YHWH said, “They will shut you up.” Young's Literal Translation And David saith, 'Do the possessors of Keilah shut me up, and my men, into the hand of Saul?' And Jehovah saith, 'They shut thee up.' Smith's Literal Translation And David will say, Will the lords of Keilah shut me up and my men into the hand of Saul? And Jehovah will say, They will shut up. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd David said: Will the men of Ceila deliver me, and my men, into the hands of Saul? And the Lord said: They will deliver thee up. Catholic Public Domain Version And David said, “Will the men of Keilah deliver me, and the men who are with me, into the hands of Saul?” And the Lord said, “They will deliver you.” New American Bible David then asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul?” The LORD answered: They will deliver you. New Revised Standard Version Then David said, “Will the men of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” The LORD said, “They will surrender you.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the LORD said, They will deliver you; arise and go out of the city. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Are the Lords of the city betraying me and the men who are with me into the hand of Shaul?” And LORD JEHOVAH said, “They are betraying you. Arise, go out from the city.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then said David: 'Will the men of Keilah deliver up me and my men into the hand of Saul?' And the LORD said: 'They will deliver thee up.' Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Saul Pursues David…11Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as Your servant has heard? O LORD, God of Israel, please tell Your servant.” “He will,” said the LORD. 12So David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” “They will,” said the LORD. 13Then David and his men, about six hundred strong, set out and departed from Keilah, moving from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he declined to go forth.… Cross References So David asked, 1 Chronicles 14:10 So David inquired of God, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go,” replied the LORD, “for I will deliver them into your hand.” 1 Samuel 30:8 and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.” 2 Samuel 2:1 Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” “Go up,” the LORD answered. Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” replied the LORD. “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” 1 Samuel 24:18 And you have declared this day how you have treated me well, for when the LORD delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me. 1 Samuel 26:23 May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. For the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I would not extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. 1 Samuel 19:11-12 Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” / So Michal lowered David from the window, and he ran away and escaped. “They will,” said the LORD. 2 Samuel 5:19 So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.” Jeremiah 21:8-10 Furthermore, you are to tell this people that this is what the LORD says: ‘Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death. / Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague, but whoever goes out and surrenders to the Chaldeans who besiege you will live; he will retain his life like a spoil of war. / For I have set My face against this city to bring disaster and not good, declares the LORD. It will be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, who will destroy it with fire.’ Jeremiah 38:17-18 Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “This is what the LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you indeed surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then you will live, this city will not be burned down, and you and your household will survive. / But if you do not surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then this city will be delivered into the hands of the Chaldeans. They will burn it down, and you yourself will not escape their grasp.’” Psalm 54:3-4 For strangers rise up against me, and ruthless men seek my life—men with no regard for God. Selah / Surely God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul. Psalm 31:13-15 For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life. / But I trust in You, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” / My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. Psalm 56:3-4 When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. / In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 142:3-4 Although my spirit grows faint within me, You know my way. Along the path I travel they have hidden a snare for me. / Look to my right and see; no one attends to me. There is no refuge for me; no one cares for my soul. Psalm 18:4-6 The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of chaos overwhelmed me. / The cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. / In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears. Psalm 59:1-3 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me. / Deliver me from workers of iniquity, and save me from men of bloodshed. / See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD. Psalm 34:17-19 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles. / The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit. / Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all. Treasury of Scripture 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 you up. deliver [heb] shut up Psalm 31:8 And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room. They will 1 Samuel 23:7 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. Psalm 62:1 To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. Psalm 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. Jump to Previous Citizens David Deliver Hand Keilah Kei'lah Possessors Saul Shut SurrenderJump to Next Citizens David Deliver Hand Keilah Kei'lah Possessors Saul Shut Surrender1 Samuel 23 1. David, enquiring of the Lord by Abiathar, rescues Keilah7. God showing him the coming of Saul, and the treachery of the Keilites, 13. he escapes from Keilah 14. In Ziph Jonathan comes and comforts him 19. The Ziphites discover him to Saul 25. At Maon he is rescued from Saul by the invasion of the Philistines 29. He dwells at En Gedi So David asked, David, the anointed future king of Israel, is inquiring of the Lord through the priest Abiathar, who has brought the ephod with him. This reflects David's reliance on divine guidance during his time of distress. It highlights the importance of seeking God's will in decision-making, a theme prevalent throughout the Bible, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” “They will,” said the LORD. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed future king of Israel, who is currently fleeing from King Saul. David is seeking God's guidance in his decisions. 2. Keilah A city in Judah that David had just saved from the Philistines. Despite his recent help, the citizens are willing to betray him to Saul. 3. Saul The current king of Israel, who is pursuing David out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne. 4. The LORD God, who communicates directly with David, providing him with guidance and insight into the hearts of the people of Keilah. 5. Abiathar the Priest He is with David and has brought the ephod, which David uses to inquire of the LORD. Teaching Points Seeking God's GuidanceDavid's inquiry of the LORD highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance in our decisions. We should prioritize prayer and scripture in our decision-making processes. Understanding Human Nature The willingness of Keilah's citizens to betray David reminds us of the fickle nature of human loyalty. We should place our ultimate trust in God, who is unchanging. God's Omniscience God's response to David shows His complete knowledge of future events and human hearts. We can find comfort in knowing that God is aware of all circumstances and outcomes. Courage in Adversity Despite the threat of betrayal, David continues to act courageously. We are called to stand firm in our faith, even when facing potential betrayal or adversity. The Role of Community Abiathar's presence with the ephod signifies the importance of having a faith community that supports us in seeking God's will. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 23:12?2. How does 1 Samuel 23:12 demonstrate God's guidance in decision-making? 3. What does David's inquiry reveal about his relationship with God? 4. How can we seek God's direction like David in 1 Samuel 23:12? 5. Compare David's reliance on God here with Proverbs 3:5-6. 6. How can we apply David's example of seeking God's will today? 7. Why did God reveal Keilah's betrayal to David in 1 Samuel 23:12? 8. How does 1 Samuel 23:12 demonstrate God's omniscience? 9. What does 1 Samuel 23:12 teach about divine guidance in decision-making? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 23? 11. What Bible verses support Christian exorcism practices? 12. Does Saul's abrupt departure to confront the Philistines (1 Samuel 23:27-28) accurately reflect known Philistine incursions, or is it merely a narrative device? 13. Why does 1 Chronicles 18:12 credit Abishai with killing 18,000 Edomites, while 2 Samuel 8:13 attributes the same victory to David? 14. How could David justify seeking refuge among Israel's enemies in 1 Samuel 27:1? What Does 1 Samuel 23:12 Mean So David askedDavid has just delivered Keilah from the Philistines (1 Samuel 23:1–5). Immediately he hears that Saul is coming, and, instead of assuming the best or worst, he turns to God. • David’s consistent habit is to “inquire of the LORD” (1 Samuel 23:2, 4; 30:8), showing humble dependence rather than self-confidence (Psalm 34:4). • Abiathar’s ephod is present (1 Samuel 23:6), reminding us that God graciously provides a way for His people to hear Him (Exodus 28:30). • The straightforward narrative underscores that the events are historical, not legendary. Scripture records a literal conversation that shapes real choices (2 Samuel 2:1). In short, David’s first instinct is prayerful consultation, modeling Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart….” “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” David’s question is painfully specific. He has just rescued these people, yet he suspects they may hand him over. • Gratitude alone cannot overcome human fear or political pressure; fallen hearts often choose self-preservation (Jeremiah 17:9; John 2:24–25). • David’s wording—“me and my men”—shows pastoral concern; he seeks protection not only for himself but for those under his care (John 10:11). • The query acknowledges Saul’s relentless pursuit (1 Samuel 19:1; 24:14), highlighting the seriousness of mortal danger and the need for divine insight. By asking, David admits he cannot see the future; only the Lord can (Psalm 25:4–5). “They will,” said the LORD. God answers plainly. No parable, no riddle—just reality. • The Lord’s foreknowledge is perfect; He declares “the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10; Psalm 139:2–4). • His answer reveals a counterfactual: if David stays, Keilah’s citizens will betray him. God’s knowledge encompasses not only what is but what would be (Matthew 11:21). • The response obliges obedience. David promptly departs (1 Samuel 23:13), proving that trusting God means acting on what He reveals (James 1:22). • Though the betrayal never occurs, the prophecy is still true—its accuracy is shown by David’s safe escape. The Lord’s succinct reply safeguards David’s life and advances His larger redemptive plan, for from David’s line will come the Messiah (2 Samuel 7:12–16; Luke 1:32). summary 1 Samuel 23:12 records a literal, intimate exchange between David and God. David seeks guidance; God discloses that Keilah would surrender him. The verse teaches: • Seek the Lord first in every crisis. • Do not place ultimate trust in human gratitude. • God’s foreknowledge is absolute and trustworthy. • Obedience to divine revelation preserves life and furthers God’s purposes. Because Scripture is accurate and literal, we can rely on the same faithful God who guided David to guide us today. Hebrew So Davidדָּוִ֔ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse asked, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Will the citizens בַּעֲלֵ֧י (ba·‘ă·lê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1167: A master, a husband, owner of Keilah קְעִילָ֛ה (qə·‘î·lāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 7084: Keilah -- a city in Judah surrender הֲיַסְגִּ֜רוּ (hă·yas·gi·rū) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5462: To shut up, to surrender me אֹתִ֥י (’ō·ṯî) Direct object marker | first person common singular Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case and וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-) Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case my men אֲנָשַׁ֖י (’ă·nā·šay) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person into the hand בְּיַד־ (bə·yaḏ-) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 3027: A hand of Saul?” שָׁא֑וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites “They will,” יַסְגִּֽירוּ׃ (yas·gî·rū) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5462: To shut up, to surrender answered וַיֹּ֥אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say the LORD. יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel Links 1 Samuel 23:12 NIV1 Samuel 23:12 NLT 1 Samuel 23:12 ESV 1 Samuel 23:12 NASB 1 Samuel 23:12 KJV 1 Samuel 23:12 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 23:12 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 23:12 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 23:12 French Bible 1 Samuel 23:12 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 23:12 Then said David Will the men (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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