1 Samuel 23:2 So David inquired of the LORD, "Should I go and attack these Philistines?" And the LORD said to David, "Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah."

◄ 1 Samuel 23:2 ►

New International Version
he inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” The LORD answered him, “Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah.”

New Living Translation
David asked the LORD, “Should I go and attack them?” “Yes, go and save Keilah,” the LORD told him.

English Standard Version
Therefore David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.”

Berean Standard Bible
So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.”

King James Bible
Therefore David inquired 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.

New King James Version
Therefore David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines, and save Keilah.”

New American Standard Bible
So David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.”

NASB 1995
So David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and deliver Keilah.”

NASB 1977
So David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines, and deliver Keilah.”

Legacy Standard Bible
So David asked of Yahweh, saying, “Shall I go and strike these Philistines?” And Yahweh said to David, “Go and strike the Philistines and save Keilah.”

Amplified Bible
So David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” And the Lord said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.”

Christian Standard Bible
So David inquired of the LORD: “Should I launch an attack against these Philistines? ” The LORD answered David, “Launch an attack against the Philistines and rescue Keilah.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So David inquired of the LORD: “Should I launch an attack against these Philistines?” The LORD answered David, “Launch an attack against the Philistines and rescue Keilah.”

American Standard Version
Therefore David inquired of Jehovah, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And Jehovah said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.

Contemporary English Version
David asked the LORD, "Should I attack these Philistines?" "Yes," the LORD answered. "Attack them and rescue Keilah."

English Revised Version
Therefore David inquired 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
David asked the LORD, "Should I go and attack these Philistines?" "Go," the LORD told David, "attack the Philistines, and save Keilah."

Good News Translation
So he asked the LORD, "Shall I go and attack the Philistines?" "Yes," the LORD answered. "Attack them and save Keilah."

International Standard Version
David inquired of the LORD: "Shall I go and strike down these Philistines?" The LORD told David, "Go strike down the Philistines and deliver Keilah."

Majority Standard Bible
So David inquired of the LORD, ?Should I go and attack these Philistines?? And the LORD said to David, ?Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.?

NET Bible
So David asked the LORD, "Should I go and strike down these Philistines?" The LORD said to David, "Go, strike down the Philistines and deliver Keilah."

New Heart English Bible
Therefore David inquired of the LORD, saying, "Shall I go and strike these Philistines?" Then the LORD replied, "Go strike the Philistines, and save Keilah."

Webster's Bible Translation
Therefore David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said to David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.

World English Bible
Therefore David inquired of Yahweh, saying, “Shall I go and strike these Philistines?” Yahweh said to David, “Go strike the Philistines, and save Keilah.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And David inquires of YHWH, saying, “Do I go? And have I struck among these Philistines?” And YHWH says to David, “Go, and you have struck among the Philistines, and saved Keilah.”

Young's Literal Translation
And David asketh at Jehovah, saying, 'Do I go? -- and have I smitten among these Philistines?' And Jehovah saith unto David, 'Go, and thou hast smitten among the Philistines, and saved Keilah.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will ask in Jehovah, saying, Shall I go and strike against these rovers? And Jehovah will say to David, Go and strike against the rovers, and save Keilah.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Therefore David consulted the Lord, saying: Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the Lord said to David: Go, and thou shalt smite the Philistines, and shalt save Ceila.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, David consulted the Lord, saying, “Shall I go and strike down these Philistines?” And the Lord said to David, “Go, and you shall strike down the Philistines, and you shall save Keilah.”

New American Bible
So he consulted the LORD, asking, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” The LORD answered, Go, attack them, and free Keilah.

New Revised Standard Version
David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” The LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And David inquired of the LORD, saying. Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said to him, Go and smite the Philistines and save Keilah.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David asked of LORD JEHOVAH and he said: “Shall I go, shall I destroy these Philistines?” And LORD JEHOVAH said to him, “Go, cut off the Philistines and save Qayla”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Therefore David inquired 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.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the Lord said, Go, and thou shalt smite these Philistines, and shalt save Keila.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

David Delivers Keilah
1Now 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?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” 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?”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Judges 20:18
The Israelites set out, went up to Bethel, and inquired of God, “Who of us shall go up first to fight against the Benjamites?” “Judah will be first,” the LORD replied.

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.”

2 Samuel 5:23
So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.

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.”

1 Kings 22:5-6
But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.” / So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, about four hundred men, and asked them, “Should I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.”

2 Kings 3:11
But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Let us inquire of the LORD through him.” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.”

2 Kings 3:15-19
But now, bring me a harpist.” And while the harpist played, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha / and he said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Dig this valley full of ditches.’ / For the LORD says, ‘You will not see wind or rain, but the valley will be filled with water, and you will drink—you and your cattle and your animals.’ ...

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 Chronicles 14:14
So David again inquired of God, who answered him, “Do not march up after them, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.

Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.

Psalm 37:23
The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey.

Psalm 73:24
You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Isaiah 30:21
And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”

Jeremiah 42:3
Pray that the LORD your God will tell us the way we should walk and the thing we should do.”

Treasury of Scripture

Therefore David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said to David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.

1 Samuel 23:4,6,9-12
Then David inquired 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…

1 Samuel 30:8
And David inquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.

Numbers 27:21
And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

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Attack David Deliver Hands Inquired Keilah Kei'lah Kept Philistines Questioning Save Saved Smite Smitten Strike

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Attack David Deliver Hands Inquired Keilah Kei'lah Kept Philistines Questioning Save Saved Smite Smitten Strike

1 Samuel 23

1. David, enquiring of the Lord by Abiathar, rescues Keilah
7. 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

Berean Study Bible

So David inquired of the LORD
This phrase highlights David's consistent practice of seeking divine guidance before making significant decisions. The Hebrew root for "inquired" is "שָׁאַל" (sha'al), which means to ask or consult. This reflects a deep reliance on God, contrasting with Saul's impulsive actions. David's inquiry signifies a heart aligned with God's will, emphasizing the importance of prayer and seeking God's direction in our lives.

Shall I go and attack these Philistines?
David's question is direct and specific, showing his concern for the people of Keilah and his role as a leader. The Philistines were a constant threat to Israel, and David's willingness to confront them demonstrates his courage and responsibility. Historically, the Philistines were a formidable enemy, often oppressing the Israelites. David's inquiry shows his strategic mindset and his desire to act in accordance with God's plan.

And the LORD said to David
This phrase underscores the personal relationship between David and God. The Hebrew word for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), indicating a direct communication from God. This divine response highlights God's active involvement in the lives of His chosen leaders. It reassures believers that God listens and responds to those who earnestly seek Him, providing guidance and assurance in times of uncertainty.

Go and attack the Philistines
God's command to "go" is a call to action, reflecting His approval and support for David's mission. The directive to "attack" the Philistines indicates God's intention to deliver His people from oppression. This command aligns with God's covenant promises to protect and preserve Israel. It serves as a reminder that God empowers His people to confront challenges and overcome adversaries through His strength.

and save Keilah
The mention of "Keilah" highlights the specific objective of David's mission. Keilah was a town in Judah, and its salvation was crucial for the security of the region. The Hebrew root for "save" is "יָשַׁע" (yasha), meaning to deliver or rescue. This reflects God's desire to protect His people and preserve their inheritance. David's obedience to God's command results in the deliverance of Keilah, illustrating the blessings of following God's guidance and the impact of righteous leadership.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(2) David enquired of the Lord.--The enquiry was not made of the priest wearing the ephod, by means of the Urim and Thummim, for, according to 1Samuel 23:6, Abiathar, the high priest who succeeded the murdered Ahimelech, only joined David at Keilah, the citizens of which place were then asking for his aid against their foes. But Gad the prophet was with David, and the enquiry was made, no doubt, through him. We know that such enquiries were made through prophets, for we possess a detailed account of such an enquiry being made by Jehoshaphat of the prophet Micaiah (1Kings 22:5; 1Kings 22:7-8), in which passage the same formula is used as in this case. The Talmud too, when discussing the enquiries made through the Urim and Thummim, whilst dwelling on the greater weight of the decision pronounced by the sacred stones, assumes that questions were also asked through the prophets. "The decree pronounced by a prophet is revocable, but the decision of the Urim and Thummim is irrevocable."--Treatise Yoma, fol. 73 Colossians 1.

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 2-5. - David enquired of Jehovah. This seems to show that Abiathar was already with David, as the prophet Gad had no ephod, and at this time, and for a considerable period subsequently, the usual way of consulting God was by the Urim and Thummim (see ver. 6). Though the answer was a command to go, yet David's men hesitated; not that they had any doubt of the immediate result, but, regarding Saul as their most dangerous enemy, they were unwilling to embroil themselves also with the Philistines. They argue, We be afraid here in Judah: why then should we close the Philistine territory against us by attacking their armies! Hebrew, "ranks," men disciplined and drawn up in array (see 1 Samuel 17:22). In order to remove these prudential doubts, David again consults God, and being a second time encouraged to undertake the rescue of Keilah, proceeds thither with his men. This attack, being unexpected, was entirely successful. The Philistines were driven back with great slaughter, and David brought away their cattle. The word signifies "small cattle," such as sheep and goats. Besides robbing the threshing floors, the Philistines apparently had been driving off the flocks from the neighbouring pastures. Both Hareth, where David and his men had lain hid in the thickets (1 Samuel 22:5), and Keilah were in the tribe of Judah, in the southern portion of the Shephelah (Joshua 15:44).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

So David
דָּוִ֤ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

inquired
וַיִּשְׁאַ֨ל (way·yiš·’al)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand

of the LORD,
בַּֽיהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

“Should I go
הַאֵלֵ֣ךְ (ha·’ê·lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

and attack
וְהִכֵּ֔יתִי (wə·hik·kê·ṯî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

these
הָאֵ֑לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh)
Article | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

Philistines?”
בַּפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים (bap·pə·liš·tîm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia

And the LORD
יְהוָ֜ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

said
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

David,
דָּוִ֗ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

“Go
לֵ֚ךְ (lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

and attack
וְהִכִּ֣יתָ (wə·hik·kî·ṯā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

the Philistines
בַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים (ḇap·pə·liš·tîm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia

and deliver
וְהוֹשַׁעְתָּ֖ (wə·hō·wō·ša‘·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3467: To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor

Keilah.”
קְעִילָֽה׃ (qə·‘î·lāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7084: Keilah -- a city in Judah

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OT History: 1 Samuel 23:2 Therefore David inquired of Yahweh saying Shall (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)