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?” 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.” 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.) Saul Pursues David 7When Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah, he said, “God has delivered him into my hand, for he has trapped himself by entering a town with gates and bars.” 8Then Saul summoned all his troops to go to war at Keilah and besiege David and his men. 9When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.” 10And David said, “O LORD, God of Israel, Your servant has heard that Saul intends to come to Keilah and destroy the city on my account. 11Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me into his hand?a Will Saul come down, as Your servant has heard? O LORD, God of Israel, please tell Your servant.” 12So David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” 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. 14And David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hill country of the Wilderness of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God would not deliver David into his hand. 15While David was in Horesh in the Wilderness of Ziph, he saw that Saul had come out to take his life. 16And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, 17saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.” 18So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home. 19Then the Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah south of Jeshimon? 20Now, O king, come down whenever your soul desires, and we will be responsible for delivering him into your hand.” 21“May you be blessed by the LORD,” replied Saul, “for you have had compassion on me. 22Please go and prepare further. Investigate and watch carefully where he goes and who has seen him there, for I am told that he is extremely cunning. 23Observe and find out all the places where he hides. Then come back to me with certainty, and I will go with you. If he is in the land, I will search him out among all the clans of Judah.” 24So they set out and went to Ziph ahead of Saul. Now David and his men were in the Wilderness of Maon in the Arabah south of Jeshimon, 25and Saul and his men went to seek him. When David was told about it, he went down to the rock and stayed in the Wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard of this, he pursued David there. 26Saul was proceeding along one side of the mountain, and David and his men along the other side. Even though David was hurrying to get away, Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them. 27Then a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Come quickly, for the Philistines have raided the land!” 28So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why that place is called Sela-hammahlekoth.b 29And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of En-gedi. Footnotes: 11 a Some manuscripts omit this question. 28 b Sela-hammahlekoth means Rock of Escape. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  1 Samuel 23 Summary Saul Pursues DavidVerses 1–5 – David Rescues Keilah Verses 6–13 – Consultation with God and Flight from Keilah Verses 14–18 – Jonathan Strengthens David Verses 19–23 – Ziphites Betray David Verses 24–29 – Escape at Maon, Rock of Parting 1 Samuel 23 showcases the pivotal transition of David from a mere fugitive to a protective leader. Amidst Saul's unrelenting pursuit, David sought God's guidance, demonstrating faith and leadership under pressure. The chapter highlights David's rescue of Keilah, his constant evasion of Saul, and the strengthening encouragement from Jonathan. Historical Setting 1 Samuel 23 sits in the turbulent decade after David’s anointing (1 Samuel 16:13) but before his coronation (2 Samuel 2–5). Saul’s reign is unraveling under disobedience (1 Samuel 15:23), while David operates as Israel’s de-facto defender. The rescue of Keilah starkly contrasts Saul’s earlier failure to protect Jabesh-gilead (11:1–11) and later dereliction when Goliath taunted Israel (17:1–11). Geography and Archaeology • Keilah: Identified with Khirbet Qeila, twelve miles southwest of Jerusalem. Excavations reveal Iron Age fortifications consistent with a frontier town vulnerable to Philistine raids. • Wilderness of Ziph: Rolling chalky hills southeast of Hebron. David’s psalm “When the Ziphites went to Saul” (Psalm 54 title) reflects this episode. • Maon: Present-day Khirbet Ma‘in overlooks the rugged Wadi Maon. The topography allows a pursuer to circle one side of a ridge while the fugitive escapes around the other, fitting verse 26. • En-gedi: A spring-fed oasis on the Dead Sea’s western shore. Caves and steep cliffs provide natural strongholds; archaeologists have cataloged hundreds of grottoes suitable for hiding a small force. David’s Use of the Ephod The ephod, carried by Abiathar, included the Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:30), instruments for seeking divine answers. Six direct questions framed around “Will Saul come?” and “Will the men of Keilah surrender me?” show David’s reliance on God rather than presumption. Similar recourse appears in 1 Samuel 30:7–8 and Numbers 27:21. Unlike Saul—who massacred the priests at Nob (1 Samuel 22:18–19) and thus cut himself off from godly counsel—David honors the priesthood and gains clarity. Leadership Lessons from Keilah 1. Serve even those who may not repay you. Keilah later would have delivered David to Saul, yet David still rescued them (cf. Luke 17:12–17, where only one healed leper returned). 2. Verify God’s will, not merely your impulse. David asks twice (vv. 2, 4), mirroring Gideon’s double fleece (Jud 6:36–40). 3. Courage is contagious. David’s men move from fear (v. 3) to action (v. 5) under a leader whose confidence rests in God. God’s Sovereignty and Human Choices Verses 11–13 offer a glimpse into contingent outcomes: God reveals what “will” happen if David stays, not what “must” happen. Acts 27:22–31 shows a similar conditional prophecy. The text affirms divine foreknowledge without negating human responsibility; Keilah’s citizens remain accountable for their potential betrayal (cf. James 4:17). Friendship of Jonathan and David Jonathan’s visit is the last recorded meeting of these covenant friends. He “encouraged him in God” (v. 16), a model of spiritual friendship: • Presence: Jonathan travels dangerous territory. • Affirmation: He fortifies David’s calling, echoing 1 Samuel 20:15–17. • Humility: He accepts second place (v. 17), foreshadowing John the Baptist’s “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). Saul’s Spiritual Decline Saul calls the Ziphites “blessed by the LORD” (v. 21) while plotting murder—using religious language to cloak sin. This hypocrisy echoes Balaam (Numbers 22:18–20) and Caiaphas (John 11:49–50). In contrast, David’s actions align with God’s heart (Acts 13:22). Foreshadowing of Christ • A rejected yet anointed king: David, like Jesus (John 1:11), delivers people who later side with his enemies (Matthew 27:22). • Betrayal by close neighbors: Ziph is within Judah, David’s own tribe, prefiguring Jesus’ betrayal by Judas, a close disciple (Psalm 41:9; John 13:18). • Dependence on the Father: David waits for divine timing rather than seizing the throne, paralleling Christ’s submission (Philippians 2:6–8). Practical Applications for Believers Today • Seek God first when under pressure (Psalm 34:4). • Remember that apparent setbacks may be God’s redirection (Romans 8:28). • Cultivate friendships that speak God’s promises over your life (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Beware using spiritual talk to justify ungodly aims (Matthew 7:21–23). • Trust that God can create “rocks of division” to thwart evil and guard His purposes (2 Thessalonians 3:3). Connections to Additional Scriptures Proverbs 3:5-6Trust 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. Psalm 54:4 Surely God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul. John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. Teaching Points Seeking God's GuidanceDavid inquires of the Lord multiple times (1 Samuel 23:2, 4, 10-12). This highlights the importance of seeking divine direction in our decisions. God's Faithfulness Despite Saul's pursuit, God does not deliver David into his hands (1 Samuel 23:14). This demonstrates God's protection over those who trust in Him. The Role of Friendship Jonathan's visit to David in the wilderness (1 Samuel 23:16-18) underscores the value of godly friendships that encourage and strengthen us in our faith. The Reality of Betrayal The Ziphites' betrayal of David (1 Samuel 23:19-20) serves as a reminder that not everyone will support us, even when we are in the right. Divine Intervention The sudden Philistine invasion (1 Samuel 23:27-28) that diverts Saul's attention from David illustrates how God can use unexpected events to deliver us from danger. Practical Applications Regularly Seek God's WillMake it a habit to pray and seek God's guidance in all areas of life, especially when facing difficult decisions. Trust in God's Protection Remember that God is faithful and will protect and guide those who put their trust in Him, even when circumstances seem dire. Value Godly Friendships Cultivate relationships with fellow believers who can provide encouragement and support in your spiritual journey. Be Prepared for Betrayal Understand that betrayal can come from unexpected places, but remain steadfast in your faith and integrity. Look for God's Hand in Circumstances Be attentive to how God might be working through situations to bring about His purposes, even when they seem unrelated. People 1. DavidDavid is the central figure in 1 Samuel 23. He is portrayed as a leader and warrior, seeking guidance from God in his battles against the Philistines and in his flight from King Saul. The Hebrew root of his name, דָּוִד (Dawid), means "beloved." 2. Saul King Saul is the reigning king of Israel who is pursuing David to kill him. His actions are driven by jealousy and fear of losing his throne to David. The Hebrew name שָׁאוּל (Sha'ul) means "asked for" or "prayed for." 3. Abiathar Abiathar is the son of Ahimelech, the priest, and he escapes to David with an ephod after the massacre of the priests at Nob. His presence with David signifies divine guidance. The Hebrew name אֶבְיָתָר (Evyatar) means "father of abundance" or "my father is great." 4. Jonathan Jonathan, the son of Saul, is a loyal friend to David. He meets David in the wilderness to encourage him and reaffirm their covenant. The Hebrew name יְהוֹנָתָן (Yehonatan) means "Yahweh has given." 5. The Philistines The Philistines are the enemies of Israel, and David fights against them to save the city of Keilah. The term "Philistines" comes from the Hebrew פְּלִשְׁתִּים (P'lishtim), meaning "immigrants" or "invaders." 6. The Ziphites The Ziphites are the inhabitants of the region of Ziph who betray David's location to Saul. Their actions are seen as treacherous. The name זִיף (Ziph) is derived from a root meaning "to flow" or "to overflow." 7. Keilah While not a person, Keilah is a city that David saves from the Philistines. The inhabitants of Keilah are significant as they are the people David initially seeks to protect. The name קְעִילָה (Qe'ilah) is thought to mean "fortress" or "citadel." Places 1. KeilahKeilah is a town in the lowlands of Judah. In 1 Samuel 23:1, David is informed that the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and looting the threshing floors. The Hebrew root for Keilah (קְעִילָה, Qe'ilah) suggests a fortified or enclosed place, which is fitting as David later saves the city from the Philistines. 2. Wilderness of Ziph The Wilderness of Ziph is a desert area in the Judean wilderness. In 1 Samuel 23:14, David stays in the strongholds of the wilderness and remains in the hill country of the Wilderness of Ziph. The Hebrew root for Ziph (זִיף, Ziph) may relate to a place of refining or smelting, indicating a rugged, barren area. 3. Horesh Horesh is a location within the Wilderness of Ziph where David hides. In 1 Samuel 23:15, David is in Horesh when Jonathan comes to strengthen his hand in God. The Hebrew word "Horesh" (חֹרֶשׁ, Choreš) means "forest" or "wooded area," suggesting a place with some cover or vegetation. 4. Maon Maon is a town in the hill country of Judah. In 1 Samuel 23:24, Saul pursues David in the Wilderness of Maon. The Hebrew root for Maon (מָעוֹן, Ma'on) means "dwelling" or "habitation," indicating a settled area. 5. Rock of Escape The Rock of Escape is a location where David narrowly escapes from Saul. In 1 Samuel 23:28, Saul breaks off his pursuit of David to confront the Philistines, and the place is named the Rock of Escape. The Hebrew term used here (סֶלַע הַמַּחְלְקוֹת, Sela ha-Machleqot) literally means "rock of divisions" or "rock of partings," signifying a place of deliverance for David. 6. En-gedi En-gedi is an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. In 1 Samuel 23:29, David goes up from there and stays in the strongholds of En-gedi. The Hebrew root for En-gedi (עֵין גֶּדִי, 'Ein Gedi) means "spring of the young goat," reflecting the area's natural springs and wildlife. Events 1. David Saves KeilahDavid learns that the Philistines are attacking Keilah and inquires of the LORD whether he should go and save the city. The LORD instructs David to go, promising him victory over the Philistines. David and his men go to Keilah, fight the Philistines, and deliver the city. ^"So David inquired of the LORD, 'Shall I go and attack these Philistines?' 'Go,' the LORD replied, 'and save Keilah.'"^ (1 Samuel 23:2) 2. Saul's Pursuit of David Saul hears that David is in Keilah and plans to besiege the city to capture him. David, aware of Saul's intentions, seeks the LORD's guidance again. The LORD reveals that the people of Keilah would betray David to Saul. ^"Will 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.” And the LORD said, “He will come down.”^ (1 Samuel 23:11) 3. David Escapes to the Wilderness David and his men, about six hundred in number, leave Keilah and wander in the wilderness. They move from place to place to avoid Saul, who continues to seek David's life. ^"So David and his men, about six hundred strong, left Keilah and moved from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he refrained from going there."^ (1 Samuel 23:13) 4. Jonathan Encourages David Jonathan, Saul's son, goes to David in the wilderness of Ziph to encourage him in God. Jonathan reassures David that he will be king over Israel and that Saul will not find him. They make a covenant before the LORD. ^"And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, saying, 'Do not be afraid, for the hand of my father Saul will never lay hold of you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.'"^ (1 Samuel 23:16-17) 5. The Ziphites Betray David The Ziphites go to Saul at Gibeah and inform him of David's hiding place. Saul blesses them for their loyalty and instructs them to gather more information about David's movements. ^"The Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah and said, 'Is David not hiding among us in the strongholds of Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah, south of Jeshimon?'"^ (1 Samuel 23:19) 6. David Narrowly Escapes Saul Saul pursues David in the wilderness of Maon. As Saul closes in on David, a messenger arrives to inform Saul that the Philistines are raiding the land, prompting Saul to break off his pursuit and return to fight the Philistines. ^"Then a messenger came to Saul, saying, 'Come quickly, for the Philistines have raided the land.' So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines."^ (1 Samuel 23:27-28) Topics 1. David Saves KeilahDavid learns that the Philistines are attacking Keilah and seeks the LORD's guidance on whether to intervene. The LORD instructs David to go and save Keilah, promising victory over the Philistines. This demonstrates David's reliance on divine guidance and his role as a protector of Israel. The Hebrew root for "save" (יָשַׁע, yasha) emphasizes deliverance and salvation. 2. Saul's Pursuit of David After David saves Keilah, Saul learns of his location and plans to capture him. Saul's relentless pursuit of David highlights the ongoing conflict between Saul and David, as well as Saul's disobedience to God's will. The Hebrew root for "pursue" (רָדַף, radaph) conveys the intensity of Saul's actions. 3. David's Inquiry of the LORD David seeks the LORD's guidance again, asking if the people of Keilah will betray him to Saul. The LORD confirms that they will, prompting David to leave Keilah. This underscores David's dependence on God's wisdom and the importance of seeking divine direction in times of uncertainty. 4. David in the Wilderness of Ziph David and his men escape to the wilderness of Ziph, where they continue to evade Saul. This period of hiding and survival in the wilderness reflects David's resilience and trust in God's protection. The Hebrew word for "wilderness" (מִדְבָּר, midbar) often symbolizes a place of testing and reliance on God. 5. Jonathan's Encouragement Jonathan, Saul's son, visits David in the wilderness and strengthens his hand in God. Jonathan reaffirms their covenant and encourages David by acknowledging that he will be king over Israel. This interaction highlights the deep friendship and loyalty between Jonathan and David, as well as Jonathan's recognition of God's plan for David. 6. The Ziphites Betray David The Ziphites inform Saul of David's location, offering to help capture him. This act of betrayal contrasts with Jonathan's loyalty and further complicates David's situation. The Hebrew root for "betray" (מָסַר, masar) indicates the act of delivering someone into the hands of an enemy. 7. David's Escape to Maon Saul pursues David to the wilderness of Maon, but David narrowly escapes when Saul is called away to deal with a Philistine raid. This divine intervention underscores God's providential care and protection over David, ensuring his survival against overwhelming odds. 8. The Rock of Escape The chapter concludes with David's escape being memorialized by naming the place "The Rock of Escape." This serves as a testament to God's deliverance and faithfulness in preserving David's life. The Hebrew word for "rock" (צּוּר, tsur) often symbolizes strength and refuge, reflecting God's role as a protector. Themes 1. Divine Guidance and InquiryIn 1 Samuel 23, David frequently seeks the Lord's guidance, demonstrating the importance of divine direction in decision-making. The chapter begins with David inquiring of the Lord whether he should attack the Philistines to save Keilah (1 Samuel 23:2: "So David inquired of the LORD, 'Shall I go and attack these Philistines?'"). The Hebrew root for "inquired" (שָׁאַל, sha'al) emphasizes the act of seeking God's will, highlighting the theme of reliance on divine wisdom. 2. God's Sovereignty and Protection The narrative underscores God's sovereignty and protective hand over David. Despite Saul's pursuit, God ensures David's safety. In 1 Samuel 23:14 (BSB: "And Saul sought him every day, but God did not deliver David into his hand"), the Hebrew word for "deliver" (נָתַן, natan) signifies God's control over the situation, emphasizing His protective nature. 3. Faithfulness and Loyalty The theme of loyalty is evident in the relationship between David and Jonathan. Jonathan's visit to David in the wilderness to strengthen his hand in God (1 Samuel 23:16: "And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God") highlights the Hebrew concept of "strengthening" (חָזַק, chazaq), which implies encouragement and support rooted in faithfulness. 4. Human Betrayal and Divine Justice The betrayal of David by the Ziphites (1 Samuel 23:19: "Then the Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah and said, 'Is David not hiding among us...?") contrasts human treachery with divine justice. The Hebrew root for "betray" (בָּגַד, bagad) reflects the theme of human unfaithfulness, while God's ultimate justice prevails as He protects David. 5. Providence and Deliverance God's providential deliverance is a key theme, as seen when Saul is called away to fight the Philistines, allowing David to escape (1 Samuel 23:27-28: "But a messenger came to Saul, saying, 'Come quickly, for the Philistines have raided the land.' So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines"). The Hebrew concept of "deliverance" (פָּלַט, palat) underscores God's intervention in human affairs to fulfill His purposes. Answering Tough Questions 1. How did David consult the ephod for instant divine guidance in 1 Samuel 23:9–12 when similar direct communication is uncommon elsewhere in the Old Testament? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does David demonstrate his trust in God's guidance throughout this chapter? 2. In what ways does David display leadership despite his challenging circumstances? 3. Compare and contrast Saul and David's approach to God's guidance in their decision making. 4. How can we practically seek God's guidance in our everyday lives, as David did? 5. What are some contemporary examples of being betrayed by those close to us, as the Ziphites betrayed David? How should we respond in these situations? 6. How can you cultivate a relationship like Jonathan and David's in your life? How important is faith in such relationships? 7. How does God's intervention at the last moment (Philistines attacking) highlight His protection over David? Can you think of a time when a seemingly bad event led to your protection? 8. How does David's reaction to adversity influence your understanding of leadership and faith? 9. How does 1 Samuel 23 encourage you to deal with life's trials and tribulations? 10. What lessons can modern leaders learn from David's actions and decisions in this chapter? 11. How does David's rescue of Keilah apply to the idea of service in the face of risk? 12. How can you apply the principles of trust and faith demonstrated in this chapter to your life? 13. What does Jonathan's visit to David teach us about loyalty and friendship? 14. How do Saul’s actions in 1 Samuel 23 reflect his view of God compared to David's view? 15. How can you ensure that God's voice guides your decision-making process? 16. What qualities of David demonstrated in this chapter can you cultivate in your personal and professional life? 17. What is the significance of David and Jonathan's covenant? How does it reflect their relationship and trust in God? 18. What strategies can you employ when you feel like you're in the 'wilderness', similar to David's experiences in this chapter? 19. How can the story of David's deliverance inspire you when you face betrayal or adversity? 20. How can we discern if an opportunity, like Saul thought of David in Keilah, is truly from God or a misunderstanding of circumstances? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
    |