What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 23:5? Then David and his men went to Keilah • David’s movement is purposeful, flowing from his earlier inquiry of the LORD (1 Samuel 23:2: “Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah”). • Obedience follows revelation; like Abraham moving at God’s word (Genesis 12:4) and Peter stepping out of the boat (Matthew 14:29), David shows faith in action. • This sets the tone: spiritual direction precedes military direction (cf. 2 Samuel 5:19, “David inquired of the LORD, ‘Shall I go up against the Philistines?’”). Fought against the Philistines • Keilah, a border town, was under siege (1 Samuel 23:1). David aligns himself with God’s covenant people against their perennial enemy (Exodus 17:16). • Earlier victories—Goliath (1 Samuel 17) and skirmishes (1 Samuel 19:8)—prove that faith-fueled courage is repeatable. • The pattern mirrors Samson’s stand at Lehi (Judges 15:14-16): one man’s trust rallies many and turns the tide for an entire community. Carried off their livestock • Capturing animals did two things: – Removed the Philistines’ economic strength (cf. Deuteronomy 20:14 on lawful spoils). – Supplied Keilah and David’s men, who had been living off the land (1 Samuel 25:13). • Later at Ziklag, David again safeguards livestock as evidence of victory (1 Samuel 30:20). Provision often accompanies deliverance (Philippians 4:19). Striking them with a mighty blow • The phrase underscores total triumph, not a partial skirmish (cf. 2 Samuel 5:20, “The LORD has burst out against my enemies”). • God’s power, not mere tactics, explains the outcome, echoing Joshua’s decisive wins such as at Ai (Joshua 8:18-26). • The defeat discourages further Philistine raids, illustrating how decisive obedience brings lasting peace (Proverbs 16:7). So David saved the people of Keilah • Salvation here is tangible rescue, paralleling Saul’s first deliverance of Jabesh-gilead (1 Samuel 11:13). • David foreshadows the ultimate Deliverer who would later proclaim, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). • Ironically, Keilah’s citizens will soon contemplate handing David over to Saul (1 Samuel 23:12), reminding us that human gratitude may fade, yet godly duty remains (Galatians 6:9). summary 1 Samuel 23:5 records a swift, God-directed victory: David obeys, confronts the Philistines, seizes their resources, routs them completely, and rescues an endangered town. The verse showcases a leadership style anchored in seeking God first, moving in faith, and blessing others—pointing forward to the perfect Deliverer who rescues all who trust Him. |
    |