Kei'lah is a significant location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the narrative of David's early exploits before he became king of Israel. It is a town in the lowlands of Judah, identified with the modern site of Khirbet Qila, situated approximately 8 miles northwest of Hebron. The town's historical and biblical importance is primarily derived from its association with David during his fugitive years.

Biblical Account:

The primary biblical account of Kei'lah is found in 1 Samuel 23. At this time, David was fleeing from King Saul, who sought to kill him. The Philistines attacked Kei'lah, robbing the threshing floors. David, upon hearing of the Philistine assault, inquired of the LORD whether he should intervene. The LORD instructed David to go and save Kei'lah, promising him victory over the Philistines.

1 Samuel 23:2-5 states: "So David inquired of the LORD, 'Shall I go and attack these Philistines?' 'Go,' the LORD replied, 'and save Kei'lah.' But David’s men said to him, 'Look, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more if we go to Kei'lah against the Philistine forces!' Once again David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him, 'Arise, go down to Kei'lah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.' Then David and his men went to Kei'lah, fought against the Philistines, and carried off their livestock. He inflicted heavy losses on them, and thus David saved the people of Kei'lah."

After the victory, David stayed in Kei'lah, but his presence there was soon reported to Saul. Saul saw this as an opportunity to capture David, believing that David had trapped himself in a fortified city. David, aware of Saul's intentions, sought the LORD's guidance once more. The LORD revealed that the people of Kei'lah would betray David to Saul. Consequently, David and his men, numbering about six hundred, departed from Kei'lah and continued their life on the run.

Historical and Theological Significance:

Kei'lah's narrative highlights several key themes in the biblical text. Firstly, it underscores David's reliance on divine guidance. Throughout the account, David consistently seeks the LORD's will, demonstrating his faith and dependence on God for direction and deliverance. This reliance is a hallmark of David's character and a model of faithfulness for believers.

Secondly, the episode at Kei'lah illustrates the precariousness of David's situation as a fugitive. Despite his anointing as the future king of Israel, David faced constant threats and betrayals. The willingness of the people of Kei'lah to hand David over to Saul, despite his recent deliverance of their town, reflects the complex and often dangerous political landscape of the time.

Lastly, the account of Kei'lah serves as a testament to God's providence and protection over David. Even in the face of potential betrayal and capture, God provided David with the knowledge and means to escape, preserving his life for the fulfillment of his divine destiny as king.

Archaeological Insights:

While definitive archaeological evidence directly linking Khirbet Qila to the biblical Kei'lah is limited, the geographical location and historical context align with the biblical description. Excavations in the region have uncovered remains from various periods, including the Iron Age, which corresponds to the time of David. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of the historical and cultural setting of the biblical narrative.

In summary, Kei'lah is a notable location in the biblical account of David's life, representing themes of divine guidance, human betrayal, and God's providential care. Its account is a vivid reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by David on his journey to kingship.Kei'lah (16 Occurrences)

Joshua 15:44
and Keilah, and Achzib, and Mareshah; nine cities with their villages.
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1 Samuel 23:1
And they told David, saying: 'Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and they rob the threshing-floors.'
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1 Samuel 23:2
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.'
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1 Samuel 23:3
And David's men said unto him: 'Behold, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?'
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1 Samuel 23:4
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 thy hand.'
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1 Samuel 23:5
And David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and slew them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.
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1 Samuel 23:6
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.
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1 Samuel 23:7
And it was told Saul that David was come to Keilah. And Saul said: 'God hath delivered him into my hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that hath gates and bars.'
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1 Samuel 23:8
And Saul summoned all the people to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men.
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1 Samuel 23:10
Then said David: 'O LORD, the God of Israel, Thy servant hath surely heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake.
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1 Samuel 23:11
Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as Thy servant hath heard?' O LORD, the God of Israel, I beseech Thee, tell Thy servant.' And the LORD said: 'He will come down.'
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1 Samuel 23:12
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.'
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1 Samuel 23:13
Then David and his men, who 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 forbore to go forth.
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1 Chronicles 4:19
And the sons of the wife of Hodiah, the sister of Naham, were the father of Keilah the Garmite, and Eshtemoa the Maacathite.
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Nehemiah 3:17
After him repaired the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani. Next unto him repaired Hashabiah, the ruler of half the district of Keilah, for his district.
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Nehemiah 3:18
After him repaired their brethren, Bavvai the son of Henadad, the ruler of half the district of Keilah.
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Kei'lah (16 Occurrences)
Kei'lah. Keilah, Kei'lah. Kelaiah . Multi-Version Concordance Kei'lah
(16 Occurrences). Joshua 15:44 and Keilah, and Achzib, and ...
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Keilah (16 Occurrences)

/k/keilah.htm - 15k

Kelaiah (1 Occurrence)

/k/kelaiah.htm - 7k

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