Topical Bible: Ingratitude: Men of Keilah to David

◄ Ingratitude: Men of Keilah to David ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The narrative of the men of Keilah's ingratitude towards David is a poignant example of human fickleness and the failure to recognize and honor deliverance. This account is found in 1 Samuel 23, where David, the anointed yet not-yet-crowned king of Israel, demonstrates his leadership and valor by rescuing the city of Keilah from the Philistines.

Context and Background

During the time of King Saul's reign, David was a fugitive, fleeing from Saul's relentless pursuit. Despite being on the run, David continued to act as a protector of Israel. The city of Keilah, located in the lowlands of Judah, was under threat from the Philistines, who were looting the threshing floors. The people of Keilah were in dire need of deliverance, and David, upon inquiring of the LORD, received divine instruction to save the city.

David's Deliverance of Keilah

David, with his men, went to Keilah and fought against the Philistines, achieving a significant victory. The Berean Standard Bible records, "So David and his men went to Keilah, fought against the Philistines, and carried off their livestock. He inflicted heavy losses on the Philistines and saved the people of Keilah" (1 Samuel 23:5). This act of bravery and selflessness should have engendered gratitude and loyalty from the inhabitants of Keilah.

The Ingratitude of Keilah

Despite David's deliverance, the men of Keilah displayed a profound ingratitude. When Saul learned that David was in Keilah, he saw an opportunity to capture him. David, aware of Saul's intentions, sought the LORD's guidance once more. The LORD revealed to David that the men of Keilah would betray him to Saul. "Then David asked, 'Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?' And the LORD said, 'They will surrender you'" (1 Samuel 23:12).

This revelation of betrayal highlights the ingratitude of the people of Keilah. Despite David's recent deliverance of their city, they were willing to hand him over to Saul, prioritizing their immediate safety over loyalty to their savior. This act underscores a recurring theme in human nature: the tendency to forget past mercies and deliverances when faced with new threats or pressures.

Theological Implications

The ingratitude of the men of Keilah serves as a cautionary tale about the human propensity to overlook divine intervention and the instruments of God's deliverance. It reflects a broader biblical theme where God's chosen leaders, like Moses and later Jesus Christ, often faced rejection and ingratitude from those they came to save. This narrative invites reflection on the importance of gratitude and faithfulness to those who act as agents of God's deliverance and protection.

Lessons for Believers

For believers, the account of Keilah is a reminder to cultivate a heart of gratitude, recognizing and honoring those who have been instruments of God's grace in their lives. It challenges individuals to remain steadfast in loyalty and appreciation, even when circumstances change or when new challenges arise. The account encourages a deeper trust in God's providence and a commitment to uphold righteousness and gratitude in all situations.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 23:5-12
So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.
Nave's Topical Index