Topical Bible: Ingratitude: Men of Keilah

◄ Ingratitude: Men of Keilah ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The narrative of the men of Keilah is a poignant example of ingratitude found in the Old Testament, specifically in 1 Samuel 23. This account highlights the complex interplay of loyalty, divine guidance, and human ingratitude, as experienced by David during his fugitive years.

Context and Background

David, anointed by the prophet Samuel as the future king of Israel, was at this time fleeing from King Saul, who sought his life. During this period, David and his men were living as fugitives, moving from place to place to avoid Saul's pursuit. It was during this time that David received news about the Philistines attacking the town of Keilah and plundering their threshing floors (1 Samuel 23:1).

David's Intervention

Upon hearing of Keilah's plight, David sought the Lord's guidance. The Lord instructed him to go and save Keilah from the Philistines. Despite initial hesitations from his men, who were already fearful for their own safety, David obeyed the Lord's command. "So David and his men went to Keilah, fought against the Philistines, carried off their livestock, and inflicted heavy losses on them. Thus David saved the people of Keilah" (1 Samuel 23:5).

The Ingratitude of Keilah

After David's successful defense of the city, one might expect gratitude and loyalty from the people of Keilah. However, the narrative takes a stark turn. Saul, upon learning of David's presence in Keilah, saw an opportunity to capture him. David, aware of Saul's intentions, again sought the Lord's counsel. The Lord revealed to David that the men of Keilah would betray him to Saul (1 Samuel 23:12).

This revelation underscores the ingratitude of the people of Keilah. Despite David's deliverance of their city from the Philistines, they were prepared to hand him over to Saul, valuing their own safety over loyalty to their savior. David and his men, therefore, departed from Keilah, continuing their life as fugitives.

Theological Implications

The ingratitude of the men of Keilah serves as a sobering reminder of the fickle nature of human loyalty and the tendency to prioritize self-preservation over gratitude and righteousness. This account illustrates the challenges faced by those who seek to do God's will, often encountering betrayal and ingratitude from those they help.

From a theological perspective, this narrative also highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance in times of uncertainty. David's reliance on God's direction, even in the face of potential betrayal, exemplifies a life of faith and obedience. The account of Keilah thus serves as both a warning against ingratitude and an encouragement to trust in God's providence, regardless of human response.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook