1 Samuel Chapter 23

Updated: September 14, 2025

David Delivers Keilah

(Psalm 54:1-7)

1Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors. 2Therefore 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. 3And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? 4Then 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 thine hand. 5So 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.

6And 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.

Saul Pursues David

7And it was told Saul that David was come to Keilah. And Saul said, God hath delivered him into mine hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that hath gates and bars. 8And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men. 9And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod. 10Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake. 11Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O LORD God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the LORD said, He will come down. 12Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up. 13Then David and his men, which 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 forbare to go forth. 14And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.

15And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood. 16And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God. 17And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth. 18And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.

19Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon? 20Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire of thy soul to come down; and our part shall be to deliver him into the king's hand. 21And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me. 22Go, I pray you, prepare yet, and know and see his place where his haunt is, and who hath seen him there: for it is told me that he dealeth very subtilly. 23See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah.

24And they arose, and went to Ziph before Saul: but David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the plain on the south of Jeshimon. 25Saul also and his men went to seek him. And they told David: wherefore he came down into a rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon. 26And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them. 27But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land. 28Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Selahammahlekoth. 29And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at Engedi.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

David Delivers Keilah

1 David was told, “Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and are robbing the threshing floors.” 2 Therefore David inquired of Yahweh, saying, “Shall I go and strike these Philistines?” Yahweh said to David, “Go strike the Philistines, and save Keilah.” 3 David’s men said to him, “Behold, we are afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” 4 Then David inquired of Yahweh yet again. Yahweh answered him, and said, “Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” 5 David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their livestock, and killed them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.

6 It happened, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand.

Saul Pursues David
(Psalm 54:1–7)

7 It was told Saul that David had come to Keilah. Saul said, “God has delivered him into my hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that has gates and bars.” 8 Saul summoned all the people to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men. 9 David knew that Saul was devising mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod here.” 10 Then David said, “O Yahweh, the God of Israel, your servant has surely heard that Saul seeks to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake. 11 Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? Yahweh, the God of Israel, I beg you, tell your servant.” Yahweh said, “He will come down.” 12 Then David said, “Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul?” Yahweh said, “They will deliver you up.” 13 Then David and his men, who were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went wherever they could go. It was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he gave up going there. 14 David stayed in the wilderness in the strongholds, and remained in the hill country in the wilderness of Ziph. Saul sought him every day, but God didn’t deliver him into his hand.

15 David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. David was in the wilderness of Ziph in the wood. 16 Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose, and went to David into the woods, and strengthened his hand in God. 17 He said to him, “Don’t be afraid; for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you; and you shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you; and that also Saul my father knows.” 18 They both made a covenant before Yahweh: and David stayed in the woods, and Jonathan went to his house.

19 Then the Ziphites came up to Saul to Gibeah, saying, “Doesn’t David hide himself with us in the strongholds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of the desert? 20 Now therefore, O king, come down, according to all the desire of your soul to come down; and our part shall be to deliver him up into the king’s hand.” 21 Saul said, “You are blessed by Yahweh; for you have had compassion on me. 22 Please go make yet more sure, and know and see his place where his haunt is, and who has seen him there; for it is told me that he deals very subtly. 23 See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hides himself, and come again to me with certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall happen, if he is in the land, that I will search him out among all the thousands of Judah.”

24 They arose, and went to Ziph before Saul: but David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the Arabah on the south of the desert. 25 Saul and his men went to seek him. When David was told, he went down to the rock, and stayed in the wilderness of Maon. When Saul heard that, he pursued David in the wilderness of Maon. 26 Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men surrounded David and his men to take them. 27 But a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Hurry and come; for the Philistines have made a raid on the land!” 28 So Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Sela Hammahlekoth. 29 David went up from there, and lived in the strongholds of En Gedi.

David Delivers Keilah

1 Now it was reported to David, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and looting the threshing floors.”

2 So 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.”

3 But 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?”

4 Once 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.”

5 Then 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
(Psalm 54:1–7)

7 When 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.”

8 Then Saul summoned all his troops to go to war at Keilah and besiege David and his men.

9 When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.”

10 And 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. 11 Will 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.”

“He will,” said the LORD.

12 So David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?”

“They will,” said the LORD.

13 Then 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.

14 And 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.

15 While David was in Horesh in the Wilderness of Ziph, he saw that Saul had come out to take his life. 16 And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, 17 saying, “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.”

18 So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.

19 Then 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? 20 Now, 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. 22 Please 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. 23 Observe 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.”

24 So 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, 25 and 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.

26 Saul 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.

27 Then a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Come quickly, for the Philistines have raided the land!” 28 So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why that place is called Sela-hammahlekoth. b 29 And 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 .

David Delivers Keilah

(Psalm 54:1-7)

1And they declare to David, saying, 'Lo, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and they are spoiling the threshing-floors.' 2And David asketh at Jehovah, saying, 'Do I go? -- and have I smitten among these Philistines?' And Jehovah saith unto David, 'Go, and thou hast smitten among the Philistines, and saved Keilah.' 3And David's men say unto him, 'Lo, we here in Judah are afraid; and how much more when we go to Keilah, unto the ranks of the Philistines?' 4And David addeth again to ask at Jehovah, and Jehovah answereth him, and saith, 'Rise, go down to Keilah, for I am giving the Philistines into thy hand.' 5And David goeth, and his men, to Keilah, and fighteth with the Philistines, and leadeth away their cattle, and smiteth among them -- a great smiting, and David saveth the inhabitants of Keilah.

6And it cometh to pass, in the fleeing of Abiathar son of Ahimelech unto David, to Keilah, an ephod came down in his hand.

Saul Pursues David

7And it is declared to Saul that David hath come in to Keilah, and Saul saith, 'God hath made him known for my hand, for he hath been shut in, to enter into a city of doors and bar.' 8And Saul summoneth the whole of the people to battle, to go down to Keilah, to lay siege unto David and unto his men. 9And David knoweth that against him Saul is devising the evil, and saith unto Abiathar the priest, 'Bring nigh the ephod.' 10And David saith, 'Jehovah, God of Israel, Thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul is seeking to come in unto Keilah, to destroy the city on mine account. 11Do the possessors of Keilah shut me up into his hand? doth Saul come down as Thy servant hath heard? Jehovah, God of Israel, declare, I pray Thee, to Thy servant.' And Jehovah saith, 'He doth come down.' 12And David saith, 'Do the possessors of Keilah shut me up, and my men, into the hand of Saul?' And Jehovah saith, 'They shut thee up.' 13And David riseth -- and his men -- about six hundred men, and they go out from Keilah, and go up and down where they go up and down; and to Saul it hath been declared that David hath escaped from Keilah, and he ceaseth to go out. 14And David abideth in the wilderness, in fortresses, and abideth in the hill-country, in the wilderness of Ziph; and Saul seeketh him all the days, and God hath not given him into his hand.

15And David seeth that Saul hath come out to seek his life, and David is in the wilderness of Ziph, in a forest. 16And Jonathan son of Saul riseth, and goeth unto David to the forest, and strengtheneth his hand in God, 17and saith unto him, 'Fear not, for the hand of Saul my father doth not find thee, and thou dost reign over Israel, and I am to thee for second, and also so knoweth Saul my father.' 18And they make a covenant both of them before Jehovah; and David abideth in the forest, and Jonathan hath gone to his house.

19And the Ziphites go up unto Saul to Gibeah, saying, 'Is not David hiding himself with us in fortresses, in the forest, in the height of Hachilah, which is on the south of the desolate place? 20And, now, by all the desire of thy soul, O king, to come down, come down, and ours is to shut him up into the hand of the king.' 21And Saul saith, 'Blessed are ye of Jehovah, for ye have pity on me; 22go, I pray you, prepare yet, and know and see his place where his foot is; who hath seen him there? for one hath said unto me, He is very subtile. 23And see and know of all the hiding-places where he hideth himself, and ye have turned back unto me prepared, and I have gone with you, and it hath been, if he is in the land, that I have searched him out through all the thousands of Judah.'

24And they rise and go to Ziph before Saul, and David and his men are in the wilderness of Maon, in the plain, at the south of the desolate place. 25And Saul and his men go to seek, and they declare to David, and he goeth down the rock, and abideth in the wilderness of Maon; and Saul heareth, and pursueth after David to the wilderness of Maon. 26And Saul goeth on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain, and David is hastened to go from the face of Saul, and Saul and his men are compassing David and his men, to catch them. 27And a messenger hath come in unto Saul, saying, 'Haste, and come, for the Philistines have pushed against the land.' 28And Saul turneth back from pursuing after David, and goeth to meet the Philistines, therefore they have called that place 'The Rock of Divisions.' 29And David goeth up thence, and abideth in fortresses at En-gedi.

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The F.O.G Commentary

When God’s Guidance Meets Human Desperation

What’s 1 Samuel 23 about?

Ever felt caught between doing what’s right and protecting yourself? David faces this exact dilemma when he must choose between helping a besieged city and staying hidden from Saul’s relentless pursuit. It’s a masterclass in seeking God’s guidance when the stakes couldn’t be higher.

The Full Context

1 Samuel 23 unfolds during one of the darkest periods in David’s life – his fugitive years when King Saul was hunting him like a wild animal. This chapter comes right after David’s narrow escape from Saul at the cave of Adullam, where he spared the king’s life by cutting off a piece of his robe. The political situation was volatile: David had been anointed as Israel’s future king by Samuel, but Saul still occupied the throne and saw David as a mortal threat to his dynasty. David was leading a band of about 400 men – outcasts, debtors, and the discontented who had joined his cause.

The chapter presents us with three distinct episodes that reveal David’s character under extreme pressure. We see him consulting God through the ephod (the priestly divination tool), making strategic military decisions, and navigating the complex loyalties of a fractured nation. The literary structure builds tension masterfully – each section shows David’s dependence on divine guidance while highlighting the precarious nature of his situation. This passage serves as a crucial bridge between David’s early victories and his eventual ascension to the throne, demonstrating that even God’s anointed must walk by faith through seasons of uncertainty and betrayal.

What the Ancient Words Tell Us

The Hebrew verb sha’al appears repeatedly throughout this chapter, and it’s absolutely crucial to understanding what’s happening. When David “inquired of the Lord” in verse 2, the text uses this same word that means “to ask, seek, or consult.” But here’s what’s fascinating – this isn’t casual prayer. David is using the ephod, a sacred priestly garment with the Urim and Thummim stones that provided yes/no answers from God.

Grammar Geeks

The verb sha’al creates a brilliant wordplay throughout 1 Samuel. Remember, this is the same root for King Saul’s name – literally “the asked-for one” because Israel demanded a king. Yet here we see David consistently asking God for guidance while Saul operates increasingly on his own impulses. The author is subtly contrasting the two kings through this linguistic thread.

When David asks “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” in verse 2, the Hebrew construction shows he’s seeking specific, actionable guidance. The response comes back crystal clear: “Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” But notice what happens next – David’s men push back with legitimate concerns about their safety.

The word pachad in verse 3 – “we are afraid” – literally means “trembling fear.” These weren’t cowards; they were rational men pointing out that helping Keilah would expose their position to Saul. So David goes back to God again with the same question, demonstrating that seeking divine guidance isn’t a one-time event but an ongoing conversation.

What Would the Original Audience Have Heard?

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Ancient Israelites hearing this story would have immediately recognized the significance of David’s actions at Keilah. This wasn’t just military strategy – it was covenant faithfulness in action. The people of Keilah were fellow Israelites being oppressed by foreign invaders, and according to the covenant community’s obligations, David was duty-bound to help them.

Did You Know?

Keilah was a fortified city in the Shephelah, the lowland region between the coastal plain and the hill country. Archaeological excavations have revealed massive defensive walls and gates from this period. The Philistines attacking Keilah were essentially trying to control the grain harvest – this wasn’t just a raid but an economic stranglehold that would affect the entire region.

But here’s what would have struck ancient listeners as remarkable: David consults God not once but twice about the same decision. In a culture where kings were expected to project strength and decisiveness, David’s willingness to seek divine guidance – even when his men questioned him – would have been seen as either wisdom or weakness, depending on your perspective.

The original audience would also have understood the gravity of David’s situation with Saul. When verse 7 says Saul thought “God has delivered him into my hand,” the Hebrew suggests Saul believed divine providence was finally working in his favor. Ancient listeners would have heard the bitter irony – Saul, who rarely consulted God, now assumes God is helping him hunt down God’s anointed.

But Wait… Why Did They…?

Here’s something that puzzles many readers: Why would the people of Keilah, whom David just saved, be willing to hand him over to Saul? Seems like the ultimate betrayal, right?

The answer reveals the harsh political realities of ancient warfare. Keilah was a walled city that depended on royal protection for survival. If they harbored David – a man Saul considered a rebel – the king could besiege their city, cut off their trade routes, or worse. From their perspective, one man’s life (even their rescuer’s) wasn’t worth the destruction of their entire community.

Wait, That’s Strange…

Notice that God doesn’t condemn the people of Keilah for their intended betrayal, nor does David express anger toward them. This suggests that both divine wisdom and human pragmatism can coexist. Sometimes faithfulness to God means understanding when to retreat rather than forcing a confrontation that would harm innocent people.

This also explains why David asks God such specific questions: “Will Saul come down?” followed by “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men to him?” David isn’t just seeking general guidance – he’s conducting reconnaissance through divine revelation. He needs to know not just what might happen, but what will happen if he stays.

Wrestling with the Text

The most challenging aspect of this chapter might be its portrayal of divine guidance. God answers David’s questions with apparent certainty, but how do we reconcile this with our contemporary understanding of prayer and decision-making?

The ephod represents a form of divine communication that seems foreign to modern believers. Yet the principle remains profoundly relevant: David consistently brings his decisions to God before acting. Even when circumstances pressure him toward quick action, he takes time to seek divine perspective.

“Sometimes God’s guidance isn’t about getting the right answer immediately, but about cultivating the right posture consistently.”

What’s particularly striking is that God’s guidance here isn’t always what we might expect. When David asks if Saul will come to Keilah, God says yes. When he asks if the people will betray him, God again says yes. This isn’t the comfortable guidance that makes everything work out perfectly – it’s honest information that allows David to make wise choices in difficult circumstances.

The chapter also raises questions about loyalty and betrayal. David shows loyalty to covenant obligations by helping Keilah, but he’s not naive about human nature. He protects his men by leaving before the situation deteriorates. This suggests that faithfulness sometimes requires strategic withdrawal rather than heroic last stands.

How This Changes Everything

This chapter fundamentally reshapes how we think about divine guidance and leadership under pressure. David demonstrates that seeking God’s will isn’t a sign of weakness or indecision – it’s the mark of a leader who understands the limits of human wisdom.

The pattern David establishes here – consult God, act decisively, remain flexible – becomes a template for godly leadership throughout his reign. Even when anointed as future king, David doesn’t presume to know God’s will without asking. This humility distinguishes him from Saul, who increasingly acts on impulse and human reasoning alone.

For contemporary readers, David’s approach offers a powerful model for decision-making in complex situations. He brings specific questions to God, listens for clear direction, but also uses practical wisdom about human nature and political realities. Faith and pragmatism aren’t opposites – they’re partners in navigating a broken world.

The chapter also reveals that God’s protection doesn’t always look like dramatic rescue. Sometimes divine care means providing information that allows us to avoid unnecessary conflict. David’s escape from Keilah isn’t a miraculous intervention but the fruit of seeking guidance and acting on it wisely.

Key Takeaway

True leadership isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about knowing consistently where to find them. David’s willingness to seek God’s guidance, even multiple times for the same decision, shows us that faithfulness is more about our posture than our performance.

1 Samuel Chapter 23

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