1 Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors.
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.
3 And 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?
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 thine hand.
5 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.
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.
7 And 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.
8 And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men.
9 And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.
10 Then 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.
11 Will 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.
12 Then 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.
13 Then 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.
14 And 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.
15 And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David [was] in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.
16 And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
17 And 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.
18 And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.
19 Then 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?
20 Now 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.
21 And Saul said, Blessed [be] ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me.
22 Go, 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.
23 See 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.
24 And 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.
25 Saul 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.
26 And 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.
27 But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land.
28 Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Selahammahlekoth.
29 And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at Engedi.
Overview of 1 Samuel Chapter 23
1 Samuel Chapter 23 narrates the ongoing conflict between David and Saul, highlighting David’s leadership qualities, his reliance on God, and the complexities of his relationship with the people of Israel. The chapter emphasizes themes of loyalty, divine guidance, and the struggle for power.
Key Events
- David Rescues Keilah
- David learns that the Philistines are attacking Keilah, a city in Judah.
- He seeks God’s counsel through the ephod, asking whether he should go and fight the Philistines.
- God instructs David to attack, promising victory over the Philistines.
- David leads his men to Keilah, successfully defeating the Philistines and rescuing the city.
- David’s Dilemma
- After the victory, David learns that Saul is coming to Keilah to capture him.
- David again consults God, asking if the people of Keilah would betray him to Saul.
- God reveals that the people would indeed turn him over to Saul.
- David decides to flee from Keilah with his men to avoid capture.
- David’s Wilderness Experience
- David escapes to the wilderness of Ziph, where he continues to evade Saul.
- Saul actively searches for David, demonstrating his relentless pursuit.
- David remains in the strongholds and the wilderness, relying on God for protection.
- Jonathan’s Visit
- Jonathan, Saul’s son and David’s close friend, visits David in the wilderness.
- He encourages David, reaffirming that David will be king and that Saul will not find him.
- Jonathan’s loyalty and support provide David with much-needed strength.
- Saul’s Pursuit Continues
- Saul receives information about David’s location and intensifies his search.
- As Saul approaches, David is warned, leading to a narrow escape.
- God intervenes, causing Saul to be distracted by a Philistine invasion, allowing David to escape.
Thematic Analysis
- Divine Guidance
The chapter illustrates the importance of seeking God’s guidance in decision-making. David’s repeated consultations with God show his reliance on divine wisdom, contrasting with Saul’s increasingly erratic behavior.
- Loyalty and Friendship
The bond between David and Jonathan exemplifies true friendship. Jonathan’s visit signifies loyalty, as he supports David despite the danger posed by his own father, Saul.
- Conflict and Survival
The ongoing conflict between David and Saul represents the struggle for power within Israel. David’s ability to evade capture highlights his resourcefulness and the theme of survival amidst adversity.
- Human Betrayal
David’s concern about the people of Keilah betraying him underscores the theme of betrayal. It reflects the precarious nature of alliances and the uncertainty of loyalty in times of conflict.
Character Analysis
- David
David emerges as a resilient leader, demonstrating courage, wisdom, and faith. His ability to consult God and make strategic decisions showcases his leadership qualities.
- Saul
Saul’s character is marked by jealousy and paranoia. His relentless pursuit of David reveals his inability to accept the divine will and his deteriorating mental state.
- Jonathan
Jonathan is portrayed as a loyal friend, willing to risk his own safety for David. His actions highlight the theme of true friendship and loyalty in the face of familial loyalty.
Conclusion
1 Samuel Chapter 23 is a pivotal chapter that encapsulates the struggle between David and Saul while emphasizing themes of divine guidance, loyalty, and the complexities of human relationships. David’s reliance on God and his ability to navigate through treachery and conflict set the stage for his eventual rise to kingship.
