1 Samuel 23:2
1 Samuel 23:2 in Multiple Translations
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.”
Therefore David enquired 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.
Therefore David inquired of Jehovah, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And Jehovah said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.
So David, questioning the Lord, said, Am I to go and make an attack on these Philistines? And the Lord said to David, Go and make an attack on the Philistines so that Keilah may be kept from falling into their hands.
So he asked advice from the Lord, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” The Lord told David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.”
Therfore Dauid asked counsel of the Lord, saying, Shal I goe and smite these Philistims? And the Lord answered Dauid, Go and smite the Philistims, and saue Keilah.
And 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.'
Therefore David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go and strike these Philistines?” The LORD said to David, “Go strike the Philistines, and save Keilah.”
Therefore David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said to David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.
Therefore David consulted the Lord, saying: Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the Lord said to David: Go, and thou shalt smite the Philistines, and shalt save Ceila.
David asked Yahweh, “Should my men and I go to fight against those men from the Philistia people-group?” Yahweh answered, “Yes, go. Attack them, and rescue the people of Keilah.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 23:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 23:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׁאַ֨ל
דָּוִ֤ד
בַּֽ/יהוָה֙
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
הַ/אֵלֵ֣ךְ
וְ/הִכֵּ֔יתִי
בַּ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
יְהוָ֜ה
אֶל
דָּוִ֗ד
לֵ֚ךְ
וְ/הִכִּ֣יתָ
בַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
וְ/הוֹשַׁעְתָּ֖
אֶת
קְעִילָֽה
וַ/יִּשְׁאַ֨ל
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִ֤ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
בַּֽ/יהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הַ/אֵלֵ֣ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Part | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
וְ/הִכֵּ֔יתִי
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
בַּ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Prep | Ngmpa
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֜ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
דָּוִ֗ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
לֵ֚ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
וְ/הִכִּ֣יתָ
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
בַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Prep | Ngmpa
וְ/הוֹשַׁעְתָּ֖
yâshaʻ
H3467
to save
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
קְעִילָֽה
Qᵉʻîylâh
H7084
Keilah
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 23:2
וַ/יִּשְׁאַ֨ל
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
דָּוִ֤ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
בַּֽ/יהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הַ/אֵלֵ֣ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Part | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
וְ/הִכֵּ֔יתִי
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
בַּ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Prep | Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֜ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
דָּוִ֗ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
לֵ֚ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
וְ/הִכִּ֣יתָ
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
בַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Prep | Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
וְ/הוֹשַׁעְתָּ֖
yâshaʻ
H3467
"to save"
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to
Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
קְעִילָֽה
Qᵉʻîylâh
H7084
"Keilah"
N-proper
Keilah was a city in ancient Judah, mentioned in the Bible as a place where David fought the Philistines. It was a fortified town, located northwest of Hebron. The city plays a significant role in the story of David's life, as recorded in 1 Samuel.
Definition: § Keilah = "fortress" a city in the lowlands of Judah northwest of Hebron
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Keilah. See also: Joshua 15:44; 1 Samuel 23:8; Nehemiah 3:18.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 23:2
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- Sermons on 1 Samuel 23:2
Context — David Delivers Keilah
1Now it was reported to David, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and looting the threshing floors.”
2So 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.”
3But 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?” 4Once 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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 23:4 | 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.” |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 5:19 | So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.” |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 5:23 | So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 23:9–12 | When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.” 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. Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as Your servant has heard? O LORD, God of Israel, please tell Your servant.” “He will,” said the LORD. So David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” “They will,” said the LORD. |
| 5 | Joshua 9:14 | Then the men of Israel sampled their provisions, but did not seek the counsel of the LORD. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 23:6 | (Now Abiathar son of Ahimelech had brought the ephod with him when he fled to David at Keilah.) |
| 7 | Jeremiah 10:23 | I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 30:8 | and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.” |
| 9 | Numbers 27:21 | He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him—the entire congregation—will go out and come in.” |
| 10 | Proverbs 3:5–6 | Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. |
1 Samuel 23:2 Summary
In this verse, we see David seeking God's guidance and direction before taking action against the Philistines. David asked God if he should go and attack the Philistines, and God told him to go and save the city of Keilah. This shows us the importance of seeking God's will and guidance in our decisions, just like David did (as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6). By seeking God's guidance, we can trust that He will provide us with the wisdom and direction we need to make good choices and live a life that honors Him, as promised in James 1:5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David inquire of the LORD before attacking the Philistines?
David inquired of the LORD to seek His guidance and will, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:2, demonstrating his dependence on God's direction, much like we see in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are encouraged to trust in the LORD with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
What can we learn from David's example of seeking God's guidance?
We can learn the importance of seeking God's will and guidance in our decisions, just as David did, and trust that He will provide us with the wisdom and direction we need, as promised in James 1:5, where it says that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.
How did God respond to David's inquiry?
God responded to David's inquiry by instructing him to go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:2, demonstrating God's desire to use David to accomplish His purposes and bring glory to Himself, much like we see in Ephesians 2:10, where we are told that we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.
What does this verse reveal about David's relationship with God?
This verse reveals that David had a personal and intimate relationship with God, where he could inquire of the LORD and receive guidance and direction, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:2, demonstrating a deep trust and dependence on God, much like we see in Psalm 23:1-4, where David expresses his trust in the LORD as his Shepherd.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's guidance and direction, just like David did in this verse?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in uncertain or challenging circumstances?
- What are some ways that I can apply the principle of seeking God's will and guidance in my daily decisions and actions?
- How can I balance my own desires and plans with a willingness to submit to God's will and guidance, as seen in David's example?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of prayer and seeking God's guidance in my life?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 23:2
Therefore David inquired of the Lord, saying, shall I go and smite these Philistines?.... For though David was well disposed to serve his country, and was desirous of freeing them from their enemies
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:2
David inquired of the Lord; either by Abiathar; or rather, by Gad, who was a prophet, , and David’ s seer, , and was now with David, ; for Abiathar was not yet come to him, . Shall I go and smite these Philistines? for the case was both doubtful and new, he having not yet made any attempt upon the Philistines, but by Saul’ s commission; and dangerous, because of the small number of his forces.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:2
1 Samuel 23:2 Therefore David enquired 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.Ver. 2. Therefore David inquired of the Lord.] By his prophet Gad, say most interpreters; for Abiathar was not yet come unto him, and that which is read of him in 1 Samuel 22:20 is spoken by way of anticipation. War is to be made by wise counsel, saith Solomon, and, long after him, Salust, a heathen historian: surely it is fit that God be consulted - viz., by prayer and searching the Scriptures - ere war be waged; since it is matter of so great weight, and the issue thereof so uncertain. Herein Josiah was too short, and died for it.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:2
(2) David enquired of the Lord.—The enquiry was not made of the priest wearing the ephod, by means of the Urim and Thummim, for, according to 1 Samuel 23:6, Abiathar, the high priest who succeeded the murdered Ahimelech, only joined David at Keilah, the citizens of which place were then asking for his aid against their foes. But Gad the prophet was with David, and the enquiry was made, no doubt, through him. We know that such enquiries were made through prophets, for we possess a detailed account of such an enquiry being made by Jehoshaphat of the prophet Micaiah (1 Kings 22:5; 1 Kings 22:7-8), in which passage the same formula is used as in this case. The Talmud too, when discussing the enquiries made through the Urim and Thummim, whilst dwelling on the greater weight of the decision pronounced by the sacred stones, assumes that questions were also asked through the prophets. “The decree pronounced by a prophet is revocable, but the decision of the Urim and Thummim is irrevocable.”—Treatise Yoma, fol. 73 Colossians 1.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:2
Verse 2. Therefore David inquired of the Lord] In what way David made this inquiry we are not told, but it was probably by means of Abiathar; and therefore I think, with Houbigant that the sixth verse should be read immediately after the first. The adventure mentioned here was truly noble. Had not David loved his country, and been above all motives of private and personal revenge, he would have rejoiced in this invasion of Judah as producing a strong diversion in his favour, and embroiling his inveterate enemy. In most cases a man with David's wrongs would have joined with the enemies of his country, and avenged himself on the author of his adversities; but he thinks of nothing but succouring Keilah, and using his power and influence in behalf of his brethren! This is a rare instance of disinterested heroism. The Lord said - Go and smite] He might now go with confidence, being assured of success. When God promises success, who need be afraid of the face of any enemy?
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 23:2
2. inquired of the Lord] Through the high-priest Abiathar. See on 1 Samuel 23:6.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 23:2
If Gad was with David at the forest of Hareth 1 Samuel 22:5, and there inquired for him of the Lord 1 Samuel 23:2,1 Samuel 23:4, but did not accompany him to Keilah, and if Abiathar’s flight occurred
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:2
2. David inquired of the Lord — Through the urim and thummin of the priest Abiathar.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 23:2
| Sermon | Description | |
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(2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the need for Christians to have a mature understanding of the spiritual battle they face. He uses the example of a young man in military tra |
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(Through the Bible) 1 Samuel by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the contrasting lives of Saul and David in the book of 1 Samuel. It highlights Saul's downfall due to disobedience, fear of people, lack of repentance, and |
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Practical Prayer by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of practical prayer in everyday life, illustrating how prayer can guide us in our daily affairs, provide wisdom, and bring healing. He high |
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James Chapter 8 Practical Prayer by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of practical prayer in everyday life, illustrating how prayer connects with wisdom, trials, joy, sickness, and intercession for others. He |
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(Grace Baptist) Wait on the Lord by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David and his battle with the Philistines. Instead of repeating the same strategy as before, God instructs David to stand by the |
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He Said to Abiathar the Priest, by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance in times of distress, as exemplified by David's reliance on the ephod during a crisis when his men considered stoning |
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A Covenant That Covers by William Carrol | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of making bad decisions and how they can become a part of our lives. He uses the analogy of being hewers of wood and drawers of w |