1 Samuel 23

1 Samuel 23:1-6

We have here, 1. David refusing the city of Keilah out of the hands of the Philistines, ver. 1—6. 2. His danger from Saul’s design is forgering him, and the people’s treachery, which by Divine direction he escapes, ver. 7—13. 3. Jonathan’s visit to him in a wond, ver. 14—18. 4. The information which the Zephites brought Saul of David’s bounty, and Saul’s purest after him, ver. 19—25. 5. David’s narrow escape out of his hands, ver. 26—29. Many are the troubles of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth them out of them all.

1. THEN they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshing-doors. 2. Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and invite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and invite the Philistines, and save Keilah. 3. And David’s men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how

which more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? 4. Then David enquired 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 drove them with a great slaughter: so David saved the inhabitants of Keilah. 6. And it came to pass ’ when Abiathar, the son of Abiathar, fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with ’ an ephod in his hand.

Though David is driven from the country as a traitor, we find him discharging the part of a bold and loyal subject against his country’s enemies.

1. Keilah, a city on the border of the Philistines being besieged, ridings are brought him of it, and he resolves, with God’s permission, to attempt its relief. Dangerous as his situation was, he nobly prefers the public safety to his own. But felt he would enquire of the Lord, which he did, either by the prophet Gad, or by Abiathar, who about this time joined him, when he was near Keilah, say some, or after he had raised the siege as others. The answer was agreeable to his wishes, and God promises him victory. Note, (1.) We must not resist the injuries we have received, so as to withdraw our help, when the distress of our country calls for it. (2.) We shall speed well, when we take God’s counsel and blessing along with us.

2. His men seem in no wise inclined to the expedition; they object they were scarcely secure where they were, and how much greater would be their danger if they expected themselves, where they had as much to fear from the sword of Saul, as the army of the Philistines. Note, The discouragement we meet with from our friends, is often more disheartening than the avowed opposition of our enemies.

3. Once more David enquires of God for the satisfaction of his little hand; and having received an express command to go, and promise of success, they are content to follow him, and accordingly they fall upon their enemy, give them a total overthrow, and not only relieve Keilah, but make an incursion into the country of the Philistines, and return laden with God. Note, They who go out under a Divine call, will return triumphant over all their enemies.