Our Lord & Savior

The Book of 1 Samuel: Part 2

David Saves the City of Keilah

(1 Samuel 23:1-13)

1 They informed David, "Look, the Philistines are battling against Keilah and plundering the threshing floors."

2 So David sought guidance from the Lord, asking, "Should I go and strike down these Philistines?" And the Lord instructed David, "Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah."

3 David's men expressed to him, "We are already fearful here in Judah; how much more so if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces?"

4 David consulted the Lord once more, and the Lord replied, "Set out for Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hands."

5 David and his men went to Keilah, battled the Philistines, seized their livestock, and struck them with a great defeat. Thus, David rescued the people of Keilah.

6 When Abiathar, son of Ahimelech, fled to David at Keilah, he arrived with an ephod in his hand.

7 Saul was informed that David had gone to Keilah. Saul said, "God has delivered him into my hands, for he has trapped himself by entering a town with gates and bars."

8 Saul summoned all his forces for war to descend upon Keilah and lay siege to David and his men.

9 David was aware that Saul was secretly plotting harm against him; he told Abiathar the priest, "Bring the ephod here."

10 David then said, "O Lord, God of Israel, your servant has heard for certain that Saul plans to come to Keilah and destroy the city on my account.

11 "Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me to him? Will Saul come down as your servant has heard? O Lord, God of Israel, please inform your servant." And the Lord answered, "He will come down."

12 Then David inquired, "Will the inhabitants of Keilah surrender me and my men to Saul?" And the Lord replied, "They will surrender you."

13 So David and his approximately six hundred men arose and left Keilah, traveling wherever they could. When Saul was informed that David had fled from Keilah, he ceased his pursuit.