1 Samuel 23:1-13 ▼

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

2 So David (beloved) inquired of the LORD {YHWH}, “Should I go and attack these Philistines (immigrants)?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah (fortress).”

3 But David’s (beloved) men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah (praised); how much more if we go to Keilah (fortress) against the armies of the Philistines (immigrants)?”

4 Once again, David (beloved) inquired of the LORD {YHWH}, and the LORD answered him: “Go at once to Keilah (fortress), for I will deliver the Philistines (immigrants) into your hand.”

5 Then David (beloved) and his men went to Keilah (fortress), fought against the Philistines (immigrants), and carried off their livestock, striking them with a mighty blow. So David saved the people of Keilah.

6 (Now Abiathar (my father is great) son of Ahimelech (my brother is king) had brought the ephod with him when he fled to David (beloved) at Keilah (fortress).)

7 When Saul (desired) was told that David (beloved) had gone to Keilah (fortress), he said, “God {Elohim} has delivered him into my hand, for he has trapped himself by entering a town with gates and bars.”

8 Then Saul (desired) summoned all his troops to go to war at Keilah (fortress) and besiege David (beloved) and his men.

9 When David (beloved) learned that Saul (desired) was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar (my father is great) the priest, “Bring the ephod.”

10 And David (beloved) said, “O LORD, God {YHWH Elohe} of Israel (he wrestles with God), Your servant has heard that Saul (desired) intends to come to Keilah (fortress) and destroy the city on my account.

11 Will the citizens of Keilah (fortress) surrender me into his hand? Will Saul (desired) come down, as Your servant has heard? O LORD, God {YHWH Elohe} of Israel (he wrestles with God), please tell Your servant.” “He will,” said the LORD.

12 So David (beloved) asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah (fortress) surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul (desired)?” “They will,” said the LORD {YHWH}.

13 Then David (beloved) and his men, about six hundred strong, set out and departed from Keilah (fortress), moving from place to place. When Saul (desired) was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he declined to go forth.