1 Samuel 23:1-8 ▼

1 And they declared to David, saying, “Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and they are plundering the threshing floors.”

2 And David inquired of YHWH, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” And YHWH said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines, and save Keilah.”

3 And the men of David said to him, “Behold, we here in Judah are afraid, and how much more when we go to Keilah against the ranks of the Philistines?”

4 And David once again inquired of YHWH, and YHWH answered him and said, “Arise, go down to Keilah, for I am giving the Philistines into your hand.”

5 And David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and he led away their livestock and struck them with a mighty blow. And David saved those dwelling in Keilah.

6 (And it came to pass, when Abiathar son of Ahimelech had fled to David at Keilah, that an ephod came down in his hand.)

7 And it was told to Saul that David had gone to Keilah. And Saul said, “God has delivered him into my hand, for he has shut himself in by entering a town that has gates and bars.”

8 And Saul called together all the people for war to go down to Keilah to lay siege to David and his men.