1 Samuel 23:1-8 ▼

1 It was reported to David, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and raiding the threshing floors.”

2 So David inquired of the LORD: “Should I launch an attack against these Philistines? ” The LORD answered David, “Launch an attack against the Philistines and rescue Keilah.”

3 But David’s men said to him, “Look, we’re afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces! ”

4 Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him, “Go at once to Keilah, for I will hand the Philistines over to you.”

5 Then David and his men went to Keilah, fought against the Philistines, drove their livestock away, and inflicted heavy losses on them. So David rescued the inhabitants of Keilah.

6 Abiathar son of Ahimelech fled to David at Keilah, and he brought an ephod with him.

7 When it was reported to Saul that David had gone to Keilah, he said, “God has handed him over to me, for he has trapped himself by entering a town with barred gates.”

8 Then Saul summoned all the troops to go to war at Keilah and besiege David and his men.