◄ 1 Samuel 23 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary Saul Pursues David 1 Samuel 23 is a vivid reminder that, even in moments of danger and uncertainty, we can seek God's guidance and find assurance in His plans. Like David, we may face adversity and betrayal, yet, in God's perfect timing, we will witness His deliverance. Divine Guidance and Rescue of Keilah (Verses 1-5) David learns that Philistines are attacking Keilah and inquiring God's will, he goes to rescue the city despite the potential danger from Saul. With God's guidance, David and his men triumph over the Philistines, saving Keilah. Saul’s Pursuit and David's Escape (Verses 6-14) When Saul hears that David is in the fortified city of Keilah, he believes God has delivered David into his hands. David, being informed by God through priest Abiathar, leaves Keilah and continually evades Saul, moving from place to place in the wilderness of Ziph and Maon. Jonathan’s Encouragement (Verses 15-18) Jonathan, Saul's son and David's close friend, seeks out David and strengthens him in faith, reminding him of God's future plans for him. They make a covenant before the Lord, and then Jonathan returns home while David stays in Horesh. Betrayal and Escape (Verses 19-29) Ziphites betray David, informing Saul of his whereabouts. Saul pursues David near the Desert of Maon, but as he's about to capture David, he's called away to fight the Philistines. David then escapes to the strongholds of En Gedi. 1 Samuel 23 showcases the pivotal transition of David from a mere fugitive to a protective leader. Amidst Saul's unrelenting pursuit, David sought God's guidance, demonstrating faith and leadership under pressure. The chapter highlights David's rescue of Keilah, his constant evasion of Saul, and the strengthening encouragement from Jonathan. Teaching Points Seeking God's Guidance David inquires of the Lord multiple times (1 Samuel 23:2, 4, 10-12). This highlights the importance of seeking divine direction in our decisions. God's Faithfulness Despite Saul's pursuit, God does not deliver David into his hands (1 Samuel 23:14). This demonstrates God's protection over those who trust in Him. The Role of Friendship Jonathan's visit to David in the wilderness (1 Samuel 23:16-18) underscores the value of godly friendships that encourage and strengthen us in our faith. The Reality of Betrayal The Ziphites' betrayal of David (1 Samuel 23:19-20) serves as a reminder that not everyone will support us, even when we are in the right. Divine Intervention The sudden Philistine invasion (1 Samuel 23:27-28) that diverts Saul's attention from David illustrates how God can use unexpected events to deliver us from danger. Practical Applications Regularly Seek God's Will Make it a habit to pray and seek God's guidance in all areas of life, especially when facing difficult decisions. Trust in God's Protection Remember that God is faithful and will protect and guide those who put their trust in Him, even when circumstances seem dire. Value Godly Friendships Cultivate relationships with fellow believers who can provide encouragement and support in your spiritual journey. Be Prepared for Betrayal Understand that betrayal can come from unexpected places, but remain steadfast in your faith and integrity. Look for God's Hand in Circumstances Be attentive to how God might be working through situations to bring about His purposes, even when they seem unrelated. People 1. David David is the central figure in 1 Samuel 23. He is portrayed as a leader and warrior, seeking guidance from God in his battles against the Philistines and in his flight from King Saul. The Hebrew root of his name, דָּוִד (Dawid), means "beloved." 2. Saul King Saul is the reigning king of Israel who is pursuing David to kill him. His actions are driven by jealousy and fear of losing his throne to David. The Hebrew name שָׁאוּל (Sha'ul) means "asked for" or "prayed for." 3. Abiathar Abiathar is the son of Ahimelech, the priest, and he escapes to David with an ephod after the massacre of the priests at Nob. His presence with David signifies divine guidance. The Hebrew name אֶבְיָתָר (Evyatar) means "father of abundance" or "my father is great." 4. Jonathan Jonathan, the son of Saul, is a loyal friend to David. He meets David in the wilderness to encourage him and reaffirm their covenant. The Hebrew name יְהוֹנָתָן (Yehonatan) means "Yahweh has given." 5. The Philistines The Philistines are the enemies of Israel, and David fights against them to save the city of Keilah. The term "Philistines" comes from the Hebrew פְּלִשְׁתִּים (P'lishtim), meaning "immigrants" or "invaders." 6. The Ziphites The Ziphites are the inhabitants of the region of Ziph who betray David's location to Saul. Their actions are seen as treacherous. The name זִיף (Ziph) is derived from a root meaning "to flow" or "to overflow." 7. Keilah While not a person, Keilah is a city that David saves from the Philistines. The inhabitants of Keilah are significant as they are the people David initially seeks to protect. The name קְעִילָה (Qe'ilah) is thought to mean "fortress" or "citadel." Places 1. Keilah Keilah is a town in the lowlands of Judah. In 1 Samuel 23:1, David is informed that the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and looting the threshing floors. The Hebrew root for Keilah (קְעִילָה, Qe'ilah) suggests a fortified or enclosed place, which is fitting as David later saves the city from the Philistines. 2. Wilderness of Ziph The Wilderness of Ziph is a desert area in the Judean wilderness. In 1 Samuel 23:14, David stays in the strongholds of the wilderness and remains in the hill country of the Wilderness of Ziph. The Hebrew root for Ziph (זִיף, Ziph) may relate to a place of refining or smelting, indicating a rugged, barren area. 3. Horesh Horesh is a location within the Wilderness of Ziph where David hides. In 1 Samuel 23:15, David is in Horesh when Jonathan comes to strengthen his hand in God. The Hebrew word "Horesh" (חֹרֶשׁ, Choreš) means "forest" or "wooded area," suggesting a place with some cover or vegetation. 4. Maon Maon is a town in the hill country of Judah. In 1 Samuel 23:24, Saul pursues David in the Wilderness of Maon. The Hebrew root for Maon (מָעוֹן, Ma'on) means "dwelling" or "habitation," indicating a settled area. 5. Rock of Escape The Rock of Escape is a location where David narrowly escapes from Saul. In 1 Samuel 23:28, Saul breaks off his pursuit of David to confront the Philistines, and the place is named the Rock of Escape. The Hebrew term used here (סֶלַע הַמַּחְלְקוֹת, Sela ha-Machleqot) literally means "rock of divisions" or "rock of partings," signifying a place of deliverance for David. 6. En-gedi En-gedi is an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. In 1 Samuel 23:29, David goes up from there and stays in the strongholds of En-gedi. The Hebrew root for En-gedi (עֵין גֶּדִי, 'Ein Gedi) means "spring of the young goat," reflecting the area's natural springs and wildlife. Events 1. David Saves Keilah David learns that the Philistines are attacking Keilah and inquires of the LORD whether he should go and save the city. The LORD instructs David to go, promising him victory over the Philistines. David and his men go to Keilah, fight the Philistines, and deliver the city. ^"So David inquired of the LORD, 'Shall I go and attack these Philistines?' 'Go,' the LORD replied, 'and save Keilah.'"^ (1 Samuel 23:2) 2. Saul's Pursuit of David Saul hears that David is in Keilah and plans to besiege the city to capture him. David, aware of Saul's intentions, seeks the LORD's guidance again. The LORD reveals that the people of Keilah would betray David to Saul. ^"Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as Your servant has heard? O LORD, God of Israel, please tell Your servant.” And the LORD said, “He will come down.”^ (1 Samuel 23:11) 3. David Escapes to the Wilderness David and his men, about six hundred in number, leave Keilah and wander in the wilderness. They move from place to place to avoid Saul, who continues to seek David's life. ^"So David and his men, about six hundred strong, left Keilah and moved from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he refrained from going there."^ (1 Samuel 23:13) 4. Jonathan Encourages David Jonathan, Saul's son, goes to David in the wilderness of Ziph to encourage him in God. Jonathan reassures David that he will be king over Israel and that Saul will not find him. They make a covenant before the LORD. ^"And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, saying, 'Do not be afraid, for the hand of my father Saul will never lay hold of you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.'"^ (1 Samuel 23:16-17) 5. The Ziphites Betray David The Ziphites go to Saul at Gibeah and inform him of David's hiding place. Saul blesses them for their loyalty and instructs them to gather more information about David's movements. ^"The Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah and said, 'Is David not hiding among us in the strongholds of Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah, south of Jeshimon?'"^ (1 Samuel 23:19) 6. David Narrowly Escapes Saul Saul pursues David in the wilderness of Maon. As Saul closes in on David, a messenger arrives to inform Saul that the Philistines are raiding the land, prompting Saul to break off his pursuit and return to fight the Philistines. ^"Then a messenger came to Saul, saying, 'Come quickly, for the Philistines have raided the land.' So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines."^ (1 Samuel 23:27-28) Connections to Additional Scriptures Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Psalm 54:4 Surely God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul. John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. Prayer Points Pray for a heart that seeks God's guidance in every decision. Ask for protection and deliverance from any Sauls in your life. Thank God for the friends who encourage and strengthen your faith. Pray for wisdom and grace to handle betrayal with integrity. Seek to recognize and trust in God's hand at work in your circumstances. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David demonstrate his trust in God's guidance throughout this chapter? 2. In what ways does David display leadership despite his challenging circumstances? 3. Compare and contrast Saul and David's approach to God's guidance in their decision making. 4. How can we practically seek God's guidance in our everyday lives, as David did? 5. What are some contemporary examples of being betrayed by those close to us, as the Ziphites betrayed David? How should we respond in these situations? 6. How can you cultivate a relationship like Jonathan and David's in your life? How important is faith in such relationships? 7. How does God's intervention at the last moment (Philistines attacking) highlight His protection over David? Can you think of a time when a seemingly bad event led to your protection? 8. How does David's reaction to adversity influence your understanding of leadership and faith? 9. How does 1 Samuel 23 encourage you to deal with life's trials and tribulations? 10. What lessons can modern leaders learn from David's actions and decisions in this chapter? 11. How does David's rescue of Keilah apply to the idea of service in the face of risk? 12. How can you apply the principles of trust and faith demonstrated in this chapter to your life? 13. What does Jonathan's visit to David teach us about loyalty and friendship? 14. How do Saul’s actions in 1 Samuel 23 reflect his view of God compared to David's view? 15. How can you ensure that God's voice guides your decision-making process? 16. What qualities of David demonstrated in this chapter can you cultivate in your personal and professional life? 17. What is the significance of David and Jonathan's covenant? How does it reflect their relationship and trust in God? 18. What strategies can you employ when you feel like you're in the 'wilderness', similar to David's experiences in this chapter? 19. How can the story of David's deliverance inspire you when you face betrayal or adversity? 20. How can we discern if an opportunity, like Saul thought of David in Keilah, is truly from God or a misunderstanding of circumstances? Topics 1. David Saves Keilah David learns that the Philistines are attacking Keilah and seeks the LORD's guidance on whether to intervene. The LORD instructs David to go and save Keilah, promising victory over the Philistines. This demonstrates David's reliance on divine guidance and his role as a protector of Israel. The Hebrew root for "save" (יָשַׁע, yasha) emphasizes deliverance and salvation. 2. Saul's Pursuit of David After David saves Keilah, Saul learns of his location and plans to capture him. Saul's relentless pursuit of David highlights the ongoing conflict between Saul and David, as well as Saul's disobedience to God's will. The Hebrew root for "pursue" (רָדַף, radaph) conveys the intensity of Saul's actions. 3. David's Inquiry of the LORD David seeks the LORD's guidance again, asking if the people of Keilah will betray him to Saul. The LORD confirms that they will, prompting David to leave Keilah. This underscores David's dependence on God's wisdom and the importance of seeking divine direction in times of uncertainty. 4. David in the Wilderness of Ziph David and his men escape to the wilderness of Ziph, where they continue to evade Saul. This period of hiding and survival in the wilderness reflects David's resilience and trust in God's protection. The Hebrew word for "wilderness" (מִדְבָּר, midbar) often symbolizes a place of testing and reliance on God. 5. Jonathan's Encouragement Jonathan, Saul's son, visits David in the wilderness and strengthens his hand in God. Jonathan reaffirms their covenant and encourages David by acknowledging that he will be king over Israel. This interaction highlights the deep friendship and loyalty between Jonathan and David, as well as Jonathan's recognition of God's plan for David. 6. The Ziphites Betray David The Ziphites inform Saul of David's location, offering to help capture him. This act of betrayal contrasts with Jonathan's loyalty and further complicates David's situation. The Hebrew root for "betray" (מָסַר, masar) indicates the act of delivering someone into the hands of an enemy. 7. David's Escape to Maon Saul pursues David to the wilderness of Maon, but David narrowly escapes when Saul is called away to deal with a Philistine raid. This divine intervention underscores God's providential care and protection over David, ensuring his survival against overwhelming odds. 8. The Rock of Escape The chapter concludes with David's escape being memorialized by naming the place "The Rock of Escape." This serves as a testament to God's deliverance and faithfulness in preserving David's life. The Hebrew word for "rock" (צּוּר, tsur) often symbolizes strength and refuge, reflecting God's role as a protector. Themes 1. Divine Guidance and Inquiry In 1 Samuel 23, David frequently seeks the Lord's guidance, demonstrating the importance of divine direction in decision-making. The chapter begins with David inquiring of the Lord whether he should attack the Philistines to save Keilah (1 Samuel 23:2: "So David inquired of the LORD, 'Shall I go and attack these Philistines?'"). The Hebrew root for "inquired" (שָׁאַל, sha'al) emphasizes the act of seeking God's will, highlighting the theme of reliance on divine wisdom. 2. God's Sovereignty and Protection The narrative underscores God's sovereignty and protective hand over David. Despite Saul's pursuit, God ensures David's safety. In 1 Samuel 23:14 (BSB: "And Saul sought him every day, but God did not deliver David into his hand"), the Hebrew word for "deliver" (נָתַן, natan) signifies God's control over the situation, emphasizing His protective nature. 3. Faithfulness and Loyalty The theme of loyalty is evident in the relationship between David and Jonathan. Jonathan's visit to David in the wilderness to strengthen his hand in God (1 Samuel 23:16: "And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God") highlights the Hebrew concept of "strengthening" (חָזַק, chazaq), which implies encouragement and support rooted in faithfulness. 4. Human Betrayal and Divine Justice The betrayal of David by the Ziphites (1 Samuel 23:19: "Then the Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah and said, 'Is David not hiding among us...?") contrasts human treachery with divine justice. The Hebrew root for "betray" (בָּגַד, bagad) reflects the theme of human unfaithfulness, while God's ultimate justice prevails as He protects David. 5. Providence and Deliverance God's providential deliverance is a key theme, as seen when Saul is called away to fight the Philistines, allowing David to escape (1 Samuel 23:27-28: "But a messenger came to Saul, saying, 'Come quickly, for the Philistines have raided the land.' So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines"). The Hebrew concept of "deliverance" (פָּלַט, palat) underscores God's intervention in human affairs to fulfill His purposes. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions