1 Samuel 23
David And His Men Rescue A City And Flee from Saul
In this section of the narrative, David continued to defend his people from the Philistines even as he struggled to protect himself from Saul. Though betrayed by those he defended, he was encouraged by his friend and delivered by his God.
David Rescued Keilah from The Philistines
Continued Concern
Vs. 1 - It was reported to David, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and raiding the threshing floors.”
Despite having been labeled an enemy of Israel and a fugitive of law, David felt compelled to continue defending his people against Philistine attack. Why didn’t Saul and his army come to Keilah’s defense?
By all outward appearance, this was a crazy thing to do. First, David had 400 men with thin resumes and bad credit reports (1 Samuel 22:2) – not exactly a regular army. Second, David had enough trouble with Saul and he didn’t need to add trouble from the Philistines – one enemy is usually enough. Third, this would bring David wide open out before King Saul. This was a dangerous course of action. David did this for two reasons. He had the command of God and the need of the people. - David Guzik
The Priestly Ephod
Vs. 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.”
Since Abiathar had brought with him the high priest’s ephod (containing the Urim and Thummim), David was able to ask and receive God’s direct guidance. God’s first direction was to rescue the Israelite town of Keilah from the raiding Philistines. As soon as he had defeated the Philistines, David withdrew from Keilah. He knew that Saul’s army was larger and better equipped than his. - Don Fleming
The Urim (lit. lights) and Thummim (lit. perfections) were evidently two stones or similar objects, one light and the other dark in color. The high priest carried them in the pocket on the front of his ephod (apron). He ascertained God’s will by drawing one out after mentally assigning a meaning to each. Evidently Abiathar interpreted the will of God for David. - Thomas Constable
Risky Rescue
Vs. 12 - Then David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah hand me and my men over to Saul?” “They will,” the Lord responded.
David knew that he could not trust the people of Keilah to stand with him against Saul. David still recognized Saul as the legal king and did not want to fight against him. Nor did he encourage the Israelite people to fight against their king. - Don Fleming
Perhaps David pictures Jesus here as a future king moving in obedience to God to rescue a people who would still betray and reject him. Did he want to fight, to defend himself against accusations and attacks? Was it difficult for him to continually run like a guilty fugitive rather than to battle for his own reputation and rightful reign?
Divine Direction?
Vs. 7 - When it was reported to Saul that David had gone to Keilah, he said, “God has handed him over to me.”
Vs. 14 - Saul searched for him every day, but God did not hand David over to him.
Vs. 21 - “May you be blessed by the Lord,” replied Saul, “for you have shown concern for me.”
Twice in this section, the author recorded a declaration from Saul that God Himself was guiding his daily efforts to track down and kill the future king of Israel. But the author clearly communicated that God was actually leading David and responding to his multiple inquiries while Saul made baseless claims of divine direction. Was Saul saying these things to convince those around him that God was on their side, or did he actually believe he was acting on God’s behalf?
A Renewed Covenant of Friendship
Faith in God
Vs. 16 - Then Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and encouraged him in his faith in God.
While this section of the narrative begins and ends with action and escape, the author did not fail to include this quiet moment of covenant between two friends. It’s difficult to imagine how conflicted Jonathan could have been in his unique circumstances, but the passing of time did not seem to deter his commitment to his friend and surrender to the will of God.
Jonathan risked his own safety to encourage his friend again. What he said to David rested on God’s promises and plans for David that both Jonathan and Saul now knew. Jonathan cooperated with God’s plans, but Saul resisted them. - Thomas Constable
Future Plans
Vs. 17 - You yourself will be king over Israel, and I’ll be your second-in-command.
Because of their great friendship, David and Jonathan looked forward to the day when David would be king, and Jonathan would support and help him. But it would never come to pass because Jonathan would die before David became king. Jonathan’s encouragement was a mix of divine promises and an expression of hope and desire. - David Guzik
A Final Goodbye
Vs. 18 - Then the two of them made a covenant in the Lord’s presence.
In the middle of much conflict and chaos, Jonathan and David paused to renew their commitment to one another. But their dreams of a future friendship, one without hiding and harassment, would never be realized. From what we know, the two friends would never see one another again after this.
A Close Call Near Ziph
Fear and Betrayal
Vs. 19-20 - Some Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Isn’t it true that David is hiding among us in the strongholds in Horesh on the hill of Hachilah south of Jeshimon? So now, whenever the king wants to come down, let him come down. As for us, we will be glad to hand him over to the king.”
The willingness of the people of Keilah to hand their savior over to Saul demonstrates base ingratitude for David’s deliverance of them. It also reveals how fearful they were of Saul who had recently destroyed another town, Nob, for harboring David. - Thomas Constable
Closing In
Vs. 26-27 - Even though David was hurrying to get away from Saul, Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them. Then a messenger came to Saul saying, “Come quickly, because the Philistines have raided the land!”
This scene was described like one from an action movie. Just as David and his men found themselves surrounded with no escape, King Saul was summoned to abandon his pursuit. The author did not provide commentary here nor attribute the rescue to God, but the reader should not miss this illustration of providential protection. David ran, but God rescued. David continued to struggle, but God did not fail to sustain.
Prayer for Deliverance
At this time, David expressed his feelings to the Lord in…Psalm 54. The title to that Psalm reads, A Contemplation of David when the Ziphites went and said to Saul, “Is David not hiding with us?” - David Guzik
Psalm 54:1-5 - God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might! God, hear my prayer; listen to the words from my mouth. For strangers rise up against me, and violent men intend to kill me. They do not let God guide them. God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my life. He will repay my adversaries for their evil.
