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When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he declined to go forth.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/23-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/09_1Sa_23_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 23:13 - Saul Pursues David" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then David and his men, about six hundred strong, set out and departed from Keilah, moving from place to place. 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When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he did not go there. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/23.htm">New Living Translation</a> So David and his men—about 600 of them now—left Keilah and began roaming the countryside. Word soon reached Saul that David had escaped, so he didn’t go to Keilah after all. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/23.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then David and his men, who were about six hundred, arose and departed from Keilah, and they went wherever they could go. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he gave up the expedition. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then David and his men, about six hundred strong, set out and departed from Keilah, moving from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he declined to go forth. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/23.htm">King James Bible</a> Then David and his men, which were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/23.htm">New King James Version</a> So David and his men, about six hundred, arose and departed from Keilah and went wherever they could go. Then it was told Saul that David had escaped from Keilah; so he halted the expedition. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then David and his men, about six hundred, rose up and departed from Keilah, and they went wherever they could go. When it was reported to Saul that David had escaped from Keilah, he gave up the pursuit. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/23.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then David and his men, about six hundred, arose and departed from Keilah, and they went wherever they could go. When it was told Saul that David had escaped from Keilah, he gave up the pursuit. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then David and his men, about six hundred, arose and departed from Keilah, and they went wherever they could go. When it was told Saul that David had escaped from Keilah, he gave up the pursuit. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then David and his men, about six hundred, arose and departed from Keilah, and they went wherever they could go. Now it was told to Saul that David had escaped from Keilah, so he ceased going out in pursuit. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then David and his men, about six hundred, arose and left Keilah, and they went wherever they could go. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he gave up the pursuit. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So David and his men, numbering about six hundred, left Keilah at once and moved from place to place. When it was reported to Saul that David had escaped from Keilah, he called off the expedition. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So David and his men, numbering about 600, left Keilah at once and moved from place to place. When it was reported to Saul that David had escaped from Keilah, he called off the expedition. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/23.htm">American Standard Version</a> Then David and his men, who were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> David and his 600 men got out of there fast and started moving from place to place. Saul heard that David had left Keilah, and he decided not to go after him. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/23.htm">English Revised Version</a> Then David and his men, which were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So David and his men, about six hundred in all, left Keilah. They went wherever they could go. Then Saul was told, "David has escaped from Keilah!" So he gave up the campaign. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/23.htm">Good News Translation</a> So David and his men--about six hundred in all--left Keilah at once and kept on the move. When Saul heard that David had escaped from Keilah, he gave up his plan. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/23.htm">International Standard Version</a> David and his men, about 600 strong, got up and left Keilah. They moved around wherever they could go. Saul was advised that David had escaped from Keilah, so he stopped the campaign. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then David and his men, about six hundred strong, set out and departed from Keilah, moving from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he declined to go forth. <a href="/net/1_samuel/23.htm">NET Bible</a> So David and his men, who numbered about six hundred, set out and left Keilah; they moved around from one place to another. When told that David had escaped from Keilah, Saul called a halt to his expedition. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then David and his men, who were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went wherever they could go. And Saul was told that David had escaped Keilah; so he gave up the pursuit. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then David and his men who were about six hundred, arose and departed from Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David had escaped from Keilah: and he forbore to go forth. <a href="/web/1_samuel/23.htm">World English Bible</a> Then David and his men, who were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah and went wherever they could go. Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah; and he gave up going there. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And David rises—and his men—about six hundred men, and they go out from Keilah, and go up and down where they go up and down; and it has been declared to Saul that David has escaped from Keilah, and he ceases to go out. <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And David riseth -- and his men -- about six hundred men, and they go out from Keilah, and go up and down where they go up and down; and to Saul it hath been declared that David hath escaped from Keilah, and he ceaseth to go out. <a href="/slt/1_samuel/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And David will rise, and his men, about six hundred men, and they will go forth from Keilah, and they will go wherever they will go. And it was announced to Saul that David escaped from Keilah; and he will cease to go forth.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Then David and his men, who were about six hundred, arose, and departing from Ceila, wandered up and down uncertain where they should stay: and it was told Saul that David was fled from Ceila, and had escaped: wherefore he forbore to go out. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Therefore, David, and his men of about six hundred, rose up, and, departing from Keilah, they wandered here and there, aimlessly. And it was reported to Saul that David had fled from Keilah, and was saved. For this reason, he chose not to go out. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/23.htm">New American Bible</a> So David and his men, about six hundred in number, left Keilah and wandered from place to place. When Saul was informed that David had fled from Keilah, he did not go forth. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then David and his men, who were about six hundred, set out and left Keilah; they wandered wherever they could go. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he gave up the expedition.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then David and his men, who were about six hundred, arose and departed from Keilah and went wherever they could go. And it was told Saul that David had fled from Keilah; and he forbore to go forth. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And David arose and the men who were with him, about six hundred men, and they went out from Qayla and they returned. And they revealed to Shaul that David fled from Qayla, and he stopped himself from going out<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Then David and his men, who were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbore to go forth. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And David arose, and the men with him, in number about four hundred, and they went forth from Keila, and went whithersoever they could go: and it was told Saul that David had escaped from Keila, and he forbore to come. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/23-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=6852" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/23.htm">Saul Pursues David</a> …12So David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” “They will,” said the LORD. 13<a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">Then David</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: wa·’ă·nā·šāw (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">and his men,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8337.htm" title="8337: kə·šêš- (Prep-k:: Number-fs) -- Masculine shishshah; a primitive number; six (see suws) beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ord. Sixth.">about six</a> <a href="/hebrew/3967.htm" title="3967: mê·’ō·wṯ (Number-fp) -- Hundred. Or metyah; properly, a primitive numeral; a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction.">hundred strong,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: way·yā·qām (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">set out</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: way·yê·ṣə·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">and departed</a> <a href="/hebrew/7084.htm" title="7084: miq·qə·‘i·lāh (Prep-m:: N-proper-fs) -- A city in Judah. Perhaps from qala' in the sense of inclosing; citadel; Keilah, a place in Palestine.">from Keilah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yiṯ·hal·lə·ḵū (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">moving from place to place.</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ba·’ă·šer (Prep-b:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: yiṯ·hal·lā·ḵū (V-Hitpael-Imperf-3mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: ū·lə·šā·’ūl (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">When Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: hug·gaḏ (V-Hofal-Perf-3ms) -- To be conspicuous. ">was told</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David</a> <a href="/hebrew/4422.htm" title="4422: nim·laṭ (V-Nifal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to be smooth, i.e. to escape; causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth young, emit sparks.">had escaped</a> <a href="/hebrew/7084.htm" title="7084: miq·qə·‘î·lāh (Prep-m:: N-proper-fs) -- A city in Judah. Perhaps from qala' in the sense of inclosing; citadel; Keilah, a place in Palestine.">from Keilah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2308.htm" title="2308: way·yeḥ·dal (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To cease. A primitive root; properly, to be flabby, i.e. desist; be lacking or idle.">he declined</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: lā·ṣêṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">to go forth.</a> 14And David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hill country of the Wilderness of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God would not deliver David into his hand.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/psalms/54-1.htm">Psalm 54:1-7</a> For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. When the Ziphites went to Saul and said, “Is David not hiding among us?” Save me, O God, by Your name, and vindicate me by Your might! / Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. / For strangers rise up against me, and ruthless men seek my life—men with no regard for God. Selah ... <a href="/2_samuel/15-14.htm">2 Samuel 15:14</a> And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.” <a href="/1_samuel/19-10.htm">1 Samuel 19:10</a> Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But David eluded him and the spear struck the wall. And David fled and escaped that night. <a href="/1_samuel/22-1.htm">1 Samuel 22:1</a> So David left Gath and took refuge in the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. <a href="/1_samuel/24-1.htm">1 Samuel 24:1</a> After Saul had returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.” <a href="/2_samuel/17-21.htm">2 Samuel 17:21-22</a> After the men had gone, Ahimaaz and Jonathan climbed up out of the well and went to inform King David, saying, “Get up and cross over the river at once, for Ahithophel has given this advice against you.” / So David and all the people with him got up and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, there was no one left who had not crossed the Jordan. <a href="/1_kings/19-3.htm">1 Kings 19:3</a> And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, <a href="/matthew/2-13.htm">Matthew 2:13-14</a> When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.” / So he got up, took the Child and His mother by night, and withdrew to Egypt, <a href="/acts/9-25.htm">Acts 9:25</a> One night, however, his disciples took him and lowered him in a basket through a window in the wall. <a href="/acts/17-10.htm">Acts 17:10</a> As soon as night had fallen, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went into the Jewish synagogue. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-32.htm">2 Corinthians 11:32-33</a> In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas secured the city of the Damascenes in order to arrest me. / But I was lowered in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his grasp. <a href="/matthew/10-23.htm">Matthew 10:23</a> When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. <a href="/john/10-39.htm">John 10:39-40</a> At this, they tried again to seize Him, but He escaped their grasp. / Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had first been baptizing, and He stayed there. <a href="/mark/3-7.htm">Mark 3:7</a> So Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea, accompanied by a large crowd from Galilee, Judea, <a href="/luke/4-30.htm">Luke 4:30</a> But Jesus passed through the crowd and went on His way.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then David and his men, which were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went wherever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he declined to go forth.six hundred<a href="/1_samuel/22-2.htm">1 Samuel 22:2</a> And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men.<a href="/1_samuel/25-13.htm">1 Samuel 25:13</a> And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff.<a href="/1_samuel/30-9.htm">1 Samuel 30:9,10</a> So David went, he and the six hundred men that were with him, and came to the brook Besor, where those that were left behind stayed… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/17-39.htm">Able</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-13.htm">Ceaseth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-12.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-19.htm">Declared</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-5.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-20.htm">Escaped</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-22.htm">Expedition</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-1.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-2.htm">Hundred</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-12.htm">Keilah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-12.htm">Kei'lah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-2.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-26.htm">Moving</a> <a href="/judges/8-4.htm">Pursuit</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-10.htm">Riseth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-12.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-7.htm">Six</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-5.htm">Wherever</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-5.htm">Whithersoever</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/30-4.htm">Able</a> <a href="/1_kings/15-21.htm">Ceaseth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-14.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-18.htm">Declared</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-12.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-17.htm">Escaped</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-22.htm">Expedition</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-25.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-13.htm">Hundred</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/4-19.htm">Keilah</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/4-19.htm">Kei'lah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-14.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-6.htm">Moving</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-25.htm">Pursuit</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-16.htm">Riseth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-14.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-2.htm">Six</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-7.htm">Wherever</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-9.htm">Whithersoever</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 23</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/23-1.htm">David, enquiring of the Lord by Abiathar, rescues Keilah</a> 7. <a href="/1_samuel/23-7.htm">God showing him the coming of Saul, and the treachery of the Keilites, </a> 13. <a href="/1_samuel/23-13.htm">he escapes from Keilah</a> 14. <a href="/1_samuel/23-14.htm">In Ziph Jonathan comes and comforts him</a> 19. <a href="/1_samuel/23-19.htm">The Ziphites discover him to Saul</a> 25. <a href="/1_samuel/23-25.htm">At Maon he is rescued from Saul by the invasion of the Philistines</a> 29. <a href="/1_samuel/23-29.htm">He dwells at En Gedi</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then David and his men, about six hundred strong David's band of followers had grown from the initial group of 400 (<a href="/1_samuel/22-2.htm">1 Samuel 22:2</a>) to about 600, indicating his increasing influence and leadership. This group consisted of those who were in distress, in debt, or discontented, reflecting David's role as a leader for the marginalized. The number 600 is significant in biblical narratives, often symbolizing a complete or substantial group, as seen in other military contexts (e.g., <a href="/judges/18-11.htm">Judges 18:11</a>).set out and departed from Keilah Keilah was a fortified city in the lowlands of Judah, which David had just saved from the Philistines (<a href="/1_samuel/23.htm">1 Samuel 23:1-5</a>). Despite his victory, David had to leave due to the threat from Saul, highlighting the precariousness of his situation. This departure underscores the theme of David as a fugitive, constantly on the move to evade Saul's pursuit.moving from place to place This phrase captures the transient and uncertain nature of David's life during this period. It reflects the broader biblical theme of God's anointed being tested and refined through trials and wanderings, similar to the Israelites in the wilderness. David's movement also foreshadows the itinerant ministry of Jesus, who had "no place to lay his head" (<a href="/matthew/8-20.htm">Matthew 8:20</a>).When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah Saul's pursuit of David is relentless, driven by jealousy and fear of losing his kingdom. This pursuit is a key narrative tension in 1 Samuel, illustrating the conflict between Saul's declining kingship and David's rise as God's chosen leader. Saul's reliance on intelligence reports contrasts with David's reliance on divine guidance, as seen in his consultations with the prophet Gad and the priest Abiathar.he declined to go forth Saul's decision not to pursue David further at Keilah shows his strategic calculations and perhaps a recognition of the futility of capturing David, who is under God's protection. This moment highlights Saul's increasing impotence and the divine favor that shields David, reinforcing the theme of God's sovereignty in the rise and fall of leaders.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The anointed future king of Israel, currently fleeing from King Saul. David is a central figure in this account, demonstrating leadership and reliance on God. 2. <a href="/topical/d/david's_men.htm">David's Men</a> Approximately six hundred men who are loyal to David, following him despite the dangers posed by Saul's pursuit. 3. <a href="/topical/k/keilah.htm">Keilah</a> A city in Judah that David had previously saved from the Philistines. It becomes a temporary refuge for David and his men. 4. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The current king of Israel, who is seeking to kill David out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne. 5. <a href="/topical/e/escape_from_keilah.htm">Escape from Keilah</a> The event where David, after seeking God's guidance, decides to leave Keilah to avoid being trapped by Saul.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_guidance.htm">Seeking God's Guidance</a> David's decision to leave Keilah was based on divine guidance. We should prioritize seeking God's will in our decisions, especially in times of uncertainty. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_responsibility.htm">Leadership and Responsibility</a> David's leadership is evident as he takes responsibility for the safety of his men. Effective leaders consider the well-being of those they lead. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_protection.htm">Trust in God's Protection</a> Despite being pursued by Saul, David trusts in God's protection. Believers can find peace in knowing that God is our refuge and strength. <a href="/topical/a/adaptability_in_adversity.htm">Adaptability in Adversity</a> David's ability to adapt and move from place to place teaches us the importance of flexibility and resilience in the face of challenges. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_loyalty.htm">Community and Loyalty</a> The loyalty of David's men highlights the strength found in community and mutual support during difficult times.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 23</a> <a href="/q/evidence_for_david's_600-man_force.htm">What archaeological or historical evidence supports the existence of David’s 600-man force (1 Samuel 23:13) during a time of limited resources and political instability? </a> <a href="/q/what_evidence_shows_david's_deep_distress.htm">Psalm 69:20 says the psalmist’s heart was broken by scorn—what external evidence supports such severe distress in David’s life? </a> <a href="/q/is_saul's_departure_historical_or_narrative.htm">Does Saul's abrupt departure to confront the Philistines (1 Samuel 23:27-28) accurately reflect known Philistine incursions, or is it merely a narrative device?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_1_sam_13_1-2_and_acts_13_21_align.htm">How does 1 Samuel 13:1-2 reconcile with Acts 13:21, which states Saul reigned for forty years?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) Which were about six hundred.--This is the only note we have in this part of the narrative of the rapid increase of the number of "men-at-arms" who joined David.Whithersoever they could.--That is, the armed camp of David was pitched without any fixed plan or aim. Probably the force was marched in the direction of any Philistine raid, and it carried on thus on behalf of Israel a perpetual border warfare. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/23-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then David דָּוִ֨ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse and his men, וַאֲנָשָׁ֜יו (wa·’ă·nā·šāw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person about six כְּשֵׁשׁ־ (kə·šêš-) Preposition-k | Number - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8337.htm">Strong's 8337: </a> Six (a cardinal number) hundred [strong], מֵא֣וֹת (mê·’ō·wṯ) Number - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3967.htm">Strong's 3967: </a> A hundred set out וַיָּקָם֩ (way·yā·qām) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> To arise, stand up, stand and departed וַיֵּצְאוּ֙ (way·yê·ṣə·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> To go, bring, out, direct and proxim from Keilah, מִקְּעִלָ֔ה (miq·qə·‘i·lāh) Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7084.htm">Strong's 7084: </a> Keilah -- a city in Judah moving from place to place. וַיִּֽתְהַלְּכ֖וּ (way·yiṯ·hal·lə·ḵū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk When it was reported הֻגַּ֗ד (hug·gaḏ) Verb - Hofal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> To be conspicuous to Saul וּלְשָׁא֣וּל (ū·lə·šā·’ūl) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites that כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction David דָּוִד֙ (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse had escaped נִמְלַ֤ט (nim·laṭ) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4422.htm">Strong's 4422: </a> To be smooth, to escape, to release, rescue, to bring forth young, emit sparks from Keilah, מִקְּעִילָ֔ה (miq·qə·‘î·lāh) Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7084.htm">Strong's 7084: </a> Keilah -- a city in Judah he declined וַיֶּחְדַּ֖ל (way·yeḥ·dal) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2308.htm">Strong's 2308: </a> To be flabby, desist, be lacking, idle to go forth. לָצֵֽאת׃ (lā·ṣêṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> To go, bring, out, direct and proxim <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/23-13.htm">1 Samuel 23:13 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/23-13.htm">1 Samuel 23:13 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/23-13.htm">1 Samuel 23:13 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/23-13.htm">1 Samuel 23:13 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/23-13.htm">1 Samuel 23:13 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/23-13.htm">1 Samuel 23:13 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/23-13.htm">1 Samuel 23:13 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/23-13.htm">1 Samuel 23:13 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/23-13.htm">1 Samuel 23:13 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/23-13.htm">1 Samuel 23:13 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-13.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 23:13 Then David and his men who were (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/23-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 23:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 23:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/23-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 23:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 23:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>