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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 23:4 Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: "Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/23-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/09_1Sa_23_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 23:4 - David Delivers Keilah" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/23-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/23-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/23-3.htm" title="1 Samuel 23:3">◄</a> 1 Samuel 23:4 <a href="/1_samuel/23-5.htm" title="1 Samuel 23:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Once again David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him, &#8220Go down to Keilah, for I am going to give the Philistines into your hand.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So David asked the LORD again, and again the LORD replied, “Go down to Keilah, for I will help you conquer the Philistines.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then David inquired of the LORD again. And the LORD answered him, “Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: “Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then David inquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then David inquired of the LORD once again. And the LORD answered him and said, “Arise, go down to Keilah. For I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So David inquired of the LORD once more. And the LORD answered him and said, “Arise, go down to Keilah, for I am going to hand the Philistines over to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then David inquired of the LORD once more. And the LORD answered him and said, &#8220Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then David inquired of the LORD once more. And the LORD answered him and said, “Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then David asked of Yahweh once more. And Yahweh answered him and said, “Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then David inquired of the LORD again. And the LORD answered him, “Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will hand over the Philistines to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: &#8220Go at once to Keilah, for I will hand the Philistines over to you.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then David inquired of Jehovah yet again. And Jehovah answered him, and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thy hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />David asked the LORD about it again. "Leave at once," the LORD answered. "I will give you victory over the Philistines at Keilah." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then David inquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />David asked the LORD again, and the LORD answered him. He said, "Go to Keilah. I'm giving you the power to defeat the Philistines."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So David consulted the LORD again, and the LORD said to him, "Go and attack Keilah, because I will give you victory over the Philistines." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />David inquired of the LORD again, and the LORD answered him: "Get up, go down to Keilah. I'll give the Philistines into your control."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: ?Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So David asked the LORD once again. But again the LORD replied, "Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then David inquired of the LORD yet again. The LORD answered him, and said, "Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then David inquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thy hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then David inquired of Yahweh yet again. Yahweh answered him, and said, “Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And David adds again to inquire of YHWH, and YHWH answers him and says, “Rise, go down to Keilah, for I am giving the Philistines into your hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And David addeth again to ask at Jehovah, and Jehovah answereth him, and saith, 'Rise, go down to Keilah, for I am giving the Philistines into thy hand.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And David will add yet to ask in Jehovah, and Jehovah will answer him and say, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I gave the rovers into thy hand.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Therefore David consulted the Lord again. And he answered and said to him: Arise, and go to Ceila: for I will deliver the Philistines into thy hand. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, David consulted the Lord again. And responding, he said to him: “Rise up, and go into Keilah. For I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Again David consulted the LORD, who answered: Go down to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then David inquired of the LORD again. The LORD answered him, “Yes, go down to Keilah; for I will give the Philistines into your hand.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then David inquired of the LORD again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And David again asked of God, and LORD JEHOVAH answered him and said to him: “Arise, go down to Qayla, because I am delivering the Philistines into your hands!”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then David inquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said: 'Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thy hand.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And David enquired yet again of the Lord; and the Lord answered him, and said to him, Arise and go down to Keila, for I will deliver the Philistines into thy hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/23-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=6755" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/23.htm">David Delivers Keilah</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3254.htm" title="3254: way·yō·w·sep̄ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To add. A primitive root; to add or augment.">Once again,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5750.htm" title="5750: ‘ō·wḏ (Adv) -- Or rod; from uwd; properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially, again, repeatedly, still, more."></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/7592.htm" title="7592: liš·’ōl (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To ask, inquire. Or shael; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand.">inquired</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: bay·h·wå̄·hs (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">and the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: way·ya·‘ă·nê·hū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To answer, respond.">answered him:</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: rêḏ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To come or go down, descend. ">“Go</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: qūm (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">at once</a> <a href="/hebrew/7084.htm" title="7084: qə·‘î·lāh (N-proper-fs) -- A city in Judah. Perhaps from qala' in the sense of inclosing; citadel; Keilah, a place in Palestine.">to Keilah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: nō·ṯên (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">will deliver</a> <a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: pə·liš·tîm (N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">the Philistines</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yā·ḏe·ḵā (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">into your hand.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>Then David and his men went to Keilah, fought against the Philistines, and carried off their livestock, striking them with a mighty blow. So David saved the people of Keilah.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/30-8.htm">1 Samuel 30:8</a></span><br />and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/5-19.htm">2 Samuel 5:19</a></span><br />So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/5-23.htm">2 Samuel 5:23</a></span><br />So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/20-28.htm">Judges 20:28</a></span><br />and Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, served before it.) The Israelites asked, “Should we again go out to battle against our brothers the Benjamites, or should we stop?” The LORD answered, “Fight, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-37.htm">1 Samuel 14:37</a></span><br />So Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You give them into the hand of Israel?” But God did not answer him that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/28-6.htm">1 Samuel 28:6</a></span><br />He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/14-10.htm">1 Chronicles 14:10</a></span><br />So David inquired of God, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go,” replied the LORD, “for I will deliver them into your hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/14-14.htm">1 Chronicles 14:14</a></span><br />So David again inquired of God, who answered him, “Do not march up after them, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/3-11.htm">2 Kings 3:11</a></span><br />But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Let us inquire of the LORD through him.” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/3-15.htm">2 Kings 3:15-16</a></span><br />But now, bring me a harpist.” And while the harpist played, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha / and he said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Dig this valley full of ditches.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/32-8.htm">Psalm 32:8</a></span><br />I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-23.htm">Psalm 37:23</a></span><br />The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/73-24.htm">Psalm 73:24</a></span><br />You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-21.htm">Isaiah 30:21</a></span><br />And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then David inquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.</p><p class="hdg">yet again</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/28-6.htm">1 Samuel 28:6</a></b></br> And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/6-39.htm">Judges 6:39</a></b></br> And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew.</p><p class="hdg">for I will</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/8-7.htm">Joshua 8:7</a></b></br> Then ye shall rise up from the ambush, and seize upon the city: for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/7-7.htm">Judges 7:7</a></b></br> And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the <i>other</i> people go every man unto his place.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/5-19.htm">2 Samuel 5:19</a></b></br> And David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/20-17.htm">Addeth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-12.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-2.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-2.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-17.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-2.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-2.htm">Inquired</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-3.htm">Keilah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-3.htm">Kei'lah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-8.htm">Once</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-3.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-29.htm">Question</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-13.htm">Rise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/2-22.htm">Addeth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-10.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-5.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-11.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-6.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-7.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-6.htm">Inquired</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-5.htm">Keilah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-5.htm">Kei'lah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-8.htm">Once</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-5.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-24.htm">Question</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-24.htm">Rise</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/23-1.htm">David, enquiring of the Lord by Abiathar, rescues Keilah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/23-7.htm">God showing him the coming of Saul, and the treachery of the Keilites, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/23-13.htm">he escapes from Keilah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/23-14.htm">In Ziph Jonathan comes and comforts him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/23-19.htm">The Ziphites discover him to Saul</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/23-25.htm">At Maon he is rescued from Saul by the invasion of the Philistines</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/23-29.htm">He dwells at En Gedi</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>Once again, David inquired of the LORD</b><br>David's repeated inquiry of the LORD highlights his dependence on divine guidance, a key characteristic of his leadership. This practice of seeking God's will is consistent with the biblical principle of acknowledging God in all ways (<a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a>). It contrasts with Saul's leadership, which often lacked such consultation with God. David's actions here reflect a heart after God's own heart (<a href="/1_samuel/13-14.htm">1 Samuel 13:14</a>), emphasizing the importance of prayer and seeking God's direction in decision-making.<p><b>and the LORD answered him:</b><br>The LORD's response to David underscores the personal relationship between God and His chosen leaders. This divine communication is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where God speaks to His prophets and leaders, providing guidance and assurance. It also demonstrates God's faithfulness in responding to those who earnestly seek Him (<a href="/jeremiah/29-13.htm">Jeremiah 29:13</a>). The ability to hear from God was crucial for David's success and is a reminder of the importance of spiritual discernment.<p><b>“Go at once to Keilah,</b><br>Keilah was a fortified city in the lowlands of Judah, strategically significant due to its location. The directive to go to Keilah indicates the urgency and importance of the mission. This command reflects God's concern for His people and His desire to protect them from their enemies. The historical context shows that the Philistines were a constant threat to Israel, and God's instruction to David is part of His ongoing deliverance of Israel from oppression.<p><b>for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.”</b><br>This promise of victory is a testament to God's sovereignty and power over Israel's enemies. It echoes God's assurances to other leaders, such as Joshua (<a href="/joshua/1-5.htm">Joshua 1:5</a>), reinforcing the theme of divine intervention in battles. The phrase also foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who defeats spiritual enemies and brings salvation to His people. This assurance would have bolstered David's confidence, knowing that the battle's outcome was determined by God's will.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The anointed future king of Israel, currently on the run from King Saul. He is a man after God's own heart, seeking divine guidance in his decisions.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The covenant God of Israel, who communicates with David and provides guidance and assurance of victory.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/k/keilah.htm">Keilah</a></b><br>A town in Judah that was under threat from the Philistines. David seeks to protect it, demonstrating his leadership and concern for his people.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a></b><br>A perennial enemy of Israel, known for their military strength and frequent conflicts with the Israelites.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the reigning king of Israel, whose pursuit of David forms the backdrop of this account.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_divine_guidance.htm">Seeking Divine Guidance</a></b><br>David's example teaches us the importance of seeking God's direction in our decisions. We should cultivate a habit of prayer and inquiry before taking action.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_promises.htm">Trust in God's Promises</a></b><br>The assurance given to David that God will deliver the Philistines into his hand reminds us to trust in God's promises and His faithfulness to fulfill them.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_obedience.htm">Courage in Obedience</a></b><br>David's willingness to act on God's command, despite potential risks, encourages us to step out in faith and obedience, trusting in God's protection and provision.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_responsibility.htm">Leadership and Responsibility</a></b><br>David's concern for Keilah shows a leader's heart, prioritizing the welfare of others. We are called to lead with integrity and care for those entrusted to us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_conflict.htm">God's Sovereignty in Conflict</a></b><br>The account highlights God's control over the outcomes of battles and conflicts, reminding us to rely on His sovereignty in our struggles.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_colossian_heresy.htm">What is the significance of Keilah in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_david_beat_goliath.htm">How did David defeat the giant Goliath?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_philistines_capturing_ark.htm">Is there any archaeological evidence to support the Philistines' capture of the Ark in 1 Samuel 4?</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>(4) <span class= "bld">David enquired . . . yet again.</span>--This second enquiry, made for the sake of inspiring his little army with confidence before embarking on the seemingly desperate attempt, was, as in the previous case mentioned in <a href="/1_samuel/23-2.htm" title="Therefore David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said to David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.">1Samuel 23:2</a>, no doubt through the prophet Gad. Abiathar had not yet arrived with the ephod.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/23-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Once again,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיּ֨וֹסֶף</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·w·sep̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3254.htm">Strong's 3254: </a> </span><span class="str2">To add, augment</span><br /><br /><span class="word">David</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִד֙</span> <span class="translit">(dā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">inquired</span><br /><span class="heb">לִשְׁאֹ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(liš·’ōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7592.htm">Strong's 7592: </a> </span><span class="str2">To inquire, to request, to demand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּֽיהוָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">answered him:</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיַּעֲנֵ֖הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘ă·nê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Go</span><br /><span class="heb">רֵ֣ד</span> <span class="translit">(rêḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come or go down, descend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at once</span><br /><span class="heb">ק֚וּם</span> <span class="translit">(qūm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arise, stand up, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to Keilah,</span><br /><span class="heb">קְעִילָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(qə·‘î·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7084.htm">Strong's 7084: </a> </span><span class="str2">Keilah -- a city in Judah</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will deliver</span><br /><span class="heb">נֹתֵ֛ן</span> <span class="translit">(nō·ṯên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Philistines</span><br /><span class="heb">פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(pə·liš·tîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> </span><span class="str2">Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia</span><br /><br /><span class="word">into your hand.”</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּיָדֶֽךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(bə·yā·ḏe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/23-4.htm">1 Samuel 23:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/23-4.htm">1 Samuel 23:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/23-4.htm">1 Samuel 23:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/23-4.htm">1 Samuel 23:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/23-4.htm">1 Samuel 23:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/23-4.htm">1 Samuel 23:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/23-4.htm">1 Samuel 23:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/23-4.htm">1 Samuel 23:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/23-4.htm">1 Samuel 23:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/23-4.htm">1 Samuel 23:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/23-4.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 23:4 Then David inquired of Yahweh yet again (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/23-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 23:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 23:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/23-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 23:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 23:5" /></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>