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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 23:3 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?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/23-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/09_1Sa_23_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 23:3 - David Delivers Keilah" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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?" /><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/23-3.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/23-3.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 3</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="/ad3.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/23-2.htm" title="1 Samuel 23:2">◄</a> 1 Samuel 23:3 <a href="/1_samuel/23-4.htm" title="1 Samuel 23:4">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/23.htm">New International Version</a> But David&#8217s men said to him, &#8220Here in Judah we are afraid. How much more, then, if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces!&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/23.htm">New Living Translation</a> But David’s men said, “We’re afraid even here in Judah. We certainly don’t want to go to Keilah to fight the whole Philistine army!” <a href="/esv/1_samuel/23.htm">English Standard Version</a> But David’s men said to him, “Behold, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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?” <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/23.htm">King James Bible</a> And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/23.htm">New King James Version</a> But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But David’s men said to him, “Behold, we are fearful here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the ranks of the Philistines?” <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/23.htm">NASB 1995</a> But David&#8217s men said to him, &#8220Behold, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the ranks of the Philistines?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But David’s men said to him, “Behold, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the ranks of the Philistines?” <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But David’s men said to him, “Behold, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the battle lines of the Philistines?” <a href="/amp/1_samuel/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But David’s men said to him, “Listen, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the battle lines of the Philistines?” <a href="/csb/1_samuel/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But David’s men said to him, “Look, we’re afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces! ” <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But David&#8217s men said to him, &#8220Look, we&#8217re afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces!&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_samuel/23.htm">American Standard Version</a> And David's men said unto him, Behold, we are afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? <a href="/cev/1_samuel/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But David's men said, "Look, even here in Judah we're afraid of the Philistines. We will be terrified if we try to fight them at Keilah!" <a href="/erv/1_samuel/23.htm">English Revised Version</a> And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> David's men told him, "We're afraid of staying here in Judah. How much more [afraid do you think we'll be] if we go to Keilah against the Philistine army?" <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/23.htm">Good News Translation</a> But David's men said to him, "We have enough to be afraid of here in Judah; it will be much worse if we go to Keilah and attack the Philistine forces!" <a href="/isv/1_samuel/23.htm">International Standard Version</a> David's men told him, "Look, we're afraid here in Judah. How much then, if we go to Keilah against the Philistine army?" <a href="/msb/1_samuel/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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?? <a href="/net/1_samuel/23.htm">NET Bible</a> But David's men said to him, "We are afraid while we are still here in Judah! What will it be like if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?" <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> David's men said to him, "Look, we are afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?" <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And David's men said to him, Behold, we are afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? <a href="/web/1_samuel/23.htm">World English Bible</a> David’s men said to him, “Behold, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And David’s men say to him, “Behold, we here in Judah are afraid; and how much more when we go to Keilah, to the ranks of the Philistines?” <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And David's men say unto him, 'Lo, we here in Judah are afraid; and how much more when we go to Keilah, unto the ranks of the Philistines?' <a href="/slt/1_samuel/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And David's men will say to him, Behold us here in Judah being afraid, and even more if we shall go to Keilah against the ranks of the rovers.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the men that were with David, said to him: Behold we are in fear here in Judea, how much more if we go to Ceila against the hands of the Philistines? <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the men who were with David said to him, “Behold, we continue in fear here in Judea; how much more so, if we go into Keilah against the troops of the Philistines?” <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/23.htm">New American Bible</a> But David’s men said to him: “Even in Judah we have reason to fear. How much more so if we go to Keilah against the forces of the Philistines!” <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And David's men said to him, We are afraid here in Judea, how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And his men said to David: “Here we are suddenly afraid! How will we go to Qayla to the ranks of the Philistines?”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And David's men said unto him: 'Behold, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?' <a href="/sep/1_samuel/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the men of David said to him, Behold, we are afraid here in Judea; and how shall it be if we go to Keila? Shall we go after the spoils of the Philistines? <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/23-3.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=6745" 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">David Delivers Keilah</a> …2So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” 3<a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: ḏā·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.">But David’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’an·šê (N-mpc) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">men</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“Look,</a> <a href="/hebrew/587.htm" title="587: ’ă·naḥ·nū (Pro-1cp) -- We. Apparently from 'anokiy; we.">we</a> <a href="/hebrew/3373.htm" title="3373: yə·rê·’îm (Adj-mp) -- Fearing, reverent. From yare'; fearing; morally, reverent.">are afraid</a> <a href="/hebrew/6311.htm" title="6311: p̄ōh (Adv) -- Here, hither. Or po; or pow; probably from a primitive inseparable particle p and huw'; this place, i.e. Here or hence.">here</a> <a href="/hebrew/3063.htm" title="3063: bî·hū·ḏāh (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- From yadah; celebrated; Jehudah, the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory.">in Judah;</a> <a href="/hebrew/637.htm" title="637: wə·’ap̄ (Conj) -- Also, yea. A primitive particle; meaning accession; also or yea; adversatively though.">how much more</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">if</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: nê·lêḵ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">we go</a> <a href="/hebrew/7084.htm" title="7084: qə·‘i·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/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">against</a> <a href="/hebrew/4634.htm" title="4634: ma·‘ar·ḵō·wṯ (N-fpc) -- Row, rank, battle line. Feminine of ma'arak; an arrangement; concretely, a pile; specifically a military array.">the armies of</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> 4Once 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.”…<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="/numbers/13-31.htm">Numbers 13:31</a> But the men who had gone up with him replied, “We cannot go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are!” <a href="/joshua/14-8.htm">Joshua 14:8</a> Although my brothers who went with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear, I remained loyal to the LORD my God. <a href="/judges/7-10.htm">Judges 7:10-11</a> But if you are afraid to do so, then go down to the camp with your servant Purah / and listen to what they are saying. Then your hands will be strengthened to attack the camp.” So he went with Purah his servant to the outposts where armed men were guarding the camp. <a href="/1_samuel/17-33.htm">1 Samuel 17:33</a> But Saul replied, “You cannot go out against this Philistine to fight him. You are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” <a href="/2_samuel/10-12.htm">2 Samuel 10:12</a> Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.” <a href="/2_kings/6-15.htm">2 Kings 6:15-17</a> When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning, behold, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?” / “Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” / Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. <a href="/2_chronicles/20-15.htm">2 Chronicles 20:15</a> And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God. <a href="/nehemiah/4-10.htm">Nehemiah 4:10-14</a> Meanwhile, the people of Judah said: “The strength of the laborer fails, and there is so much rubble that we will never be able to rebuild the wall.” / And our enemies said, “Before they know or see a thing, we will come into their midst, kill them, and put an end to the work.” / At that time the Jews who lived nearby came and told us ten times over, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.” ... <a href="/psalms/3-6.htm">Psalm 3:6</a> I will not fear the myriads set against me on every side. <a href="/psalms/27-1.htm">Psalm 27:1-3</a> Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread? / When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell. / Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust. <a href="/psalms/56-3.htm">Psalm 56:3-4</a> When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. / In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? <a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a> Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. <a href="/jeremiah/1-6.htm">Jeremiah 1:6-8</a> “Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!” / But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. / Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD. <a href="/matthew/14-30.htm">Matthew 14:30-31</a> But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” / Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?” <a href="/matthew/26-41.htm">Matthew 26:41</a> “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And David's men said to him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?Behold<a href="/1_samuel/23-15.htm">1 Samuel 23:15,23,26</a> And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood… <a href="/psalms/11-1.htm">Psalm 11:1</a> To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?<a href="/jeremiah/12-5.htm">Jeremiah 12:5</a> If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/22-23.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-45.htm">Armies</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-4.htm">David's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-5.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-2.htm">Keilah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-2.htm">Kei'lah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-10.htm">Philistine</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-2.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-48.htm">Ranks</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/23-15.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm">Armies</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-26.htm">David's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-23.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-4.htm">Keilah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-4.htm">Kei'lah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-7.htm">Philistine</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-4.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-4.htm">Ranks</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>But David’s men said to him David's men, often referred to as his "mighty men" or "the men of David," were a group of loyal followers who supported him during his time as a fugitive from King Saul. This group included warriors and those who were discontented or in distress, as described in <a href="/1_samuel/22-2.htm">1 Samuel 22:2</a>. Their loyalty to David is significant, as it reflects the gathering of a community around a future king, reminiscent of how Jesus gathered His disciples.“Look, we are afraid here in Judah; Judah was David's tribal homeland, yet even there, he and his men felt fear due to Saul's pursuit. This fear highlights the tension and danger David faced, even in familiar territory. It also underscores the broader theme of trust in God amidst fear, a recurring theme in David's life and Psalms, such as <a href="/psalms/56-3.htm">Psalm 56:3</a>, where David expresses trust in God when afraid.how much more if we go to Keilah Keilah was a fortified city in the lowlands of Judah, vulnerable to Philistine attacks. The mention of Keilah indicates a strategic location that required defense. The decision to go to Keilah involved significant risk, as it meant confronting the Philistines and potentially exposing David's position to Saul. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's guidance in decision-making, as seen when David seeks God's counsel in <a href="/1_samuel/23-2.htm">1 Samuel 23:2</a>.against the armies of the Philistines?” The Philistines were a constant threat to Israel during this period, often engaging in battles with the Israelites. Their presence in Keilah posed a direct threat to the city and its inhabitants. David's willingness to confront the Philistines, despite his men's fear, foreshadows his role as a deliverer of Israel, a type of Christ who confronts the enemies of God's people. This also connects to the broader narrative of Israel's struggle against the Philistines, seen throughout the books of Samuel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The anointed future king of Israel, currently on the run from King Saul. He 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> These are the loyal followers of David, who are with him during his time of fleeing from Saul. They express fear and concern about the mission to Keilah. 3. <a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a> The region where David and his men are currently located. It is significant as David's tribal homeland and a place where he should feel relatively safe. 4. <a href="/topical/k/keilah.htm">Keilah</a> A town in Judah that is under threat from the Philistines. David considers going there to defend it, despite the risks. 5. <a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a> The perennial enemies of Israel, posing a threat to the town of Keilah and prompting David's consideration of intervention.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_guidance.htm">Trust in God's Guidance</a> Despite the fear expressed by his men, David seeks God's direction. This teaches us the importance of seeking divine guidance in our decisions, especially when faced with fear or uncertainty. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_in_fear.htm">Leadership in Fear</a> David's response to his men's fear shows the role of a leader in providing reassurance and direction. As Christians, we are called to lead others in faith, even when circumstances are daunting. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_obedience.htm">Courage in Obedience</a> The willingness to face the Philistines at Keilah despite fear highlights the courage that comes from obedience to God's will. We are encouraged to act courageously in our faith walk, trusting in God's protection and purpose. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_support.htm">Community and Support</a> David's interaction with his men underscores the importance of community and mutual support in facing challenges. As believers, we should support and encourage one another in faith.<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/what_is_the_colossian_heresy.htm">What is the significance of Keilah in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_david_sneak_into_saul's_camp.htm">How could David and Abishai enter Saul's camp and take his spear and water jug unnoticed by 3,000 soldiers? (1 Samuel 26:7-12)</a> <a href="/q/does_abner's_support_for_david_fit_history.htm">2 Samuel 3:12-13: Does Abner's sudden support for David align with known tribal loyalties and historical realities of that era?</a> <a href="/q/who_are_jesus'_biblical_ancestors.htm">Who are the ancestors of Jesus according to the Bible?</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>(3) Here in Judah.--This does not imply that Keilah was out of the territory of Judah, but simply that the district in the neighbourhood round Keilah was at that time under Philistine domination. The open country in times of Philistine supremacy first fell under their control; their strong places, like Keilah, would resist for a much longer period. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/23-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>But David’s דָוִד֙ (ḏā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse men אַנְשֵׁ֤י (’an·šê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person said וַיֹּ֨אמְר֜וּ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to him, אֵלָ֔יו (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to “Look, הִנֵּ֨ה (hin·nêh) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! we אֲנַ֥חְנוּ (’ă·naḥ·nū) Pronoun - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_587.htm">Strong's 587: </a> We are afraid יְרֵאִ֑ים (yə·rê·’îm) Adjective - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten here פֹ֛ה (p̄ōh) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6311.htm">Strong's 6311: </a> This place, here in Judah; בִּֽיהוּדָ֖ה (bî·hū·ḏāh) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3063.htm">Strong's 3063: </a> Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites how much more וְאַף֙ (wə·’ap̄) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_637.htm">Strong's 637: </a> Meaning accession, yea, adversatively though if כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction we go נֵלֵ֣ךְ (nê·lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk to Keilah קְעִלָ֔ה (qə·‘i·lāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7084.htm">Strong's 7084: </a> Keilah -- a city in Judah against אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the armies of מַֽעַרְכ֖וֹת (ma·‘ar·ḵō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4634.htm">Strong's 4634: </a> An arrangement, a pile, a military array the Philistines?” פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים׃ (pə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/23-3.htm">1 Samuel 23:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/23-3.htm">1 Samuel 23:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/23-3.htm">1 Samuel 23:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/23-3.htm">1 Samuel 23:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/23-3.htm">1 Samuel 23:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/23-3.htm">1 Samuel 23:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/23-3.htm">1 Samuel 23:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/23-3.htm">1 Samuel 23:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/23-3.htm">1 Samuel 23:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/23-3.htm">1 Samuel 23:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-3.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 23:3 David's men said to him Behold we (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/23-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 23:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 23:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/23-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 23:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 23:4" /></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>