Bible Chapter Summary
1 Samuel 23 Summary
David Saves Keilah, Sought by Saul
The LORD directs David to relieve the Philistines' siege of Keilah, and David defeats them. Yet when Saul learns David is in the walled city, he plans to trap him. David inquires of the LORD and learns the men of Keilah would betray him, so he flees. Jonathan visits David in the wilderness of Ziph, confirms David will be king, and renews their covenant before Saul pursues him.
Key themes
Key verses
1 Samuel 23:2
“Therefore David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.”
1 Samuel 23:11-12
“Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O LORD God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the LORD said, He will come down. Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up.”
1 Samuel 23:16-17
“And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God. And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.”
1 Samuel 23:29
“And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at En-gedi.”
Read 1 Samuel 23 in full
Study the complete chapter with interlinear Hebrew & Greek, verse-by-verse, in the Gospel Daily reader.
Open the full chapter