231 Then they told David , saying , "Behold , the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are plundering the threshing floors ." 2 So David inquired of the Lord , saying , "Shall I go and attack these Philistines ?" And the Lord said to David , "Go and attack the Philistines and deliver Keilah ." 3 But David's men said to him, "Behold , we are afraid here in Judah . How much e more e then if we go to Keilah against the ranks of the Philistines ?" 4 Then David inquired of the Lord once e more e . And the Lord answered him and said , "Arise , go down to Keilah , for I will give the Philistines into your hand . 5 So David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines ; and he led away their livestock and struck them with a great slaughter . Thus David delivered the inhabitants of Keilah . 6 Now it came about, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David at Keilah , that he came down with an ephod in his hand .
7 When it was told Saul that David had come to Keilah , Saul said , "God has delivered him into my hand , for he shut himself in by entering a city with double gates and bars ." 8 So Saul summoned all the people for war , to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men . 9 Now David knew that Saul was plotting evil against him; so he said to Abiathar the priest , " Bring the ephod here ." 10 Then David said , "O Lord God of Israel , Your servant has heard for certain that Saul is seeking to come to Keilah to destroy the city on my account . 11 "Will the men of Keilah surrender me into his hand ? Will Saul come down just as Your servant has heard ? O Lord God of Israel , I pray , tell Your servant ." And the Lord said , "He will come down ." 12 Then David said , "Will the men of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul ?" And the Lord said , " They will surrender you." 13 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 .
14 David stayed in the wilderness in the strongholds , and remained in the hill country in the wilderness of Ziph . And Saul sought him every day , but God did not deliver him into his hand
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:1-14
Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:1-6
(Read 1 Samuel 23:1-6)
When princes persecute God's people, let them expect vexation on all sides. The way for any country to be quiet, is to let God's church be quiet in it: if Saul fight against David, the Philistines fight against his country. David considered himself the protector of the land. Thus did the Saviour Jesus, and left us an example. Those are unlike David, who sullenly decline to do good, if they are not rewarded for services.
Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:7-13
(Read 1 Samuel 23:7-13)
Well might David complain of his enemies, that they rewarded him evil for good, and that for his love they were his adversaries. Christ was used thus basely. David applied to his great Protector for direction. No sooner was the ephod brought him than he made use of it. We have the Scriptures in our hands, let us take advice from them in doubtful cases. Say, Bring hither the Bible. David's address to God is very solemn, also very particular. God allows us to be so in our addresses to him; Lord, direct me in this matter, about which I am now at a loss. God knows not only what will be, but what would be, if it were not hindered; therefore he knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and how to render to every man according to his works.
Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:14-18
(Read 1 Samuel 23:14-18)
David made no attempt against Saul; he kept God's way, waited God's time, and was content to secure himself in woods and wildernesses. Let it make us think the worse of this world, which often gives such bad treatment to its best men: let it make us long for that kingdom where goodness shall for ever be in glory, and holiness in honour. We find Jonathan comforting David. As a pious friend, he directed him to God, the Foundation of his comfort. As a self-denying friend, he takes pleasure in the prospect of David's advancement to the throne. As a constant friend, he renewed his friendship with him. Our covenant with God should be often renewed, and therein our communion with him kept up. If the converse of one friend, at one meeting, gives comfort and strengthens our hearts, what may not be expected from the continual supports and powerful love of the Saviour of sinners, the covenanted Friend of believers!