“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 forbore to go forth.”
This verse is part of the larger narrative of David’s life as recorded in the book of 1 Samuel. To gain a better understanding of its significance, let’s explore the context and key themes surrounding this verse.
Context:In 1 Samuel 23, we find David facing a challenging situation. David had been anointed as the future king of Israel by the prophet Samuel, but King Saul, the reigning king, grew jealous of David’s popularity and saw him as a threat to his own throne. As a result, Saul relentlessly pursued David, seeking to kill him.
In this particular chapter, David was in the city of Keilah when he received word that the Philistines were raiding the threshing floors in the area (1 Samuel 23:1). Showing his courageous and faithful nature, David sought the Lord’s guidance, asking if he should go and defend the city against the Philistines (1 Samuel 23:2).
God answered David’s inquiry through the prophet Abiathar, who accompanied David on his journey. Abiathar confirmed that David should indeed go and that God would deliver the Philistines into his hand (1 Samuel 23:4).
David and his men successfully defended Keilah and defeated the Philistines (1 Samuel 23:5). However, Saul became aware of David’s location and planned to lay siege to the city to capture him (1 Samuel 23:7-8). Sensing the imminent danger, David inquired of the Lord once again, seeking divine guidance (1 Samuel 23:9).
David’s Decision:Faced with the threat of Saul’s approaching army, David and his approximately six hundred men made a decisive move to leave Keilah. It was a strategic choice to safeguard themselves from Saul’s pursuit. Despite having just delivered the city from the Philistines, David recognized that his safety was at stake, and he took the necessary action to protect his life and the lives of his men.
God’s Providence:Though the verse does not explicitly mention it, we see God’s providence at work throughout this narrative. God had warned David of Saul’s intentions and provided him with guidance through the prophet Abiathar. David’s decision to depart from Keilah aligns with God’s plan for his safety and future role as the king of Israel. God’s protection and guidance for David throughout his trials highlight His faithfulness and care for His chosen servant.
Saul’s Response:The verse also reveals Saul’s reaction upon learning that David had escaped from Keilah. Saul, who was determined to capture David and eliminate him as a threat, halted his pursuit upon receiving this news. The reasons for Saul’s change of plans are not explicitly stated, but it suggests that Saul may have been concerned about the potential difficulties of besieging the fortified city or that he became distracted by other pressing matters.
