Philistines

23:1 Keilah A city in the territory of the Philistines.

are raiding the threshing floors Threshing floors were areas outside the city where people would separate the seeds or kernels of harvested grain from the rest of the stalk.

23:2 David inquired Based on 1 Sam 23:6, Abiathar had fled to David with the ephod, which was used to inquire of Yahweh (see 14:18 and note). If Abiathar was not yet with David at this point, the inquiry may have been done through Gad the prophet (see 22:5).

Yahweh said Unlike Saul (see 14:37), David receives a response from God.

23:3 we are afraid If they fear the forces of a deranged leader, they certainly would not want to challenge the army of a competent king.

23:4 David again inquired of Yahweh To instill confidence in his men, David receives confirmation from God that their mission will be successful.

23:7 God has given him into my hand A testimony to Saul’s delusion. After he has repeatedly disobeyed divine decree and massacred God’s priests, he still thinks that God is with him (see 16:14; 22:17–18).

23:8 lay a siege against David Saul’s 13th attempt to kill David (see 16:21 and note).

23:9 Bring the ephod here Like Samuel, and unlike Saul, David always seeks divine counsel in his decision making; in this case, he seeks it through the ephod.

23:12 They will deliver The inhabitants of Keilah likely know of Saul’s action against the city of Nob and fear similar reprisals (see 22:19). To avoid being destroyed by the king, they are willing to hand over David and his men.

23:13 six hundred David’s forces had gained an additional 200 men since 22:2.

23:14 strongholds Refers to natural shelters and hiding places in the wilderness, such as caves and outcroppings of rocks.

the wilderness of Ziph Located west of the Dead Sea and south of Gibeah and other cities under Saul’s control.

23:15 seek his life The 14th time Saul tries to kill David (see 16:21 and note).

23:16 Jonathan the son of Saul got up and went to David The last recorded meeting between David and Jonathan.

23:17 You will be king Jonathan recognizes that David is God’s anointed choice for the kingship of Israel.

23:18 made a covenant The third covenant David and Jonathan make (see 18:3; 20:16).

23:19 the Ziphites went up to Saul The king’s destruction of Nob has far-reaching effects (see 22:13, 19). The cities within his jurisdiction fear reprisals for harboring David, and they disclose the fugitive’s whereabouts. The Keilahites would have done the same thing (see v. 12 and note).

23:21 May you be blessed by Yahweh Ironically, Saul pronounces Yahweh’s blessing on them for betraying His anointed.

23:26 get away from Saul David refused to kill Saul, God’s anointed, because He hadn’t directed him to do so (see 24:6; 26:11). If God wanted David to be king, He would have removed Saul from the throne.

closing in on David David’s situation is becoming desperate.

23:27 a messenger came to Saul The timing suggests divine providence.

23:29 the strongholds of En Gedi See v. 14 and note.