1 Samuel 23:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: 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?"

NIV: But David’s men said to him, "Here in Judah we are afraid. How much more, then, if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces!"

NASB: 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?'

CSB: 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!"

NLT: 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!'

KJV: 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?

NKJV: 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?”

First Samuel 23:1–5 describes how David learns his purpose. Since David fled Saul, David has managed to gather about 600 men and their families, people who are in debt and discouraged (1 Samuel 22:1–2; 23:13; 30:3). Now, David knows why. The Philistines are attacking an Israelite city and stealing their grain. After seeking guidance from God twice, David and his men drive out the Philistines and save the city. Unfortunately, Saul hears. God warns David that the city will turn him over to the king, so he and his people flee to the wilderness (1 Samuel 23:6–14).

First Samuel 23 describes God's protection of David from Saul. God tells David and his men to save the city of Keilah from the Philistines. When Saul plans to trap David and his army in the city, God warns David the people will betray them. Jonathan visits and encourages David. More locals offer to betray David to Saul, but just as the king draws near, he hears the Philistines are attacking. Jonathan is right that God is protecting David.

David had been the hero of the people. He still is, in some ways. But he's had to run from his murderous king. He's been forced to feign madness to escape the Philistines. Recently, he has learned that Saul destroyed everyone in the city of the priest who helped David (1 Samuel 18—23). Now, David is responsible for 600 desperate men and their families, and Saul is hunting him. Twice, God saves David without making him fight Saul (1 Samuel 23). Next, David will refuse to kill Saul (1 Samuel 24). David is on the run, but God is keeping him safe.

First Samuel introduces the key figures who led Israel after the era of the judges. The books of 1 and 2 Samuel were originally part of a single text, split in certain translations shortly before the birth of Christ. Some of the Bible’s most famous characters are depicted in this book. These including the prophet Samuel, Israel’s first king, Saul, her greatest king, David, and other famous names such as Goliath and Jonathan. By the end of this book, Saul has fallen; the book of 2 Samuel begins with David’s ascension to the throne.

Accessed 8/17/2025 2:21:10 AM