1 Samuel 23:10
Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָה֙
O LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 17
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 17
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
שָׁמַע֙
hath certainly
H8085
שָׁמַע֙
hath certainly
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
6 of 17
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
שָׁמַע֙
hath certainly
H8085
שָׁמַע֙
hath certainly
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
7 of 17
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מְבַקֵּ֥שׁ
seeketh
H1245
מְבַקֵּ֥שׁ
seeketh
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
10 of 17
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
שָׁא֖וּל
that Saul
H7586
שָׁא֖וּל
that Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
11 of 17
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
לְשַׁחֵ֥ת
to destroy
H7843
לְשַׁחֵ֥ת
to destroy
Strong's:
H7843
Word #:
15 of 17
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
Historical Context
David's formal prayer follows ancient Near Eastern patterns of divine inquiry—stating the petitioner's understanding of the situation before asking specific questions. This protocol respected God's majesty while presenting human concerns clearly.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you frame your prayers to acknowledge both God's sovereignty and your specific concerns?
- What does David's concern for Keilah's destruction teach about considering how our presence affects others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake.
David's prayer employs formal covenant language. The address 'LORD God of Israel' (Yahweh Elohei Yisrael) invokes the covenant relationship. David's self-designation as 'thy servant' maintains humility before God. His concern extends beyond self-preservation: Saul threatens 'to destroy the city for my sake'—David worries about collateral damage to the town he just saved. This intercessory dimension elevates his inquiry beyond mere escape planning. The Hebrew infinitive construct 'leshahet' (to destroy) echoes Sodom's destruction, suggesting David sees Saul capable of similar devastation. His prayer recognizes that others suffer when the wicked pursue the righteous.