1 Samuel 23:4
Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand.
Original Language Analysis
וַיּ֨וֹסֶף
yet again
H3254
וַיּ֨וֹסֶף
yet again
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
1 of 17
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
ע֤וֹד
H5750
ע֤וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
לִשְׁא֣וֹל
enquired
H7592
לִשְׁא֣וֹל
enquired
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
4 of 17
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
יְהוָ֑ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַֽיַּעֲנֵ֖הוּ
answered
H6030
וַֽיַּעֲנֵ֖הוּ
answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
יְהוָ֑ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
ק֚וּם
Arise
H6965
ק֚וּם
Arise
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
9 of 17
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
רֵ֣ד
go down
H3381
רֵ֣ד
go down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
10 of 17
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נֹתֵ֛ן
for I will deliver
H5414
נֹתֵ֛ן
for I will deliver
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
14 of 17
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Judges 7:7And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place.Joshua 8:7Then ye shall rise up from the ambush, and seize upon the city: for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.
Historical Context
Repeated inquiry of God was appropriate when circumstances changed or confirmation was needed. Moses similarly returned to God multiple times during the exodus. David's leadership style incorporated both divine guidance and sensitivity to his followers' concerns.
Questions for Reflection
- When is it appropriate to seek God's confirmation of guidance already received?
- How does David's response to his men's fears model godly leadership?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand.
David's second inquiry demonstrates patient leadership responding to his men's fears. The Hebrew 'vayosef od' (yet again) shows persistent seeking rather than presumption. Rather than dismissing their concerns or rigidly insisting on the first answer, David returns to God. The Lord's response adds assurance: 'I will deliver' (Hebrew 'noten')—the victory belongs to God, not David's military prowess. The addition of 'arise' (qum) adds urgency to the previous 'go.' This second consultation honored both divine authority and human community—David led his men with divine confirmation rather than demanding blind obedience.