1 Samuel 23:7
And it was told Saul that David was come to Keilah. And Saul said, God hath delivered him into mine hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that hath gates and bars.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֻּגַּ֣ד
And it was told
H5046
וַיֻּגַּ֣ד
And it was told
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לָב֔וֹא
by entering
H935
לָב֔וֹא
by entering
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
4 of 18
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
נִכַּ֨ר
hath delivered
H5234
נִכַּ֨ר
hath delivered
Strong's:
H5234
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (
אֹת֤וֹ
H853
אֹת֤וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֱלֹהִים֙
God
H430
אֱלֹהִים֙
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
11 of 18
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
בְּיָדִ֔י
him into mine hand
H3027
בְּיָדִ֔י
him into mine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
12 of 18
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
13 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לָב֔וֹא
by entering
H935
לָב֔וֹא
by entering
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
15 of 18
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
בְּעִ֖יר
into a town
H5892
בְּעִ֖יר
into a town
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
16 of 18
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
Cross References
Historical Context
Walled cities with gates and bars were normally defensive advantages. Saul's military thinking saw them as limiting David's escape options, turning David's protective action (helping Keilah) into potential vulnerability.
Questions for Reflection
- How can we misinterpret circumstances as divine endorsement of our wrong desires?
- What does Saul's distorted view of providence teach about spiritual discernment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And it was told Saul that David was come to Keilah. And Saul said, God hath delivered him into mine hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that hath gates and bars.
Saul's interpretation of events reveals his spiritual blindness. The Hebrew 'nikkar' (delivered/sold) suggests God had abandoned David to Saul—a complete misreading of providence. Saul sees divine favor in David's vulnerability, interpreting the fortified town as a trap rather than a refuge. The phrase 'gates and bars' that should signify protection becomes, in Saul's view, David's prison. This distorted theology—seeing God's hand in circumstances that serve one's sinful agenda—typifies those who have lost spiritual discernment. Saul claims divine endorsement for what God actually opposes, a perennial temptation for those pursuing ungodly ends.