1 Samuel 23:12
Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up.
Original Language Analysis
יַסְגִּֽירוּ׃
They will deliver thee up
H5462
יַסְגִּֽירוּ׃
They will deliver thee up
Strong's:
H5462
Word #:
3 of 13
to shut up; figuratively, to surrender
בַּֽעֲלֵ֧י
Will the men
H1167
בַּֽעֲלֵ֧י
Will the men
Strong's:
H1167
Word #:
4 of 13
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
אֹתִ֥י
H853
אֹתִ֥י
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲנָשַׁ֖י
H376
אֲנָשַׁ֖י
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
8 of 13
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
בְּיַד
into the hand
H3027
בְּיַד
into the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
9 of 13
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
Cross References
Psalms 31:8And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.1 Samuel 23:20Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire of thy soul to come down; and our part shall be to deliver him into the king's hand.Psalms 62:1Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.
Historical Context
God's answer represents 'middle knowledge'—knowing what free agents would do in specific circumstances. Keilah's projected betrayal reflects the political reality that small towns could not resist royal pressure regardless of gratitude.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when God reveals that those you helped would betray you?
- What does Keilah's potential betrayal teach about the limits of human gratitude?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up.
God's second answer reveals the painful truth: the town David saved would betray him. The Hebrew 'yasgiru' (they will deliver up) confirms that gratitude would not overcome fear of Saul. This divine knowledge of contingent futures—what would happen if David stayed—demonstrates God's comprehensive understanding. The men of Keilah would choose self-preservation over protecting their deliverer. This foreknowledge allowed David to act preemptively, avoiding betrayal through departure. The passage illustrates how divine guidance protects the faithful from misplaced trust, revealing human hearts that circumstances would eventually expose anyway.