1 Samuel 23:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Samuel 23:2
2 Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.
Chapter Context
1 Samuel 23 is a biographical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, worship, faith. Written during the transition to monarchy (c. 1050-1010 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Israel transitioned from tribal confederacy to monarchy while facing Philistine military pressure.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-29: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Samuel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Samuel 23:2
2 Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.
Analysis
Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.
David's inquiry demonstrates dependence on divine guidance. The Hebrew 'sha'al' (enquired/asked) indicates formal consultation, likely through Abiathar's ephod. David's question is specific and practical: should he engage the Philistines? God's response is equally direct—'go and smite' (Hebrew 'lekh vehikkita'). The added phrase 'and save Keilah' reveals God's compassion for the threatened town. This divine command to an outlaw fugitive bypasses the legitimate king entirely—God directs military operations through David while Saul pursues paranoid vendettas. The pattern of seeking God before acting would characterize David's best leadership throughout his life.
Historical Context
The phrase 'enquired of the LORD' typically involved the Urim and Thummim in the high priest's ephod. Abiathar's recent arrival with the ephod (22:20-23) provided David this means of divine consultation that Saul had lost through his faithlessness.
Reflection
- What practices do you employ to seek God's guidance before major decisions?
- How does God's directive to David 'save Keilah' reveal His concern for vulnerable communities?
Word Studies
- Save: יָשַׁע (Yasha) H3467 - To save, deliver, rescue
Cross-References
- References Lord: 1 Samuel 23:4, 30:8, Numbers 27:21, Joshua 9:14, 2 Samuel 5:19, 5:23
- References David: 1 Samuel 23:6
- Parallel theme: Psalms 32:8