1 Samuel 23:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Samuel 23:5
5 So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.
Chapter Context
1 Samuel 23 is a biographical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, righteousness, salvation. 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 establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 23:5
5 So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.
Analysis
So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.
The battle report confirms God's promise fulfilled. The Hebrew 'makah gedolah' (great slaughter) indicates decisive victory. David's capture of Philistine cattle provided both spoils and practical resources for his band. The concluding statement—'David saved (Hebrew vayosha) the inhabitants of Keilah'—uses salvation language, positioning David as deliverer. This term connects to the judges who 'saved' Israel and anticipates Jesus (Yeshua—'he saves'). The fugitive outlaw accomplished what Israel's king should have done: protecting God's people from their enemies. David's wilderness years became proving grounds for the kingship God had promised.
Historical Context
Military victories often included cattle capture, providing food and economic resources. The defeat of Philistine forces at Keilah protected the grain harvest crucial for the region's survival. David's action demonstrated military capability worthy of future kingship.
Reflection
- How has God proven faithful when you obeyed despite fear?
- What does David's role as 'savior' of Keilah foreshadow about Christ's greater salvation?
Word Studies
- Save: יָשַׁע (Yasha) H3467 - To save, deliver, rescue