1 Samuel 23:1

¶ Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors.

Then they told {H5046} David {H1732}, saying {H559}, Behold, the Philistines {H6430} fight {H3898} against Keilah {H7084}, and they rob {H8154} the threshingfloors {H1637}.

David was told, "The P'lishtim are fighting Ke'ilah and plundering the thresh-ing-floors."

Now it was reported to David, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and looting the threshing floors.”

And they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and are robbing the threshing-floors.

Commentary

1 Samuel 23:1 introduces a pivotal moment in David’s life as a fugitive, highlighting his unwavering commitment to the people of Israel despite his own perilous circumstances.

Context

At this point in the narrative, David is on the run from King Saul, who relentlessly seeks to kill him (see 1 Samuel 22:1 for David's flight to the cave of Adullam). Despite being an outlaw, David receives news that the Philistines, a perennial enemy of Israel, are attacking Keilah, a fortified city in Judah. Their specific act of "robbing the threshingfloors" indicates not just a raid, but a direct assault on the community's food supply and economic stability, causing widespread distress and potential famine. This news presents David with a moral dilemma: should he remain hidden for his own safety, or risk exposure to help his countrymen?

Key Themes

  • David's Leadership and Compassion: Even when rejected by the current king, David demonstrates true leadership by caring for the vulnerable people of Keilah. His concern transcends personal safety, showcasing a heart for his nation.
  • The Enduring Philistine Threat: This verse underscores the constant danger posed by the Philistines to Israel's stability and survival. Their actions against Keilah reveal their destructive intent.
  • Vulnerability of the Common People: The targeting of "threshingfloors" highlights how civilian populations and their livelihoods were often the primary victims of ancient warfare and raids.
  • Seeking Divine Guidance: This verse sets the stage for David's crucial decision-making process, where he will seek the Lord's counsel before acting, a hallmark of his faith (as seen in the very next verse, 1 Samuel 23:2).

Linguistic Insights

The term "threshingfloors" (Hebrew: goren) refers to a flat, open area, often on high ground, where harvested grain was threshed to separate the edible kernels from the husks. This was a vital part of the agricultural cycle and represented the community's future food security. Robbing these areas was an act of economic warfare, directly impacting the sustenance of the people and leaving them vulnerable to starvation.

Practical Application

1 Samuel 23:1 encourages believers to consider their responsibility towards others, especially those in distress, even when facing personal challenges. David's response models a leader who prioritizes the welfare of his people above his own comfort or safety. It reminds us that true compassion often calls for costly action. Furthermore, it subtly foreshadows the importance of seeking God's will in the face of difficult decisions, a principle that remains timeless for all who trust in the Lord.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 15:44

    And Keilah, and Achzib, and Mareshah; nine cities with their villages:

  • Nehemiah 3:17

    After him repaired the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani. Next unto him repaired Hashabiah, the ruler of the half part of Keilah, in his part.

  • Nehemiah 3:18

    After him repaired their brethren, Bavai the son of Henadad, the ruler of the half part of Keilah.

  • Micah 6:15

    Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap; thou shalt tread the olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil; and sweet wine, but shalt not drink wine.

  • Leviticus 26:16

    I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it.

  • Judges 6:4

    And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.

  • Deuteronomy 28:51

    And he shall eat the fruit of thy cattle, and the fruit of thy land, until thou be destroyed: which [also] shall not leave thee [either] corn, wine, or oil, [or] the increase of thy kine, or flocks of thy sheep, until he have destroyed thee.
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