1 Samuel 23:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 23:1 marks a crucial juncture in David's life as a fugitive, revealing his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the Israelite people despite his own precarious circumstances. Receiving urgent news that the Philistines are attacking Keilah, a city in Judah, and specifically plundering its vital threshingfloors, David is presented with a profound moral and strategic dilemma: whether to prioritize his personal safety and continued evasion of King Saul, or to risk exposure and intervene on behalf of his countrymen who are facing economic devastation and foreign aggression. This verse sets the stage for David's characteristic reliance on divine guidance and his emerging demonstration of true, compassionate leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a period of intense flight and gathering of followers for David. In [1 Samuel 22](/1_samuel/22 "1 Samuel 22 - David's Flight and Followers"), David has fled from King Saul's relentless pursuit, first to the cave of Adullam, then to Mizpeh of Moab, and finally to the forest of Hereth in Judah. During this time, a diverse group of distressed, indebted, and discontented men, numbering about four hundred, gathered to him, recognizing him as a nascent leader. The news of Keilah's plight arrives while David is an outlaw, yet it presents him with an opportunity to act as the true shepherd of Israel, contrasting sharply with Saul's increasingly erratic and self-serving rule (as seen in [1 Samuel 22:17-19](/1_samuel/22-17 "1 Samuel 22:17-19 - Saul's Massacre of the Priests of Nob")). This incident in Keilah serves as a test of David's character and leadership, setting the stage for his crucial decision-making process involving divine inquiry in [1 Samuel 23:2](/1_samuel/23-2 "1 Samuel 23:2 - David Inquires of the Lord").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a formidable, long-standing enemy of Israel, occupying the coastal plain to the west. Their recurring raids and military campaigns, often targeting Israel's agricultural heartland, were a constant threat to the nation's stability and survival, as exemplified by earlier conflicts like the battle where the Ark of the Covenant was captured ([1 Samuel 4](/1_samuel/4 "1 Samuel 4 - The Philistines Capture the Ark")). Keilah was a fortified city located in the Shephelah, the low hills of Judah, strategically positioned near the Philistine border, making it a frequent target for their incursions. The specific act of "robbing the threshingfloors" highlights a common ancient military tactic: economic warfare. Threshingfloors were communal, open-air areas where harvested grain was threshed to separate the valuable kernels from the chaff. This process was vital for a community's food supply and economic well-being. Plundering these areas was not merely a raid for immediate spoils but an act designed to inflict long-term economic devastation, leading to famine and weakening the population, thereby making them easier to conquer or control.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several key themes that resonate throughout David's narrative and the broader biblical story. Firstly, it underscores **David's compassionate and responsible leadership**, even while he is an outcast. Despite being hunted by Saul, David's primary concern remains the welfare of God's people, demonstrating a heart aligned with divine justice and care, a stark contrast to Saul's self-preservation. Secondly, it highlights the **persistent threat of the Philistines**, a constant external pressure that often served as a backdrop for Israel's internal struggles and a catalyst for divine intervention. Thirdly, the vulnerability of the "threshingfloors" emphasizes the **fragility of civilian life and livelihoods** in a volatile ancient world, reminding readers of the devastating impact of conflict on ordinary people. Finally, this verse subtly sets the stage for the crucial theme of **seeking divine guidance**, as David's immediate response to this crisis will be to inquire of the Lord, a hallmark of his faithful dependence on God's will, which is a recurring motif in his life, as seen in [1 Samuel 30:8](/1_samuel/30-8 "1 Samuel 30:8 - David Inquires of the Lord Before Pursuing the Amalekites").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Philistines (Hebrew, _Pelishtim'_):** This term refers to the non-Semitic people who settled on the southwestern coast of Canaan, becoming Israel's most persistent and formidable adversaries throughout the period of the Judges and early monarchy. Their presence and military prowess were a constant challenge to Israel's territorial integrity and national identity, often serving as God's instrument for discipline or a foil against which Israel's leaders, like Samson, Saul, and David, were tested. Their attack on Keilah underscores their ongoing threat to the Israelite heartland.
* **Keilah (Hebrew, _Qe'ilah'_):** A fortified city located in the Shephelah, the low hills of Judah, strategically positioned near the Philistine border. Its location made it vulnerable to Philistine raids but also significant for David, as it was a city within his tribal territory of Judah. The narrative focuses on Keilah not just as a geographical point, but as a community of God's people in distress, whose plight evokes David's leadership and compassion.
* **Threshingfloors (Hebrew, _goren'_):** A vital agricultural site, typically a flat, hard-packed area, often on elevated ground to catch the wind, where harvested grain was threshed (separated from stalks and husks) and winnowed. These were communal and economically crucial locations, representing the culmination of the agricultural year and the community's primary source of sustenance. To "rob the threshingfloors" was an act of economic devastation, directly targeting the community's food security and future prosperity, aiming to starve them into submission rather than merely plunder.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then they told David, saying":** The identity of "they" is not explicitly stated, but it likely refers to messengers from Keilah or members of David's own network who had received intelligence. This highlights David's continued connection to the broader Israelite community, even as a fugitive, and his emerging role as a leader to whom people brought their distress. It also suggests an established communication network, a vital asset for a leader on the run.
* **"Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah":** This clause conveys the immediacy and severity of the situation. The Philistines are not merely raiding but actively engaging in combat ("fight against"), indicating a significant military engagement. The use of "Behold" (Hebrew: _hinneh_) emphasizes the urgency and gravity of the news, demanding David's immediate attention and response.
* **"and they rob the threshingfloors":** This specific detail reveals the nature of the Philistine aggression. It's not just a battle for territory but a targeted attack on the economic lifeblood of the community. "Robbing" (Hebrew: _bozez_) implies plundering and taking spoils, specifically targeting the harvested grain. This act would directly impact the food supply, leading to potential famine and severe hardship for the inhabitants of Keilah, making their situation desperate.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is evident, as David's immediate concern for Keilah foreshadows his future role as Israel's king, a leader who genuinely cares for his people, contrasting sharply with Saul's self-serving paranoia. There is a subtle **Irony** in that David, an outlaw hunted by the reigning monarch, is the one who receives and responds to the cry for help from an Israelite city, acting more like a true king than Saul. The mention of "threshingfloors" serves as powerful **Symbolism**, representing not just agricultural output but the very sustenance, life, and economic stability of the community. Their plundering symbolizes the complete disruption and threat to the well-being of the people. The concise, direct reporting of the news ("Then they told David, saying, Behold...") creates a sense of **Urgency**, immediately drawing the reader into the unfolding crisis and setting the stage for David's pivotal decision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 23:1 powerfully illustrates the principle of righteous leadership, where the welfare of the people takes precedence over personal safety or gain. David, though an anointed king-in-waiting, is currently a hunted fugitive, yet his heart is stirred by the distress of his countrymen. This demonstrates a deep empathy and sense of responsibility that aligns with God's own character as a protector of the vulnerable and a provider for His people. It highlights that true authority, even before formal recognition, is often demonstrated through sacrificial service and a willingness to confront threats to God's flock. This incident also reinforces the ongoing theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant people, often working through human agents like David to deliver them from their enemies, even when their appointed king is failing. David's subsequent inquiry of the Lord in the following verses further underscores the biblical imperative of seeking divine counsel in times of crisis, trusting God's wisdom above human strategy.

* [2 Samuel 5:2](/2_samuel/5-2 "2 Samuel 5:2 - David as Shepherd of Israel")
* [Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Deuteronomy 15:7-8 - Care for the Poor")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 23:1 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, challenging us to consider our call to compassionate action even amidst personal adversity. David, despite being an outlaw facing existential threats from King Saul, does not retreat into self-preservation. Instead, he demonstrates a profound empathy for the suffering people of Keilah, whose very sustenance is under attack. This models a Christ-like leadership that prioritizes the needs of others, especially the vulnerable, above one's own comfort or safety. It reminds us that our faith is not merely a private affair but calls us to engage with the suffering and injustices in the world around us. True compassion often demands costly action and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. Furthermore, David's response sets the stage for his characteristic reliance on divine guidance, teaching us the timeless principle of seeking God's will through prayer and discernment when faced with difficult decisions, trusting that He will provide wisdom and direction for our steps, even when the path seems perilous.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's immediate concern for Keilah, despite his own danger, challenge my priorities when facing personal difficulties?**
* **In what ways might I be called to demonstrate costly compassion for those in distress around me, even when it feels inconvenient or risky?**
* **How does David's example encourage me to seek God's guidance and wisdom before acting, especially in challenging or uncertain situations?**

### FAQ

**Why would the Philistines specifically target "threshingfloors" instead of just fighting in the city?**

Answer: The targeting of "threshingfloors" was a deliberate and strategic act of economic warfare. Threshingfloors were crucial communal areas where harvested grain was processed, representing the community's food supply and economic stability. By robbing these areas, the Philistines aimed to inflict maximum damage on Keilah's long-term sustenance, not just its immediate military capacity. This tactic would weaken the city from within, potentially leading to famine, despair, and a greater likelihood of surrender without prolonged siege warfare. It was a way to cripple the community's ability to sustain itself and resist, demonstrating dominance and control over vital resources, a common practice in ancient warfare as seen in other accounts of raids and sieges throughout the Old Testament, such as those described in [Judges 6:3-6](/judges/6-3 "Judges 6:3-6 - Midianite Oppression and Destruction of Crops").

**What does this verse tell us about David's character and his emerging leadership?**

Answer: This verse provides a powerful glimpse into David's character, highlighting his inherent compassion and his emerging qualities as a true leader, even while he is a fugitive. Despite being hunted by King Saul and facing constant personal danger, David's immediate concern is for the suffering of the people of Keilah. This demonstrates a selfless heart that prioritizes the welfare of God's people over his own safety or comfort. It contrasts sharply with Saul's increasingly paranoid and self-serving rule, implicitly affirming David's divine appointment. His willingness to consider intervention, even at great personal risk, showcases a proactive and responsible leadership that is willing to defend the vulnerable, foreshadowing his future role as the shepherd-king of Israel, as described in [2 Samuel 5:2](/2_samuel/5-2 "2 Samuel 5:2 - David as Shepherd of Israel").

**How does this verse set the stage for the rest of 1 Samuel 23?**

Answer: This verse is the crucial inciting incident for the entire chapter. The news of Keilah's distress directly prompts David's actions and decisions throughout the rest of [1 Samuel 23](/1_samuel/23 "1 Samuel 23 - David Delivers Keilah and Flees Saul"). Specifically, it leads David to inquire of the Lord not once, but twice, about whether he should go to Keilah and whether the people of Keilah would betray him to Saul. This establishes David's characteristic dependence on divine guidance, a recurring theme in his life. The subsequent events, including David's successful deliverance of Keilah and his narrow escape from Saul's treachery, all flow directly from the initial report in [1 Samuel 23:1](/1_samuel/23-1 "1 Samuel 23:1 - Philistines Attack Keilah"), showcasing David's faith, strategic acumen, and the ever-present threat from Saul.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 23:1, with David's compassionate response to the Philistine attack on Keilah, serves as a poignant foreshadowing of the ultimate Shepherd-King, Jesus Christ. David, though an anointed king, is an outlaw, yet he risks his life and the safety of his men to deliver a vulnerable city from foreign oppression and economic ruin. This selfless act of intervention for those in distress mirrors Christ's mission. Just as David heard the cry of the oppressed and acted, so too did Jesus, moved by compassion for humanity, see our spiritual and physical destitution under the tyranny of sin and death ([Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")). David's willingness to put himself in harm's way for his people finds its perfect fulfillment in Christ, who, though divine, emptied Himself and became obedient to death on a cross to deliver His people from their ultimate enemies ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, not fleeing when the wolf comes, but confronting the enemy to save His flock from eternal destruction ([John 10:11-15](/john/10-11 "John 10:11-15 - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life")). David's act of delivering Keilah points to the greater salvation wrought by Christ, who delivers us from the robbery of our spiritual "threshingfloors"—our very souls and eternal sustenance—by the enemy, securing for us abundant and everlasting life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Life Abundant")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.