1 Samuel 23:10

KJV

Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} David {H1732}, O LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, thy servant {H5650} hath certainly {H8085} heard {H8085} that Saul {H7586} seeketh {H1245} to come {H935} to Keilah {H7084}, to destroy {H7843} the city {H5892} for my sake.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then David said, "ADONAI God of Isra'el, your servant has certainly heard that Sha'ul intends to come to Ke'ilah and destroy the city just to get me.

Berean Standard Bible

And David said, “O LORD, God of Israel, Your servant has heard that Saul intends to come to Keilah and destroy the city on my account.

American Standard Version

Then said David, O Jehovah, the God of Israel, thy servant hath surely heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 23:10, David, a fugitive from King Saul, earnestly appeals to the LORD God of Israel, acknowledging the grave intelligence he has received: Saul intends to attack and destroy the city of Keilah, not for strategic gain, but solely because David has taken refuge there. This pivotal prayer underscores David's consistent reliance on divine revelation, his deep concern for the innocent inhabitants of Keilah whom he had just delivered, and the escalating depravity of Saul's relentless pursuit, which now threatened an entire Israelite city for a personal vendetta.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct prayer from David, immediately following his consultation with the high priest Abiathar, who had brought the ephod to David (cf. [1 Samuel 23:9](/1_samuel/23-9 "1 Samuel 23:9 - David Consults the Ephod")). David had just heroically delivered Keilah from a Philistine siege (cf. [1 Samuel 23:1-5](/1_samuel/23-1 "1 Samuel 23:1-5 - David Delivers Keilah")), an act that inadvertently revealed his location to Saul. Saul, consumed by jealousy, saw this as an opportunity to trap David within the walled city. David's prayer here is a desperate plea for divine confirmation of Saul's intentions and the loyalty of Keilah's citizens, setting the stage for God's explicit revelation in the subsequent verses (cf. [1 Samuel 23:11-12](/1_samuel/23-11 "1 Samuel 23:11-12 - God's Revelation to David")). This moment highlights David's characteristic posture of seeking God's specific guidance in every critical decision, contrasting sharply with Saul's impulsive and self-serving actions throughout the book of [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's life at this point is defined by his status as a hunted fugitive, constantly evading King Saul, who viewed David as a threat to his throne. Saul's paranoia had reached a fever pitch, leading him to commit increasingly irrational and violent acts. The city of Keilah was a fortified Judean city, and its destruction by an Israelite king, even for the sake of capturing a perceived enemy, would have been an extreme and morally reprehensible act, demonstrating Saul's profound spiritual and moral decay. The practice of consulting God through the ephod, a priestly garment containing the Urim and Thummim, was a legitimate means of seeking divine direction in ancient Israel, particularly in matters of war and national importance (cf. [Numbers 27:21](/numbers/27-21 "Numbers 27:21 - Consultation via Urim and Thummim")). David's consistent use of this method, unlike Saul's abandonment of it (cf. [1 Samuel 28:6](/1_samuel/28-6 "1 Samuel 28:6 - Saul's Failed Consultation")), underscores his faithfulness and God's continued favor upon him.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel"). Firstly, it exemplifies **Divine Guidance and Dependence**, showcasing David's unwavering commitment to seeking God's will in times of extreme peril, rather than relying on human wisdom or military strategy (cf. [Psalm 25:4-5](/psalms/25-4 "Psalm 25:4-5 - David's Prayer for Guidance")). Secondly, it starkly illustrates **Saul's Spiritual and Moral Decline**, revealing the king's willingness to sacrifice an entire Israelite city and its innocent inhabitants for his personal vendetta against David, a stark contrast to the divine call to shepherd and protect God's people (cf. [Ezekiel 34:2](/ezekiel/34-2 "Ezekiel 34:2 - Rebuke of Bad Shepherds")). Thirdly, David's concern for Keilah highlights the theme of **Righteous Leadership and Compassion**, demonstrating his character as a true shepherd who cares for his flock, even those who might betray him (cf. [Psalm 78:70-72](/psalms/78-70 "Psalm 78:70-72 - God's Choice of David as Shepherd")). Finally, the verse implicitly points to **God's Omniscience and Faithfulness**, as God is able to reveal Saul's secret intentions, confirming His active involvement in human affairs and His ability to protect His chosen servant (cf. [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD God of Israel (Hebrew, _Yahweh Elohim Yisrael'_):** This compound divine title is profoundly significant. "LORD" (Yahweh) is God's covenant name, emphasizing His personal, relational, and faithful character, the God who keeps His promises. "God" (Elohim) is the general term for deity, highlighting His power and sovereignty. "of Israel" specifically identifies Him as the God who chose Israel, entered into covenant with them, and acts on their behalf. David's appeal to God by this full title is a profound invocation of God's covenant loyalty and His commitment to His people, reminding God of His relationship with His chosen nation and His servant.
* **destroy (Hebrew, _bala'_):** The verb _bala'_ means "to swallow up," "to consume," or "to engulf." It conveys a sense of complete annihilation, not just a military defeat. This choice of word emphasizes the extreme and total devastation Saul intended for Keilah, highlighting the depth of his malice and the disproportionate nature of his planned retribution against an innocent city, simply to capture one man.
* **for my sake (Hebrew, _ba'aburi'_):** This phrase explicitly states the motivation behind Saul's intended action. It means "on account of me" or "because of me." It underscores that Saul's plan to destroy Keilah was not for strategic military gain against an enemy, but purely out of his personal obsession and vendetta against David. This reveals the extent to which Saul's personal animosity had corrupted his kingship, leading him to consider an act of profound injustice against his own people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said David, O LORD God of Israel":** This opening establishes David's posture of prayer and dependence. His direct address to "O LORD God of Israel" is a heartfelt appeal to the covenant-keeping, sovereign God who is intimately involved with His people. It signifies David's trust in God's character and His readiness to intervene.
* **"thy servant hath certainly heard":** David humbly identifies himself as God's "servant," acknowledging his submission and dependence. The phrase "certainly heard" (often rendered "surely heard") indicates that David has received credible intelligence, but he seeks divine confirmation, recognizing that human reports can be fallible. This demonstrates his prudence and his commitment to verifying information through God's infallible word.
* **"that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah":** This clause reveals the specific and immediate threat. Saul's "seeking" implies a deliberate and determined intention to pursue David to this particular location. The danger is concrete and imminent, requiring urgent divine intervention.
* **"to destroy the city for my sake":** This final, chilling clause exposes the true horror of Saul's plan. His intention to "destroy the city" (not just besiege it or capture David) for the sole reason of capturing David ("for my sake") reveals the depth of his spiritual and moral depravity. It highlights the stark contrast between Saul's destructive obsession and David's compassionate concern for the very people he had just rescued.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Apostrophe** is evident in David's direct and fervent address, "O LORD God of Israel," immediately establishing a personal and urgent tone to his prayer. This direct appeal underscores David's deep reliance on divine communication. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between David's righteous concern for the innocent inhabitants of Keilah and Saul's malevolent willingness to "destroy the city for my sake," highlighting the moral chasm between the two leaders. Furthermore, the phrase "to destroy the city for my sake" carries a powerful **Irony**: the king of Israel, whose duty is to protect his people, is willing to annihilate an Israelite city to satisfy a personal vendetta. This act **Foreshadows** Saul's continued descent into madness and his ultimate rejection by God, as his actions increasingly contradict the very nature of divine kingship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 23:10 is a powerful testament to the character of God and the nature of true faith. David's immediate recourse to prayer and divine consultation in the face of grave danger underscores God's sovereignty and His accessibility to His people. It affirms that God is not only omniscient, knowing the secret intentions of human hearts, but also faithful to reveal His will and provide guidance to those who humbly seek Him. This passage illustrates that even when facing seemingly insurmountable opposition and the malicious intent of others, believers can find refuge and clarity in God's presence. It also highlights the profound difference between leadership driven by self-interest and paranoia (Saul) and leadership rooted in compassion, dependence on God, and a genuine concern for the welfare of others (David). God's willingness to answer David's prayer demonstrates His active involvement in the lives of His servants, providing direction and protection even in the most precarious circumstances.

* [Psalm 139:1-4](/psalms/139-1 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God's Omniscience")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD")
* [Psalm 57:1](/psalms/57-1 "Psalm 57:1 - Seeking Refuge in God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's desperate prayer in 1 Samuel 23:10 offers timeless lessons for believers navigating uncertainty and opposition. It challenges us to cultivate a posture of immediate and earnest prayer when faced with difficult decisions or threats. Like David, we are called to bring our anxieties, the intentions of others, and our concerns for those around us directly before the LORD, trusting in His omniscience and His willingness to provide clear direction. This passage reminds us that true spiritual leadership, whether in a public or private sphere, is marked by a deep concern for the well-being of others, even when it puts us at personal risk. It also encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He is aware of every plot and every hidden intention, and that He will ultimately guide and protect His own. In a world where personal vendettas and self-interest often dominate, David's compassionate concern for Keilah serves as a powerful example of selfless love and responsible stewardship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently facing uncertainty or potential threats, and how can you more consistently bring these before the LORD in prayer, as David did?**
* **How does David's concern for Keilah challenge your own priorities regarding personal safety versus the well-being of others?**
* **What does David's reliance on divine revelation, even when human intelligence seemed clear, teach you about seeking God's specific guidance in your decisions today?**
* **How can you apply the contrast between David's and Saul's leadership to your own sphere of influence, whether in family, work, or ministry?**

### FAQ

**Why did Saul want to destroy Keilah?**
Answer: Saul's intention to destroy Keilah was not for strategic military gain against a foreign enemy, but solely to trap and capture David. He was consumed by paranoia and a personal vendetta against David, whom he perceived as a threat to his throne. David had recently rescued Keilah from the Philistines, and Saul believed David would remain there, making it an ideal location to corner him. Saul's willingness to annihilate an Israelite city for this personal objective reveals the depth of his spiritual and moral decline (cf. [1 Samuel 23:7-8](/1_samuel/23-7 "1 Samuel 23:7-8 - Saul Learns of David in Keilah")).

**How did David know Saul's intentions?**
Answer: David learned of Saul's intentions through divine revelation. After hearing reports of Saul's plans, David, ever reliant on God's guidance, consulted the LORD through the high priest Abiathar, who had brought the ephod (a priestly garment used for divine consultation) to David (cf. [1 Samuel 23:9](/1_samuel/23-9 "1 Samuel 23:9 - David Consults the Ephod")). In response to David's direct prayer in [1 Samuel 23:10](/1_samuel/23-10 "1 Samuel 23:10 - David's Prayer about Saul's Intentions"), God explicitly confirmed that Saul would indeed come to Keilah and that the men of Keilah would betray David to Saul (cf. [1 Samuel 23:11-12](/1_samuel/23-11 "1 Samuel 23:11-12 - God's Revelation to David")).

**What is the significance of David addressing God as "O LORD God of Israel"?**
Answer: David's address, "O LORD God of Israel," is highly significant. "LORD" (Yahweh) is God's covenant name, emphasizing His personal, faithful relationship with His people. "God" (Elohim) speaks to His power and sovereignty. "of Israel" specifically identifies Him as the God who chose Israel and entered into a covenant with them. By using this full title, David appeals to God based on His character, His covenant promises, and His commitment to His chosen nation and His servant. It is a powerful invocation of God's faithfulness and His unique relationship with His people, forming a strong foundation for David's urgent prayer for intervention and guidance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 23:10, with David's desperate prayer and the looming threat of destruction "for my sake," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. David, the anointed king, is relentlessly pursued by a jealous and destructive earthly king, enduring suffering and seeking divine guidance. This foreshadows Jesus, the ultimate Anointed One (Christ), who was likewise unjustly persecuted and sought by those in power for destruction, not for any wrong He had done, but "for my sake"—that is, for the sake of the Father's will and the salvation of humanity. Just as Saul sought to destroy Keilah "for David's sake," humanity's sin necessitated Christ's sacrifice "for our sake," though with redemptive intent (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). David's reliance on God's omniscience and guidance points to Jesus, who perfectly embodied dependence on the Father, knowing His will and acting only as He saw the Father act (cf. [John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - The Son Does What He Sees the Father Do")). Furthermore, David's compassionate concern for the innocent people of Keilah, whom he had just delivered, stands in stark contrast to Saul's destructive intent. This anticipates Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who not only delivers His sheep but willingly lays down His life for them (cf. [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")), protecting them from the ultimate destruction of sin and death. In Christ, God's omniscience and guidance culminate in the perfect plan of salvation, where the ultimate "destruction" (of sin and death) is brought about through the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

1 Samuel 23:8

And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men.

1 Samuel 22:19

And Nob, the city of the priests, smote he with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and sheep, with the edge of the sword.

Genesis 18:24

Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that [are] therein?

Esther 3:6

And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that [were] throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, [even] the people of Mordecai.

Proverbs 28:15

¶ [As] a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; [so is] a wicked ruler over the poor people.

Romans 3:15

Their feet [are] swift to shed blood:

Romans 3:16

Destruction and misery [are] in their ways: