1 Samuel 23:11

KJV

Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O LORD God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the LORD said, He will come down.

KJV (with Strong's)

Will the men {H1167} of Keilah {H7084} deliver me up {H5462} into his hand {H3027}? will Saul {H7586} come down {H3381}, as thy servant {H5650} hath heard {H8085}? O LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, I beseech thee, tell {H5046} thy servant {H5650}. And the LORD {H3068} said {H559}, He will come down {H3381}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Will the men of Ke'ilah turn me over to him? Will Sha'ul come down, as your servant has heard? ADONAI God of Isra'el, please tell your servant!"ADONAI said, "He will come down."

Berean Standard Bible

Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as Your servant has heard? O LORD, God of Israel, please tell Your servant.” “He will,” said the LORD.

American Standard Version

Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O Jehovah, the God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And Jehovah said, He will come down.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 23:11 captures a critical juncture in David's life, revealing his profound dependence on God amidst intense vulnerability and imminent danger. Having recently delivered the city of Keilah from Philistine oppression, David receives intelligence that King Saul plans to besiege the city to capture him. Faced with the potential betrayal by the very people he had just saved, David turns to the Lord, seeking direct divine counsel on two specific questions: whether the men of Keilah would surrender him into Saul's hand, and if Saul would indeed come down as reported. The Lord's immediate and unequivocal response, "He will come down," confirms the accuracy of David's intelligence and underscores God's active involvement in the affairs of His servants, providing precise guidance in moments of dire uncertainty and setting the stage for the subsequent revelation of Keilah's treachery.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a dramatic and extended narrative detailing David's relentless flight from King Saul, who has succumbed to a consuming jealousy and a murderous obsession. Immediately preceding this passage, David, after inquiring of the Lord, bravely led his small band of men to rescue the Philistine-besieged city of Keilah, saving its inhabitants and their livestock from certain destruction ([1 Samuel 23:1-5](/1-samuel/23-1-5 "David Delivers Keilah")). The arrival of Abiathar the priest, bringing the ephod, a vital instrument for divine consultation, further facilitated David's ability to seek God's will directly ([1 Samuel 23:6](/1-samuel/23-6 "Abiathar Joins David with the Ephod")). Upon hearing that David was in Keilah, Saul, believing God had "delivered him into my hand," devised a plan to trap him within the fortified city ([1 Samuel 23:7-8](/1-samuel/23-7-8 "Saul Plans to Trap David in Keilah")). It is against this backdrop of recent deliverance and impending treachery that David, acutely aware of Saul's malicious intent, turns to God in this verse, seeking specific information about the loyalty of Keilah's citizens and Saul's approach, which then sets the stage for God's subsequent, more detailed revelation in [1 Samuel 23:12](/1-samuel/23-12 "God Reveals Keilah's Betrayal") that confirms the potential betrayal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Saul's reign and David's subsequent rise was a tumultuous and transitional era in ancient Israel. Kingship was a relatively new institution, and the tension between divine appointment (David) and human selection (Saul) was a central theme. The city of Keilah, situated in the Shephelah—the lowlands between the Judean hills and the Philistine plain—was strategically important and highly vulnerable to Philistine raids due to its location. David's act of deliverance would have been seen as a significant act of tribal loyalty and military prowess, establishing him as a protector. The use of the ephod for divine consultation was a legitimate and established practice in Israelite worship, signifying direct communication with God through the high priest. This practice highlights the theocratic nature of Israel, where God was ultimately the supreme ruler and source of wisdom, even amidst the establishment of human kingship. The concept of "delivering up" or betrayal was a grave concern in a society where tribal and familial loyalties were paramount, and the threat of such an act by those just saved would have been deeply unsettling and morally reprehensible.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several enduring themes within 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Guidance and Dependence**, showcasing David's consistent and profound reliance on God for every strategic decision, even when his own military acumen might suggest a course of action. Unlike Saul, who increasingly acted independently or sought illicit guidance, David continually "inquired of the Lord," demonstrating a model of faithful leadership and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen throughout his flight in passages like [1 Samuel 23:2](/1-samuel/23-2 "David Inquires of the Lord Before Keilah"). Secondly, the Lord's immediate and unambiguous answer, "He will come down," underscores **God's Responsive Nature** and His willingness to communicate specifically with His servants when they earnestly seek His will, offering practical, actionable information. Thirdly, David's fear of betrayal and God's subsequent confirmation (in the following verse) speak to the harsh reality of **Human Fickleness and Self-Preservation**, where gratitude can be quickly overshadowed by fear or self-interest, a theme echoed in other accounts of human unfaithfulness, such as the Israelites' grumbling in the wilderness despite God's provisions ([Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Manna and Quail")). Finally, the verse reinforces **Saul's Obsessive and Irrational Pursuit** of David, driven by jealousy and a deepening spiritual decline, a motif that dominates the latter part of 1 Samuel, exemplified by Saul's relentless hunt detailed in [1 Samuel 23:14](/1-samuel/23-14 "Saul's Relentless Pursuit of David").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _çâgar'_):** The Hebrew verb סָגַר (_çâgar_) means "to shut up; figuratively, to surrender; close up, deliver (up), give over (up)." In this context, David's question, "Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand?", uses _çâgar_ to express the specific fear of being "handed over" or "surrendered" to Saul. It implies a deliberate act of betrayal, where the inhabitants, despite David's recent heroic rescue, would choose to enclose him and give him directly into the custody of his enemy. This word emphasizes the active, treacherous role of the Keilahites in such a potential betrayal.
* **Tell (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** The Hebrew verb נָגַד (_nâgad_) means "to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to one present); specifically, to expose, predict, explain." David's plea, "I beseech thee, tell thy servant," conveys a humble yet earnest and persistent seeking of divine revelation. It is not a casual inquiry but a fervent request for direct, specific, and authoritative guidance from God in a life-threatening situation. This word highlights David's posture of desperate dependence and his recognition of God as the ultimate source of truth and direction, capable of revealing hidden things.
* **Come down (Hebrew, _yârad'_):** The Hebrew verb יָרַד (_yârad_) means "to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); causatively, to bring down." Saul's intended action is described as "coming down" to Keilah. This term is geographically accurate, as Keilah was in the lowlands (Shephelah) relative to Saul's likely position in the hill country. The Lord's simple, direct affirmation, "He will come down," uses the same verb, confirming the precise nature of Saul's impending movement and validating David's intelligence. It is a factual, unambiguous confirmation of the enemy's plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand?":** This is David's first, urgent question, revealing his deep concern about the loyalty of the very people he had just rescued. The phrase "into his hand" signifies being completely at Saul's mercy and control, implying capture and likely death. David's inquiry shows his understanding of human nature and the potential for self-preservation to override gratitude, even from those who had just benefited from his heroic actions.
* **"will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard?":** David's second question seeks confirmation of the intelligence he has received regarding Saul's movements. He has heard a report, likely through his network of loyalists or spies, that Saul intends to besiege Keilah. He presents this information to God not as a statement, but as a question requiring divine verification, demonstrating his desire for God's authoritative word over mere human reports, especially in a life-or-death scenario.
* **"O LORD God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant.":** This is David's earnest and humble plea for a direct answer. His address to "O LORD God of Israel" invokes God's covenant name (Yahweh) and His special relationship with His chosen people, emphasizing His power, faithfulness, and unique authority. The phrase "thy servant" underscores David's humility and his submission to God's will, positioning himself as one awaiting instruction. This is a model of fervent, specific prayer in a time of crisis, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of truth.
* **"And the LORD said, He will come down.":** This is God's direct, concise, and unambiguous response to David's second question. The brevity and clarity of the answer underscore God's omniscience and His willingness to provide precise, actionable guidance to His faithful servants. While it only answers the second question explicitly, it implicitly sets the stage for the answer to the first question in the very next verse ([1_samuel/23-12](/1-samuel/23-12 "1 Samuel 23:12 - God Reveals Keilah's Betrayal")), confirming the precariousness of David's position and the necessity of his immediate departure.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is a prime example of **Dialogue/Direct Speech**, presenting a verbatim exchange between David and God, highlighting the intimacy and directness of their relationship. David's initial questions function as **Genuine Inquiries** seeking specific divine revelation, rather than mere rhetorical effect, underscoring his desperate need for truth. The Lord's response, "He will come down," serves as a **Divine Oracle** or an auditory **Theophany**, where God's voice directly intervenes in human affairs, providing unambiguous guidance. This direct divine communication also acts as **Foreshadowing**, as God's confirmation of Saul's descent immediately precedes and sets up the subsequent revelation in [1_samuel/23-12](/1-samuel/23-12 "1 Samuel 23:12 - God Reveals Keilah's Betrayal") about Keilah's willingness to betray David, thus building narrative tension and validating David's initial fears and suspicions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in the lives of His people, particularly those who earnestly seek His counsel. David's consistent practice of inquiring of the Lord, even in the most perilous circumstances, demonstrates a deep theological truth: God is not a distant deity but an immanent, responsive, and sovereign guide. His willingness to provide specific, actionable intelligence through the ephod underscores His providential care and His desire for His servants to walk in His revealed will. Furthermore, the divine confirmation of Saul's approach, coupled with the implicit warning about human treachery (made explicit in the following verse), highlights God's omniscience—He knows both the plans of the wicked and the hearts of men. This divine knowledge empowers David to make informed decisions, emphasizing that true security lies not in human alliances or strategic strongholds, but in the unfailing wisdom and protection of God, who orchestrates all things for the good of those who love Him.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Betrayal by a Close Friend")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's desperate prayer in 1 Samuel 23:11 offers a timeless model for believers facing uncertainty, fear, or potential betrayal. In moments of extreme vulnerability, when human wisdom or strength seems insufficient, the path of faith is to turn directly to the Lord with specific questions and earnest pleas. David did not rely on his military prowess or the gratitude of the Keilahites; instead, he sought divine counsel, demonstrating that true security is found only in God's revealed will and protection. This passage encourages us to cultivate a posture of constant dependence on God, bringing our anxieties, strategic dilemmas, and even our suspicions before Him in prayer. It reminds us that God is willing to communicate, to provide clarity, and to guide our steps, often in specific and practical ways, if we are humble enough to ask and obedient enough to follow. Even when faced with the potential ingratitude or treachery of others, our ultimate trust must remain in the unchanging faithfulness of God, who knows all things and directs the paths of those who seek Him. This divine guidance is not limited to grand, historical events but extends to the daily decisions and challenges we face, inviting us into a deeper, more intimate walk with our omniscient God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently facing uncertainty or potential threat where you need to "inquire of the Lord" like David?**
* **How does David's immediate and specific prayer challenge your own prayer habits, especially when facing difficult decisions or potential betrayal?**
* **What does God's direct and clear answer in this verse teach you about His willingness to communicate with His children today?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper reliance on God's wisdom and guidance, rather than trusting solely in human intelligence or your own understanding?**

### FAQ
**Why did David ask God if Saul would come down, when he had already "heard" it?**

Answer: David's question, "will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard?", was not born of ignorance of the report, but of a desire for divine confirmation. In a life-or-death situation, David sought the ultimate authority and certainty from God Himself. Human intelligence, no matter how reliable, is fallible and can be misleading. David needed to know with absolute certainty, from the Lord, that the threat was real and imminent, so he could make the correct strategic decision. This demonstrates David's profound trust in God's omniscience and his commitment to acting only according to God's revealed will, rather than human speculation or fear. It highlights his model of seeking divine validation for even seemingly confirmed information, ensuring his actions were divinely sanctioned and protected. This practice aligns with the wisdom found in [Proverbs 16:3](/proverbs/16-3 "Proverbs 16:3 - Commit Your Works to the Lord"), which advises committing one's plans to the Lord for success.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's flight and his dependence on divine guidance in 1 Samuel 23:11 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David, though a man after God's own heart, was a king in exile, constantly pursued by an earthly king consumed by jealousy and a desire to kill him. His desperate need for divine intelligence and protection foreshadows humanity's desperate need for a deliverer from the ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the spiritual forces of evil. Jesus, the true Son of David and the King of Kings, perfectly embodied dependence on the Father, constantly seeking and doing His will, as He declared, "[I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge...](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - Jesus Does Nothing on His Own")" He faced betrayal not from those He had merely saved from physical enemies, but from one of His closest disciples, Judas, who delivered Him up to His enemies, as prophesied and perfectly known by God ([Luke 22:48](/luke/22-48 "Luke 22:48 - Judas's Betrayal") and [Matthew 26:21-25](/matthew/26-21-25 "Matthew 26:21-25 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal")). Unlike David, who fled to avoid capture, Christ willingly "came down" from heaven, not to escape, but to be delivered up for the salvation of the world, perfectly fulfilling God's predetermined plan ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). God's precise knowledge and direct communication to David about Saul's plans point to the Father's perfect foreknowledge and sovereign control over all events, culminating in the cross, where the ultimate betrayal became the ultimate act of redemption. In Christ, we find the ultimate "deliverer" who rescues us from the power of darkness and transfers us into His kingdom ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")), offering a security far greater and more eternal than any David could have found in Keilah.

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

Psalms 50:15

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Matthew 7:7

¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Matthew 7:8

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Jeremiah 33:3

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.