1 Samuel 23:3

And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?

And David's {H1732} men {H582} said {H559} unto him, Behold, we be afraid {H3373} here in Judah {H3063}: how much more then if we come {H3212} to Keilah {H7084} against the armies {H4634} of the Philistines {H6430}?

David's men said to him, "Look, we're already afraid here in Y'hudah. How much more, then, if we go to Ke'ilah to fight the armies of the P'lishtim!"

But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?”

And David’s men said unto him, Behold, we are afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?

Commentary

In 1 Samuel 23:3, we witness a moment of genuine human fear and apprehension from David's loyal but wary men. David has just inquired of the Lord whether he should go and save the city of Keilah from the attacking Philistines. Despite having received divine approval, his men express profound doubt.

Context

At this point in the narrative, David is an outlaw, constantly on the run from King Saul, who is relentlessly pursuing him. David and his small band of men are living a precarious existence in the wilderness of Judah. News reaches them that the Philistines are attacking Keilah, a fortified city, and robbing the threshing floors. David, ever mindful of his duty to Israel, seeks God's counsel through the ephod, asking if he should go and rescue Keilah. The Lord instructs him to go. However, David's men, facing their own vulnerability and the formidable reputation of the Philistine armies, voice their deep concern. They fear not only the Philistines but also the potential exposure to Saul's forces that venturing into Keilah might bring. Their statement, "Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?" vividly portrays their understandable human instinct for self-preservation.

Key Themes

  • Human Fear vs. Divine Will: The verse powerfully illustrates the tension between natural human fear in the face of danger and the revealed will of God. David's men are afraid even in their current relatively secure position, amplifying their dread of facing the powerful Philistine military.
  • Leadership and Trust: This moment is a test of David's leadership. He must not only discern God's will but also inspire and persuade his fearful followers to act on that divine guidance. It highlights the challenge of leading people who are confronted with overwhelming odds and their own anxieties.
  • The Ever-Present Philistine Threat: The Philistines were a constant, formidable enemy of Israel, often possessing superior military technology and organization. Their presence in Keilah underscores the ongoing struggle for control of the land and the need for divine intervention and courageous action.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless insights for believers today:

  • Acknowledging Fear: It's natural to feel afraid when faced with daunting challenges, even when we believe we are following God's leading. The Bible doesn't condemn fear but shows how faith can overcome it.
  • Trusting God's Direction: Like David, we are called to seek God's counsel and then trust His direction, even when it seems illogical or dangerous from a human perspective. This requires a willingness to step out in faith, as David ultimately did. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
  • The Challenge of Leading and Following: Leaders must patiently address the fears and doubts of those they lead, while followers must learn to place their trust in God and in the leadership He provides. David's resolve to obey God, despite his men's fears, ultimately led to a significant victory and a demonstration of God's faithfulness.
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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

  • Jeremiah 12:5

    If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and [if] in the land of peace, [wherein] thou trustedst, [they wearied thee], then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?

  • 1 Samuel 23:15

    And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David [was] in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.

  • 1 Samuel 23:23

    See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah.

  • 1 Samuel 23:26

    And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.

  • Psalms 11:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David. In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee [as] a bird to your mountain?
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