1 Samuel 23:4

KJV

Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then David {H1732} enquired {H7592} of the LORD {H3068} yet again {H3254}. And the LORD {H3068} answered {H6030} him and said {H559}, Arise {H6965}, go down {H3381} to Keilah {H7084}; for I will deliver {H5414} the Philistines {H6430} into thine hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David consulted ADONAI again; and ADONAI answered him, "Set out, and go down to Ke'ilah, because I will hand the P'lishtim over to you.

Berean Standard Bible

Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: “Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.”

American Standard Version

Then David inquired of Jehovah yet again. And Jehovah answered him, and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thy hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
David, though an outlaw fleeing King Saul, demonstrates profound spiritual leadership by repeatedly seeking God's divine counsel regarding the Philistine attack on Keilah. This verse captures the Lord's clear and affirmative response, commanding David to proceed to Keilah with a powerful promise of victory, assuring him that the Philistines would be delivered into his hands, thereby transforming a perilous military venture into a divinely ordained mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Samuel 23 opens with David, now a fugitive from King Saul, receiving news of the Philistines attacking Keilah and plundering its threshing floors. This direct aggression against a city in Judah, David's people, stirs him to action. Prior to this verse, David had already inquired of the LORD about going to Keilah. However, his men, understandably fearful of both Saul's pursuit and the Philistine threat, expressed significant apprehension, as detailed in [1 Samuel 23:3](/1_samuel/23-3 "1 Samuel 23:3 - The Fears of David's Men"). This collective doubt or reluctance among his followers prompted David to seek divine counsel "yet again," not out of personal uncertainty, but likely to solidify the conviction of his men and ensure unified, God-ordained action.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this juncture, David is living as an outlaw, having been anointed by Samuel but not yet recognized as king. Saul, consumed by jealousy and paranoia, relentlessly pursues David, viewing him as a direct threat to his throne. Keilah was a fortified city in the Shephelah, a strategic lowlands region between the Judean hills and the Philistine plain, making it vulnerable to Philistine raids for food and resources. The Philistines were a formidable, long-standing enemy of Israel, and their incursions into Israelite territory were common. David's act of defending Keilah, despite his own precarious position, underscores his continued commitment to protecting God's people, even when not officially in power. His inquiry of the Lord likely involved the use of the ephod with the Urim and Thummim, brought by Abiathar the priest, a recognized means of seeking divine oracle in ancient Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several enduring themes within the book of 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. David's repeated inquiry highlights the theme of **Persistent Prayer and Divine Guidance**, showcasing a leader who consistently prioritizes God's will above personal safety or human logic, even when facing internal dissent. The Lord's direct and unequivocal response, "Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand," emphasizes **God's Active Sovereignty and Intervention** in the affairs of His people and His chosen servant. This promise of victory, despite overwhelming odds, underscores the theme of **Divine Promise and Deliverance**, transforming a risky military endeavor into a divinely guaranteed success. Furthermore, David's subsequent obedience, despite the fears of his men, exemplifies **Faith and Obedience in the Face of Adversity**, a hallmark of his spiritual character and a recurring motif in his journey towards kingship, as seen in his earlier victory over Goliath in [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Enquired (Hebrew, שָׁאַל, _sha'al'_):** This verb signifies more than a casual question; it denotes a formal, earnest, and often solemn seeking of divine counsel, typically through priestly means such as the Urim and Thummim (as David likely utilized via Abiathar, the priest who joined him earlier in [1 Samuel 22:20-23](/1_samuel/22-20 "1 Samuel 22:20-23 - Abiathar Joins David")). It implies a deep spiritual discipline and a recognition of God's ultimate authority and wisdom in guiding human affairs, especially in matters of life and death or national significance.
* **Deliver (Hebrew, נָתַן, _natan'_):** The verb "natan" means "to give," "to place," or "to put." In this context, it carries the strong connotation of "delivering into the hand," signifying a complete and decisive victory where the enemy is utterly defeated and brought under the control of the victor. It is a divine assurance of success, indicating that God Himself will actively orchestrate the defeat of the Philistines and hand them over to David. This is not merely permission to fight, but a promise of certain triumph.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then David enquired of the LORD yet again."**: This clause emphasizes David's persistent and unwavering commitment to seeking divine guidance. The phrase "yet again" highlights that this was not his first inquiry regarding Keilah, but a renewed plea, likely prompted by the fear and reluctance of his men (as seen in [1 Samuel 23:3](/1_samuel/23-3 "1 Samuel 23:3 - The Fears of David's Men")). It underscores David's spiritual maturity, prioritizing God's confirmed will over human apprehension or logical expediency.
* **"And the LORD answered him and said,"**: This signifies the immediacy and clarity of God's communication. The Lord's response is direct, personal, and unambiguous, demonstrating His active involvement in David's life and His willingness to guide His faithful servants. This direct answer validates David's persistent seeking and provides the necessary assurance for him and his men.
* **"Arise, go down to Keilah;"**: This is a direct divine command, providing specific instruction for David's next course of action. "Arise" implies immediate and decisive movement, while "go down" indicates the geographical descent from David's current hiding place in the wilderness to the city of Keilah. This command removes all doubt about the legitimacy and divine approval of the mission.
* **"for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand."**: This is the crucial divine promise of victory, the ultimate assurance that undergirds the command. God Himself guarantees the outcome, taking responsibility for the success of the mission. This promise transforms a perilous military venture into a divinely ordained and guaranteed triumph, providing immense encouragement and confidence to David and his fearful men.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. The **Repetition** of David "enquiring of the LORD" (first in [1 Samuel 23:2](/1_samuel/23-2 "1 Samuel 23:2 - David's First Inquiry") and then "yet again" in this verse) highlights David's consistent spiritual discipline and reliance on divine guidance, serving as a model for the reader. The Lord's response functions as a **Divine Oracle**, a direct, authoritative communication from God, which carries absolute weight and truth. This oracle is also a form of **Foreshadowing**, as God's promise to "deliver the Philistines into thine hand" not only guarantees immediate victory at Keilah but also subtly points forward to David's future role as king, where he would consistently defeat Israel's enemies, including the Philistines, establishing peace and security for the nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the principle of divine guidance in the lives of God's servants. David's persistent and humble inquiry, even when facing fear and opposition from his own men, underscores the importance of seeking God's will above all else. God's immediate and unequivocal response demonstrates His active sovereignty and faithfulness to those who trust in Him. The promise of deliverance is not merely a military advantage but a theological statement of God's covenant loyalty and His commitment to protect His people, even through unconventional means. This narrative reinforces the truth that true leadership, especially in times of crisis, is rooted in dependence on God's wisdom and power, rather than human strength or strategic prowess alone.

* [1 Samuel 30:8](/1_samuel/30-8 "1 Samuel 30:8 - David's Inquiry Before Pursuing Amalekites")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Jeremiah 33:3](/jeremiah/33-3 "Jeremiah 33:3 - Call to Me and I Will Answer You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's example in 1 Samuel 23:4 offers timeless lessons for believers navigating the complexities of life. In moments of uncertainty, fear, or when facing decisions that seem fraught with peril, our first and repeated impulse should be to "enquire of the LORD." This is not a sign of weakness, but of profound strength and spiritual wisdom, acknowledging God's ultimate sovereignty and perfect plan. Even when our circumstances seem illogical, or when those around us express doubt, God's clear word provides the necessary conviction and courage to move forward. This passage encourages us to cultivate a habit of persistent prayer and reliance on God's guidance, trusting that when He commands, He also empowers and provides the means for victory, transforming our challenges into opportunities for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently facing fear or uncertainty, and how might David's example encourage you to "enquire of the LORD yet again"?**
* **How does God's clear and direct answer to David challenge or affirm your understanding of how God communicates with His people today?**
* **What "Philistines" (challenges, obstacles, fears) do you need God to "deliver into your hand," and how does this verse inspire you to trust in His promise of victory?**

### FAQ
**Why did David inquire of the LORD "yet again" if he had already received an answer?**

Answer: David had indeed inquired of the Lord previously in [1 Samuel 23:2](/1_samuel/23-2 "1 Samuel 23:2 - David's First Inquiry"), and God had told him to go to Keilah. However, [1 Samuel 23:3](/1_samuel/23-3 "1 Samuel 23:3 - The Fears of David's Men") reveals that David's men were fearful and expressed their apprehension, saying, "Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?" Their fear and reluctance likely caused David to seek a second, confirming word from the Lord. This was not due to David's personal doubt, but rather a pastoral act to reassure his fearful followers and unite them in a divinely sanctioned mission. It demonstrates David's wisdom in leadership, ensuring that his men were convinced of God's will before leading them into a dangerous situation.

**How did David "enquire of the LORD"?**

Answer: In the Old Testament, "enquiring of the LORD" often involved specific priestly means. David had Abiathar the priest with him, who had brought the ephod (a priestly garment) with him when he fled to David ([1 Samuel 22:20-23](/1_samuel/22-20 "1 Samuel 22:20-23 - Abiathar Joins David")). The ephod contained the Urim and Thummim, two objects used for discerning God's will, often by casting lots or through direct divine revelation in response to specific questions. While the exact method is not detailed here, it is highly probable that David sought God's counsel through Abiathar using these sacred instruments, which provided a clear "yes" or "no" or a direct verbal response from God, as seen in this verse.

**What is the significance of God's direct promise, "I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand"?**

Answer: This direct promise is profoundly significant. It transforms a potentially suicidal military venture into a divinely guaranteed triumph. It signifies God's active involvement and sovereignty, assuring David that the victory would not be by his own strength or military prowess, but by God's direct intervention. This promise serves as a powerful source of encouragement and confidence for David and his men, validating their obedience and providing the necessary faith to confront a formidable enemy. It underscores God's faithfulness to His chosen servant and His commitment to protect His people from their enemies, a recurring theme throughout Israel's history, as seen in the victories granted to Joshua in [Joshua 10:8](/joshua/10-8 "Joshua 10:8 - God Delivers the Amorites to Joshua").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 23:4, with its depiction of David's persistent reliance on divine guidance and God's powerful promise of deliverance, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David, though a man after God's own heart, was a flawed and imperfect deliverer. He continually sought God's will to lead Israel to victory over their physical enemies. Christ, however, is the perfect Son who always did the will of the Father, declaring, "I always do what pleases him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). Where David received promises of physical deliverance, Christ embodies the ultimate spiritual deliverance, triumphing over sin, death, and the powers of darkness through His sacrificial death and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The assurance, "I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand," foreshadows the greater victory Christ won for all humanity, delivering us from the hand of our greatest adversary, Satan ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ Destroys the Power of Death")). Believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, are now called to follow the perfect example of Christ, who perfectly submitted to the Father's will, and through Him, we too receive spiritual guidance and participate in His victory over the forces of evil, knowing that "in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us" ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ")).

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

Judges 7:7

And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the [other] people go every man unto his place.

Joshua 8:7

Then ye shall rise up from the ambush, and seize upon the city: for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.

Judges 6:39

And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew.

2 Samuel 5:19

And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.

2 Kings 3:18

And this is [but] a light thing in the sight of the LORD: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand.

1 Samuel 28:6

And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.