1 Samuel 23:5

KJV

So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.

KJV (with Strong's)

So David {H1732} and his men {H582} went {H3212} to Keilah {H7084}, and fought {H3898} with the Philistines {H6430}, and brought away {H5090} their cattle {H4735}, and smote {H5221} them with a great {H1419} slaughter {H4347}. So David {H1732} saved {H3467} the inhabitants {H3427} of Keilah {H7084}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David and his men went to Ke'ilah and fought the P'lishtim. They defeated them in a great slaughter and led away their livestock. Thus David saved the inhabitants of Ke'ilah.

Berean Standard Bible

Then David and his men went to Keilah, fought against the Philistines, and carried off their livestock, striking them with a mighty blow. So David saved the people of Keilah.

American Standard Version

And David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and slew them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse encapsulates David's selfless act of deliverance for the city of Keilah, a pivotal moment demonstrating his character and God's faithfulness amidst his flight from King Saul. Despite his own precarious position as a fugitive, David, having diligently sought and received divine counsel, led his men in a decisive victory over the Philistines, who were plundering the city, thereby saving its inhabitants and establishing his role as a protector of Israel even before his anointing as king.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a brief but intense narrative arc within 1 Samuel 23. Immediately preceding it, David is a fugitive, having gathered a band of about 600 men [1 Samuel 22:2](/1_samuel/22-2 "1 Samuel 22:2 - David's Mighty Men Gather"). News reaches him that the Philistines are attacking Keilah and plundering their threshing floors [1 Samuel 23:1](/1_samuel/23-1 "1 Samuel 23:1 - Philistines Attack Keilah"). David, despite the apparent risk to his own safety and that of his men, twice inquires of the Lord through the ephod [1 Samuel 23:2](/1_samuel/23-2 "1 Samuel 23:2 - David's First Inquiry") and [1 Samuel 23:4](/1_samuel/23-4 "1 Samuel 23:4 - David's Second Inquiry"), seeking divine permission and assurance for intervention. His men express fear, concerned about confronting the Philistines and the ever-present threat of Saul [1 Samuel 23:3](/1_samuel/23-3 "1 Samuel 23:3 - David's Men Fear"). Verse 5 details the direct consequence of David's obedience to God's repeated affirmation, portraying the swift and overwhelming success of the mission. The subsequent verses [1 Samuel 23:6-13](/1_samuel/23-6 "1 Samuel 23:6-13 - David Flees Keilah") reveal Saul's reaction and David's further inquiry regarding Keilah's loyalty, setting up the next phase of his flight.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a formidable and persistent enemy of Israel, frequently raiding Israelite towns, especially those near their territory in the Shephelah, as Keilah was. Their raids often targeted agricultural resources like threshing floors, crucial for the sustenance of the community, indicating a calculated act of economic warfare and subjugation. David's actions occur during a period of intense political instability, with King Saul relentlessly pursuing him as a perceived rival to the throne. David's band of men, composed of those "in distress or in debt or discontented" [1 Samuel 22:2](/1_samuel/22-2 "1 Samuel 22:2 - David's Discontented Men"), were not a formal army, making their victory against the Philistines even more remarkable and indicative of divine intervention. The act of "saving" a city from an enemy raid was a critical function of a leader in ancient Israel, a role Saul had failed to consistently fulfill, thus highlighting David's emerging leadership qualities in contrast to the reigning king.
* **Key Themes:** The episode at Keilah powerfully reinforces several overarching themes in 1 Samuel and David's life. **Divine Guidance and Obedience** is paramount, as David's repeated inquiries and subsequent action underscore his reliance on God's direction, a stark contrast to Saul's later disobedience (e.g., [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience")). This reliance on God positions David as a man after God's own heart. The theme of **David as Deliverer** is strongly established; even as a fugitive, he acts as a protector of Israel, foreshadowing his future role as king and "shepherd" of God's people [2 Samuel 5:2](/2_samuel/5-2 "2 Samuel 5:2 - David as Shepherd of Israel"). Furthermore, the narrative emphasizes **God's Faithfulness**, demonstrating that God honored His word to David, empowering him to achieve a decisive victory against overwhelming odds, thereby showcasing His commitment to His chosen one and His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nakah'_):** This verb is frequently used in biblical narratives to describe striking, beating, or killing. Here, in the context of "smote them with a great slaughter," it denotes a violent, decisive, and overwhelming defeat. It implies not merely a skirmish but a comprehensive military victory where the enemy is utterly routed and decimated.
* **Great slaughter (Hebrew, _makkah gedolah'_):** This is a strong idiomatic expression signifying a devastating defeat or a massive loss of life inflicted upon the enemy. The term "great" (_gedolah_) emphasizes the magnitude and completeness of the Philistine defeat, indicating that David's victory was not marginal but absolute, leaving no doubt as to who prevailed. This phrase often points to divine assistance in battle, where the victory is beyond human capability alone.
* **Saved (Hebrew, _yasha'_):** This verb means to deliver, to rescue, or to bring salvation. In this context, David "saved" the inhabitants of Keilah from the Philistine oppression, plunder, and potential subjugation. This act of deliverance is significant, as it positions David not just as a military leader but as a rescuer, a role that prefigures his ultimate calling as king of Israel, responsible for the welfare and security of his people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So David and his men went to Keilah":** This clause signifies David's immediate and obedient response to the Lord's clear instruction. Despite the fears of his men and the personal danger, David acted decisively, demonstrating his faith and commitment to God's will.
* **"and fought with the Philistines":** This highlights the direct confrontation and engagement with the enemy. It confirms that David's mission was not merely a defensive maneuver but an offensive strike to liberate the city and its resources from the oppressors.
* **"and brought away their cattle":** This detail indicates the success of the raid beyond just military victory. The recovery of the plundered cattle was economically vital for Keilah, restoring their livelihood and demonstrating the tangible benefit of David's intervention. It also suggests a complete rout of the Philistines, who abandoned their spoils.
* **"and smote them with a great slaughter":** This emphasizes the overwhelming and decisive nature of David's victory. It was not a minor skirmish but a crushing defeat for the Philistines, underscoring the divine empowerment behind David's actions and the effectiveness of his small, irregular force.
* **"So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah":** This concluding clause summarizes the ultimate outcome and purpose of the entire engagement. David's actions resulted in the deliverance and salvation of the people of Keilah, solidifying his reputation as a protector and deliverer, a stark contrast to Saul's increasingly self-serving reign.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "smote them with a great slaughter," which, while perhaps literally true, also serves to emphasize the overwhelming nature of the victory and the divine power behind it, suggesting a defeat so complete it bordered on annihilation. This phrase also functions as **Repetition** of a common biblical motif where God grants a decisive victory to His chosen one against overwhelming odds, echoing earlier accounts of Israel's triumphs. Furthermore, the narrative presents a profound **Irony**: David, a fugitive from his own king, is the one who steps forward to defend an Israelite city when the reigning monarch, Saul, is absent or unwilling to act. This ironic contrast highlights David's legitimate claim to leadership and his heart for the people, even as he is being hunted as an enemy of the state.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 23:5 profoundly illustrates the principle that obedience to God's specific direction, even when it demands personal sacrifice and courage, leads to divine empowerment and success. David's selfless act of delivering Keilah, despite his own precarious circumstances, showcases his character as a leader who prioritizes the welfare of God's people over his personal safety. This episode reinforces God's faithfulness to His chosen instruments, demonstrating His ability to use unlikely means (a fugitive and his band) to bring about His purposes of justice and deliverance. It also foreshadows David's future role as the shepherd-king, divinely appointed to protect and lead Israel, a stark contrast to Saul's increasingly self-absorbed and ineffective rule.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart")
* [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord is my rock and my deliverer")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do not fear, for I am with you")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of David at Keilah serves as a powerful reminder that true leadership, particularly in a spiritual sense, is characterized by selfless service, a deep reliance on divine guidance, and courage in the face of adversity. In our own lives, we are often called to step out in faith, to act on God's leading even when the path seems uncertain or dangerous, or when it requires us to put others' needs before our own. David's diligent inquiry of the Lord, even when his men were fearful, teaches us the vital importance of prayer and seeking God's will through His Word before making significant decisions. This narrative encourages us to trust that God is faithful to deliver and empower us for the tasks He calls us to, even when we feel ill-equipped or vulnerable. It challenges us to consider where we might be called to be agents of deliverance or protection in our communities, relying not on our own strength, but on the Lord's.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently being called to seek God's specific guidance, even when it feels risky or counter-intuitive?**
* **How does David's willingness to serve others, despite his own fugitive status, challenge your understanding of selfless leadership or service?**
* **When have you experienced God's faithfulness to deliver you or empower you in a situation where you felt vulnerable or overwhelmed?**

### FAQ
**Why did David, a fugitive, risk his life for Keilah?**

Answer: David's decision to risk his life and the lives of his men for Keilah, despite being a fugitive from King Saul, was rooted in several factors. Primarily, it was an act of obedience to the Lord. David twice inquired of God through the ephod (as seen in [1 Samuel 23:2](/1_samuel/23-2 "1 Samuel 23:2 - David's First Inquiry") and [1 Samuel 23:4](/1_samuel/23-4 "1 Samuel 23:4 - David's Second Inquiry")), and each time God affirmed that he should go and deliver Keilah. This demonstrates David's deep reliance on divine guidance, a hallmark of his character. Furthermore, it underscored his true heart for Israel and his role as a protector of God's people, even before he was officially king. Unlike Saul, who was failing to defend his people, David stepped into this vacuum, showcasing his legitimate claim to leadership and his commitment to justice and the welfare of the Israelites. His actions were a testament to his faith and his calling.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's deliverance of Keilah, while a powerful testament to his character and God's faithfulness, ultimately points beyond David to the greater Deliverer, Jesus Christ. David, as a shepherd-king who risked his life for his flock, serves as a type of Christ, the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd"). Just as David "saved" the inhabitants of Keilah from physical oppression and plunder, Jesus Christ provides ultimate spiritual salvation, delivering humanity from the bondage of sin and death [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and God's Gift"). David's obedience to God's command to fight the Philistines foreshadows Christ's perfect obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience"). The "great slaughter" inflicted upon the Philistines by David's hand can be seen as a shadow of Christ's decisive victory over the powers of darkness and evil, a triumph that secures eternal deliverance for all who believe [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities"). Thus, David's act at Keilah is not merely a historical event but a prophetic echo, revealing the heart of God for His people and pointing to the ultimate act of deliverance accomplished by 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.