TRV
Translation
King James Version
And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand.
Complete Jewish Bible
When Avyatar the son of Achimelekh fled to David in Ke'ilah, he had brought a ritual vest with him.
Berean Standard Bible
(Now Abiathar son of Ahimelech had brought the ephod with him when he fled to David at Keilah.)
American Standard Version
And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand.
World English Bible Messianic
When Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, he came down with an ephod in his hand.
Geneva Bible (1599)
(And when Abiathar the sonne of Ahimelech fled to Dauid to Keilah, he brought an Ephod with him)
Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass, in the fleeing of Abiathar son of Ahimelech unto David, to Keilah, an ephod came down in his hand.
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In the KJVVerse 7,817 of 31,102
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Commentary on 1 Samuel 23 verses 1–6
1 ¶ Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors.
2 Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.
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?
4 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.
5 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.
6 And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand.
Now we find why the prophet Gad (by divine direction, no doubt) ordered David to go into the land of Judah, Sa1 22:5. It was that, since Saul neglected the public safety, he might take care of it, notwithstanding the ill treatment that was given him; for he must render good for evil, and therein be a type of him who not only ventured his life, but laid down his life, for those that were his enemies.
I. Tidings are brought to David, as to the patron and protector of his country's liberties, that the Philistines had made a descent upon the city of Keilah and plundered the country thereabouts, Sa1 23:1. Probably it was the departure both of God and David from Saul that encouraged the Philistines to make this incursion. When princes begin to persecute God's people and ministers, let them expect no other than vexation on all sides. The way for any country to be quiet is to let God's church be quiet in it. If Saul fight against David, the Philistines shall fight against his country.
II. David is forward enough to come in for their relief, but is willing to enquire of the Lord concerning it. Here is an instance, 1. Of David's generosity and public-spiritedness. Though his head and hands were full of his own business, and he had enough to do, with the little force he had, to secure himself, yet he was concerned for the safety of his country and could not sit still to see that ravaged: nay, though Saul, whose business it was to guard the borders of his land, hated him and sought his life, yet he was willing, to the utmost of his power, to serve him and his interests against the common enemy, and bravely abhorred the thought of sacrificing the common welfare to his private revenge. Those are unlike to David who sullenly decline to do good because they have not been so well considered as they deserved for the services they have done. 2. Of David's piety and regard to God. He enquired of the Lord by the prophet Gad; for it should seem (by Sa1 23:6) that Abiathar came not to him with the ephod till he was in Keilah. His enquiry is, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? He enquires both concerning the duty (whether he might lawfully take Saul's work out of his hand, and act without a commission from him) and concerning the event, whether he might safely venture against such a force as the Philistines had with such a handful of men at his feet, and such a dangerous enemy as Saul was at his back. It is our duty, and will be our case and comfort, whatever happens, to acknowledge God in all our ways and to seek direction from him.
III. God appointed him once and again to go against the Philistines, and promised him success: Go, and smite the Philistines, Sa1 23:2. His men opposed it, Sa1 23:3. No sooner did he begin to have soldiers of his own than he found it hard enough to manage them. They objected that they had enemies enough among their own countrymen, they needed not to make the Philistines their enemies. Their hearts failed them when they only apprehended themselves in danger from Saul's band of pursuers, much more when they came to engage the Philistine-armies. To satisfy them, therefore, he enquired of the Lord again, and now received, not only a full commission, which would warrant him to fight though he had no orders from Saul (Arise, go down to Keilah), but also a full assurance of victory: I will deliver the Philistines into thy hand, Sa1 23:4. This was enough to animate the greatest coward he had in his regiment.
IV. He went accordingly against the Philistines, routed them, and rescued Keilah, (Sa1 23:5), and it should seem he made a sally into the country of the Philistines, for he carried off their cattle by way of reprisal for the wrong they did to the men of Keilah in robbing their threshing-floors. Here notice is taken (Sa1 23:6) that it was while David remained in Keilah, after he had cleared it of the Philistines, that Abiathar came to him with the ephod in his hand, that is, the high priest's ephod, in which the urim and thummin were. It was a great comfort to David, in his banishment, that when he could not go to the house of God he had some of the choicest treasures of that house brought to him, the high priest and his breast-plate of judgment.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–6. Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on Samuel
Moreover, at the time when Abiathar fled, etc. The ephod, as we mentioned above, is a priestly garment, with four most distinguished colors interwoven with gold, and two precious stones on each shoulder, and the sacred names of the twelve patriarchs, which most fittingly corresponds to signify the senses of sublime men. For those fleeing to more and more proclaim the glory of Christ, who escaped the hands of many torturers and persecutors for Him, bear within themselves senses and hearts elevated with the four excellent virtues shining with charity, tempered with precious discretion in adversities and prosperities, and taught and armed by the word and example of the preceding Fathers. And it is well said that the priest, fleeing to David with the ephod, is remembered not to have ascended but descended, according to that which is written: "The greater you are, humble yourself in all things" (Ecclesiasticus 3). But truly, because with the growing devotion of faith, the hatred of the perfidious increases, evidently by the judgment of heaven, so that both the trial examining the whole in faith makes them clearer, and the same also accuses the dissemblers of their levity, it is rightly added:
Richard ChallonerAD 1781
An ephod: Or the ephod. That is, the vestment of the high priest, with the urim and thummim, by which the Lord gave his oracle.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 23:6 marks a pivotal moment in David's life as a fugitive, highlighting God's unwavering faithfulness and David's commitment to divine guidance amidst relentless persecution from King Saul. This verse introduces Abiathar, the sole survivor of Saul's horrific massacre of the priests of Nob, who flees to David in Keilah. Crucially, Abiathar brings with him the ephod—the sacred priestly garment essential for inquiring of the Lord. His arrival not only re-establishes a legitimate means for David to discern God's will but also profoundly signifies God's providence in preserving the priesthood and providing for His anointed, even in the direst and most desperate circumstances.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is strategically positioned immediately following David's initial inquiries of the Lord regarding the Philistine threat to Keilah, as recorded in 1 Samuel 23:2 and 1 Samuel 23:4. It builds directly upon the tragic events of Saul's massacre of the priests of Nob, where Abiathar's father, Ahimelech, and eighty-five other priests were brutally slain, as detailed in 1 Samuel 22:18-19. Abiathar's escape to David was briefly mentioned earlier in 1 Samuel 22:20-23, where David, feeling a measure of responsibility for the tragedy, promised Abiathar protection. The arrival of the ephod in David's possession in this verse is not merely a narrative detail but a functional necessity, as it immediately precedes David's subsequent and critical inquiries about Saul's intentions concerning Keilah in 1 Samuel 23:9-12, demonstrating the practical and immediate restoration of divine counsel.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, the high priest served a paramount role as the primary intermediary between God and His people, especially in discerning the divine will. The ephod, a distinctive priestly vestment, was intricately linked with the Urim and Thummim (as described in Exodus 28:30), which were the principal means through which the high priest would obtain divine oracles. This practice was deeply embedded in Israelite religious and national life, providing direct guidance on critical matters such as warfare, leadership decisions, and national policy. At this particular juncture, King Saul had become spiritually estranged from God and was no longer able to receive divine answers, as explicitly stated in 1 Samuel 28:6, highlighting the profound spiritual vacuum within his kingship. In stark contrast, David, despite being a hunted fugitive, consistently sought God's direction, thereby underscoring his righteous character and unwavering dependence on the Lord, distinguishing him sharply from Saul's spiritual decline.
Key Themes: The central and most profound theme underscored by Abiathar's arrival with the ephod is Divine Guidance. David's consistent and desperate reliance on the Lord for strategic decisions, even while relentlessly pursued, stands in stark opposition to Saul's spiritual abandonment and self-reliance. This dependence is a recurring motif, evident not only in David's inquiries about the Philistines in 1 Samuel 23:2 and 1 Samuel 23:4, but throughout his entire narrative as God's chosen king. Another significant theme is God's Preservation of the Priesthood. Despite Saul's brutal and tyrannical attempt to eradicate the legitimate priestly line at Nob, God miraculously ensures its continuation through Abiathar, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant and His people. This act powerfully signifies that even in the face of human wickedness and destructive intent, God's sovereign purposes will ultimately prevail. Finally, the verse highlights Loyalty and Refuge. Abiathar's flight to David is an act of profound loyalty and trust, as he aligns himself with God's anointed king in exile. David's immediate acceptance and protection of Abiathar, in turn, underscore his commitment to those who suffer for righteousness and his acknowledgment of his own indirect role in the Nob tragedy, as expressed in 1 Samuel 22:22.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound significance. Symbolism is paramount, with the "ephod" serving as a powerful symbol of legitimate divine authority, direct access to God's will, and the miraculous continuation of the priesthood despite Saul's tyrannical attempts to obliterate it. Abiathar's very presence with the ephod symbolizes God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant and His people, ensuring that a vital means of communication remains open. There is a clear Contrast implicitly drawn between David's consistent and now re-enabled ability to inquire of the Lord and Saul's spiritual abandonment and complete inability to receive divine counsel, as explicitly stated in 1 Samuel 28:6. The narrative also skillfully uses Foreshadowing, as Abiathar's arrival and the immediate availability of the ephod directly precede David's subsequent inquiries about Saul's movements and intentions concerning Keilah in 1 Samuel 23:9-12, illustrating how this event will directly impact David's strategic decisions and ultimately contribute to his survival and God's unfolding plan.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The arrival of Abiathar with the ephod in 1 Samuel 23:6 is a profound theological statement about God's unwavering commitment to communicate with His people and to actively guide His chosen leaders, even in the most tumultuous times. In a period of immense chaos, persecution, and spiritual decline under Saul, God sovereignly ensures that the legitimate means of discerning His will remains available to David, His anointed king. This highlights God's meticulous providence, demonstrating that even when human institutions fail, are corrupted, or are violently suppressed, God will always preserve a way for His divine purposes to be accomplished. David's immediate and consistent use of the ephod throughout his fugitive years underscores the paramount importance of actively seeking God's counsel in all matters, serving as a stark and powerful contrast to Saul's self-reliance and spiritual abandonment. This verse powerfully affirms that God desires to be intimately known and to direct the paths of those who faithfully seek Him, providing clarity and direction amidst uncertainty.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 23:6 offers a powerful and enduring reminder of the critical importance of seeking God's divine guidance, especially during times of profound uncertainty, fear, or when facing critical, life-altering decisions. Like David, who was a hunted man facing constant threats, we often find ourselves in situations where human wisdom, foresight, or strength alone are utterly insufficient, and we desperately need clear divine direction. This verse profoundly encourages us to cultivate a deep and unwavering dependence on God, actively pursuing and submitting to His will through the means He has graciously provided. Today, while we no longer utilize an ephod, God communicates His will primarily through His inspired and authoritative Word, the Bible, which serves as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path; through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who illuminates truth, convicts, and guides believers into all understanding; and through the wise, godly counsel found within the vibrant community of faith. This passage also speaks powerfully to God's incredible providence and faithfulness: even when circumstances appear dire, when evil seems to triumph, or when all human hope seems lost, God faithfully preserves His purposes and provides the necessary resources and guidance for His people to continue walking in His righteous ways. We are called to trust implicitly in His provision and to consistently lean on His infinite wisdom.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the "ephod" and how was it used in ancient Israel?
Answer: The "ephod" mentioned in 1 Samuel 23:6 refers to a sacred and highly significant vestment worn by the high priest in ancient Israel. It was a sleeveless, often richly embroidered garment, distinct from the more common priestly attire. Crucially, the ephod was designed to hold the breastplate, which contained the Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:30). These were two objects, possibly stones or lots, that were used by the high priest to discern God's will. When a question was posed to the Lord, the priest would use the Urim and Thummim to receive a divine oracle, typically in the form of a "yes" or "no" answer, or specific divine direction. This method of inquiry was a legitimate and direct way for God to communicate His will to His people and their leaders, particularly in matters of national importance, military strategy, and judicial decisions.
Why was Abiathar's arrival with the ephod so important to David?
Answer: Abiathar's arrival with the ephod was critically important to David for several profound reasons. Firstly, it immediately restored to David the legitimate and divinely sanctioned means of inquiring of the Lord. King Saul had, by this point, alienated himself from God and could no longer receive divine guidance (1 Samuel 28:6), leaving a profound spiritual void in Israel's leadership. With Abiathar and the ephod, David, as God's anointed, could now directly seek God's counsel on strategic decisions, which was absolutely vital for his survival as a fugitive and for effectively leading his men. Secondly, Abiathar represented the miraculous continuation of the legitimate priesthood after Saul's brutal and unprovoked massacre of the priests at Nob. His presence with David signified that God had faithfully preserved a righteous priestly line, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant despite human wickedness and tyranny. Thirdly, it solidified a crucial bond between David and Abiathar, providing David with a trusted spiritual advisor and Abiathar with much-needed refuge and protection, thereby fulfilling David's solemn promise made in 1 Samuel 22:23.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 23:6, with Abiathar bringing the ephod to David, beautifully and powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect access to God's guidance provided exclusively through Jesus Christ. David's profound reliance on the ephod for divine direction underscores humanity's deep and inherent need for God's clear voice and sovereign guidance in a fallen and chaotic world. In the Old Covenant, the ephod, utilized by a human priest, served as a temporary and symbolic means of bridging the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. However, in the New Covenant, Jesus Christ Himself is revealed as the ultimate, eternal, and perfect High Priest, who does not merely carry an ephod but is the very embodiment of God's complete and final revelation (Hebrews 4:14-16). He is the Word made flesh, the Truth incarnate, and the very fullness of God's wisdom and knowledge. Through His perfect and atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ has opened a new and living way for all believers to draw near to God directly, with confidence, without the need for an earthly priest or a physical object like the ephod. We no longer require an external device to hear God's voice; instead, we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who guides us into all truth (John 16:13), and we possess the inspired and infallible Word of God, which is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. Thus, Jesus is the "greater Abiathar," who not only provides unparalleled access to God's will but is the very will of God perfectly revealed, ensuring that His followers are never without perfect, divine, and all-sufficient guidance.