1 Samuel 23:9

KJV

And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} knew {H3045} that Saul {H7586} secretly practised {H2790} mischief {H7451} against him; and he said {H559} to Abiathar {H54} the priest {H3548}, Bring hither {H5066} the ephod {H646}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David knew that Sha'ul was plotting something against him, so he told Avyatar the cohen, "Bring the ritual vest here."

Berean Standard Bible

When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.”

American Standard Version

And David knew that Saul was devising mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 23:9, David, having recently delivered the city of Keilah from Philistine oppression, gains certain knowledge that King Saul is actively plotting his capture and harm. Faced with this fresh betrayal and imminent danger, David immediately turns to his trusted priest, Abiathar, requesting the sacred ephod. This pivotal action underscores David's unwavering reliance on divine guidance and direct communication with God, even amidst relentless persecution and life-threatening circumstances, demonstrating a profound spiritual discipline that prioritizes God's wisdom over human strategy or strength alone.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a tumultuous and precarious period of David's life, characterized by his continuous flight from King Saul, who is consumed by irrational jealousy and a relentless desire to kill him. Immediately preceding this, David, with explicit divine approval, had courageously led a successful military campaign to [rescue the city of Keilah from the Philistines](/1_samuel/23-1 "1 Samuel 23:1-5 - David Rescues Keilah"). Despite this heroic and selfless act, David receives a direct revelation from God that the ungrateful citizens of Keilah intend to betray him to Saul, who is already en route to besiege the city. Verse 9 captures David's immediate and characteristic response to this new, imminent threat: he acknowledges Saul's persistent malice and instinctively seeks divine counsel, setting the stage for God's clear instruction to depart Keilah, thus averting capture. This episode further highlights the stark contrast between Saul's increasing reliance on human schemes and David's consistent, humble dependence on the Lord for every critical decision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the early monarchy in Israel, the high priest played a crucial role as an intermediary between God and His people, particularly the king. The ephod, a special priestly garment, was central to this function. It contained the breastplate, which held the Urim and Thummim—sacred lots used by the high priest to ascertain God's will, often providing a "yes" or "no" answer or specific direction to critical questions. This method of divine consultation was a legitimate and recognized means of seeking God's direction in matters of state, warfare, and personal crisis, as seen in various instances throughout [the Old Testament](/exodus/28-30 "Exodus 28:30 - The Urim and Thummim"). David's request for the ephod thus reflects a deeply ingrained cultural and religious practice of seeking direct divine revelation before making crucial decisions, especially when facing life-or-death situations. His actions stand in stark contrast to Saul's later abandonment of seeking God's counsel, leading him to illicit means like consulting a medium, as graphically described in [1 Samuel 28](/1_samuel/28 "1 Samuel 28 - Saul and the Medium of Endor").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it exemplifies the theme of **Divine Guidance in Crisis**, showcasing David's unwavering commitment to seeking God's specific direction rather than relying solely on his own strategic acumen, even when facing immediate peril. This contrasts sharply with Saul's declining spiritual sensitivity and his eventual abandonment of seeking God's will, as seen in [1 Samuel 13:12-14](/1_samuel/13-12-14 "1 Samuel 13:12-14 - Saul's Disobedience"). Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Saul's Persistent Malice and Persecution**, highlighting the depth of Saul's paranoia and his relentless, underhanded pursuit of David, forcing David into a life of constant vigilance and absolute dependence on God's protection. This relentless pursuit is a recurring motif throughout [1 Samuel 20-26](/1_samuel/20 "1 Samuel 20 - David's Flight from Saul"). Finally, David's command to "Bring hither the ephod" underscores the theme of **Reliance on Priestly Ministry and God's Ordained Means of Revelation**. Abiathar, the sole survivor of Saul's massacre of the priests at Nob ([1 Samuel 22:20](/1_samuel/22-20 "1 Samuel 22:20 - Abiathar Escapes to David")), serves as the legitimate channel for divine communication, emphasizing the importance of utilizing the spiritual resources God provides.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Knew (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ_):** (H3045) This verb signifies more than mere intellectual awareness; it implies a deep, experiential knowledge, often suggesting divine insight or a confirmed, certain understanding. In this context, David's "knowing" that Saul was plotting mischief against him suggests either a divinely granted discernment (perhaps through prophetic word or an inner conviction from the Spirit) or a keen, accurate assessment based on Saul's consistent pattern of treachery. It highlights David's spiritual sensitivity and his ability to perceive the true nature of the threat, prompting his immediate action to seek God's specific guidance.
* **Practised (Hebrew, _chârash_):** (H2790) This primitive root carries the meaning "to scratch, engrave, plough," but figuratively, it means "to devise (in a bad sense)" or "to practise secretly." This word choice emphasizes the insidious, clandestine nature of Saul's plotting. It wasn't an open confrontation but a hidden, malicious scheme being meticulously "fabricated" or "engraved" against David, highlighting the treacherous and underhanded tactics Saul employed.
* **Ephod (Hebrew, _ʼêphôwd_):** (H646) In this specific context, the ephod refers to the sacred vestment worn by the high priest, which contained the breastplate with the Urim and Thummim. These were objects used for divine divination, providing clear "yes" or "no" answers or specific directions from God. David's command to "Bring hither the ephod" is a direct request for Abiathar to consult God on his behalf, indicating David's profound reliance on God's direct, unambiguous word to guide his next steps in a perilous situation. It represents the legitimate, divinely ordained means of seeking God's will in the Old Testament.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him;":** This clause establishes David's immediate and accurate perception of the danger. The word "knew" (יָדַע, _yâdaʻ_) suggests a certainty, possibly divinely revealed or born of long experience with Saul's treachery. The phrase "secretly practised mischief" (literally, "was weaving evil against him" or "devising evil") highlights Saul's cunning and underhanded methods, emphasizing the insidious nature of the threat David faced. This awareness is the catalyst for David's subsequent action, demonstrating his vigilance and spiritual discernment.
* **"and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.":** This clause reveals David's immediate and decisive response to the perceived danger. Rather than resorting to human strategy, panic, or despair, David instinctively turns to God through the established priestly channel. His command to Abiathar, who had recently joined him after fleeing Saul's massacre of the priests at Nob ([1 Samuel 22:20](/1_samuel/22-20 "1 Samuel 22:20 - Abiathar Escapes to David")), signifies his trust in God's ordained means of revelation. The request for the "ephod" indicates his desire for direct, authoritative divine guidance regarding his next move, demonstrating his unwavering dependence on the Lord in the face of overwhelming odds.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices that enrich its meaning and underscore its theological significance. **Foreshadowing** is evident as Saul's continued "secret mischief" foreshadows his ultimate downfall and the tragic end of his reign, marked by his rejection of divine counsel and reliance on his own devices. This stands in stark contrast with David's consistent seeking of God, which ultimately leads to his establishment as king. There is also a strong element of **Irony** in the situation: David, the one being unjustly persecuted and hunted, consistently seeks God's will and guidance, while Saul, the reigning king chosen by God, increasingly abandons divine consultation and descends into paranoia and self-reliance. This highlights the spiritual decline of Saul and the spiritual vitality and faithfulness of David, God's chosen king. Furthermore, the verse contributes to a pervasive **Dependence Motif** throughout David's narrative, where his strength, protection, and success are consistently attributed not to his own prowess or military might but to his humble and persistent reliance on God's guidance and protection. This motif underscores a key theological message about true leadership, faithfulness, and the source of ultimate victory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 23:9 stands as a powerful testament to the principle of seeking God's will in all circumstances, particularly in times of extreme duress and betrayal. David's immediate recourse to the ephod, the divinely ordained means of communication, underscores a profound theological truth: true security, wisdom, and direction come from God alone, not from human cunning, political alliances, or military strength. This episode highlights the stark contrast between David's faithful dependence on the Lord and Saul's increasing spiritual alienation, which ultimately led to his tragic end and rejection by God. It teaches us that even when facing betrayal, relentless opposition, or seemingly insurmountable odds, our first and most effective strategy is to consult the divine source of all wisdom and power. This reliance on God's specific guidance is a hallmark of righteous leadership and a timeless pattern for all believers navigating the complexities of life.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - God's Word as a Lamp to Our Feet")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's immediate turn to God through Abiathar and the ephod in 1 Samuel 23:9 provides a profound and enduring model for navigating the uncertainties, betrayals, and dangers of life. In a world where we often feel compelled to react quickly, strategize independently, or rely solely on our own limited understanding and resources, David's example calls us to pause and prioritize divine consultation. His trust was not in the mechanism of the ephod itself, but in the sovereign God who spoke through it, demonstrating a deep-seated faith that God's word was his ultimate guide. For believers today, while the physical ephod is no longer the means of divine revelation, the principle remains: our primary and most effective response to crisis, confusion, or threat should be to seek God's wisdom through fervent prayer, diligent study and meditation on His infallible Word, and sensitive reliance on the Holy Spirit's indwelling guidance. This posture of humble dependence not only provides clarity and direction in bewildering circumstances but also cultivates a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, reminding us that He is sovereign over all circumstances and intimately concerned with every step of our path.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When faced with unexpected betrayal, imminent danger, or significant uncertainty, what is your immediate instinct? How does David's response challenge your typical reactions and priorities?**
* **What are the "ephods" in your life today—the divinely appointed means through which you seek God's guidance (e.g., Scripture, prayer, godly counsel, the Holy Spirit)? Are you consistently and faithfully utilizing them as David did?**
* **How does David's unwavering reliance on God, despite relentless persecution and the constant threat of death, encourage you to trust God more fully and dependently in your own challenging circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of the ephod in David's time, and how did it function?**

Answer: In David's time, the ephod referred specifically to the sacred priestly garment worn by the high priest, and it was far more than mere clothing; it was integral to the process of divine consultation. Attached to the ephod was a breastplate containing twelve precious stones, each representing one of the tribes of Israel. Within this breastplate, or perhaps connected to it, were the Urim and Thummim, two objects used by the high priest to discern God's will. While their exact nature and mechanism are not fully detailed in Scripture, they were used to obtain clear, often "yes" or "no," answers to specific questions posed to God, especially concerning matters of national importance, war, or critical decisions. David's request to "Bring hither the ephod" was a direct plea for Abiathar to consult God on his behalf using these sacred objects, seeking unambiguous divine guidance for his next move in the face of Saul's treachery. This method of seeking God's will was a legitimate and divinely sanctioned practice in the Old Testament, as seen in passages like [Exodus 28:30](/exodus/28-30 "Exodus 28:30 - The Urim and Thummim") and [Numbers 27:21](/numbers/27-21 "Numbers 27:21 - Joshua to consult Eleazar by Urim").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's desperate plea for the ephod in 1 Samuel 23:9, seeking direct divine guidance through the high priest, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect means of God's revelation and guidance found in Jesus Christ. While David relied on a temporary, symbolic means of communication, believers now have direct and unhindered access to God through the person and work of Jesus, our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"). Just as Abiathar mediated God's word to David, Christ Himself is the perfect Mediator of a [new and better covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant"), providing not just answers to specific questions but a complete revelation of God's character and will. We no longer need the Urim and Thummim, for the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent, indwells believers, guiding us into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")). Furthermore, the written Word of God, inspired by the Spirit, serves as our lamp and light ([Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - God's Word as a Lamp")), providing comprehensive guidance for every aspect of life and revealing the very mind of Christ ([1 Corinthians 2:16](/1_corinthians/2-16 "1 Corinthians 2:16 - Having the Mind of Christ")). Thus, David's act of seeking God's specific will through the ephod finds its ultimate and complete fulfillment in the person of Christ, who is the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")) and through whom we have full and confident access to the Father ([Ephesians 3:12](/ephesians/3-12 "Ephesians 3:12 - Access to God 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

1 Samuel 30:7

¶ And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David.

1 Samuel 23:6

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.

Numbers 27:21

And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask [counsel] for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, [both] he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

1 Samuel 14:18

And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel.

1 Samuel 22:20

¶ And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.

Acts 14:6

They were ware of [it], and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

Jeremiah 33:3

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