perhaps from קָלַע in the sense of enclosing; citadel; Keilah, a place in Palestine; Keilah.
Transliteration:Qᵉʻîylâh
Pronunciation:keh-ee-law'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma קְעִילָה (Qᵉʻîylâh), transliterated as Keilah, is a proper noun referring to a specific place. Its base definition suggests a connection to the root קָלַע (qāla‘) `{{H7049}}`, interpreted in this context as "to enclose." This etymological link points to the primary meaning of Keilah as a "citadel" or a "fortified, enclosed place." Thus, the name itself implies a location of strategic importance and defensive capability, characteristic of cities in the ancient Near East designed for protection.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Keilah is primarily mentioned in the Books of Joshua, 1 Samuel, and Nehemiah.
* In [[Joshua 15:44]], Keilah is listed among the cities of the Shephelah, the lowlands of Judah, indicating its geographical location within the tribal inheritance.
* The most significant biblical narrative involving Keilah is found in [[1 Samuel 23]]. This passage details David's interaction with the city during his flight from King Saul.
* David, having heard that the Philistines were attacking Keilah and plundering its threshing floors, inquired of the Lord whether he should go and rescue the city ([[1 Samuel 23:1-2]]).
* Despite his men's apprehension, David again sought divine counsel, and the Lord commanded him to go, assuring him of victory ([[1 Samuel 23:3-4]]). David and his men then struck the Philistines and saved Keilah ([[1 Samuel 23:5]]).
* Upon learning that David was in Keilah, Saul planned to besiege the city ([[1 Samuel 23:7-8]]).
* David, aware of Saul's intentions and the potential for betrayal, again consulted the Lord through Abiathar the priest and the ephod. The Lord revealed that the men of Keilah would indeed surrender David to Saul ([[1 Samuel 23:9-12]]).
* Based on this divine revelation, David and his men, numbering about six hundred, departed from Keilah, thus escaping Saul's trap ([[1 Samuel 23:13]]).
* Later, in [[Nehemiah 3:17-18]], Keilah is mentioned in the context of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall after the exile. Two groups, "the ruler of half the district of Keilah" and "the ruler of the other half of the district of Keilah," participated in the reconstruction, suggesting that by this time, Keilah was a significant administrative center divided into two districts.
The narrative in 1 Samuel 23 vividly portrays Keilah as a vulnerable yet strategically important city, highlighting themes of divine guidance, human loyalty (or lack thereof), and the precariousness of David's early kingship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The proposed root for Keilah, קָלַע (qāla‘) `{{H7049}}`, generally means "to sling," "to engrave," or "to weave." The specific nuance of "enclosing" for Keilah is a semantic extension fitting a fortified place name.
Related concepts include:
* **Fortification:** Cities like Keilah were often fortified (e.g., walls, gates) for defense, reflecting the "citadel" aspect of its name.
* **Siege Warfare:** The planned siege by Saul against Keilah illustrates a common military tactic of the era.
* **Divine Guidance:** David's repeated consultation of the Lord through the ephod is a key theme, contrasting with human fallibility.
* **Betrayal:** The willingness of Keilah's inhabitants to hand over their deliverer to Saul highlights human treachery and the fragility of trust.
* **Refuge:** While initially a place of refuge for Keilah's inhabitants from the Philistines, it proved to be an unreliable refuge for David due to the inhabitants' potential disloyalty.
### Theological Significance
The story of Keilah in 1 Samuel 23 offers profound theological insights:
* **Divine Providence and Revelation:** The Lord's direct communication with David through the ephod is a powerful demonstration of divine providence. God not only guides David's actions (to rescue Keilah) but also reveals future events (the betrayal by Keilah's inhabitants), enabling David to escape danger. This underscores God's active involvement in the lives of His chosen servants and His sovereign control over circumstances.
* **Human Fickleness and Sinfulness:** The willingness of the men of Keilah to hand over David, their deliverer, to Saul, reveals the inherent sinfulness and unreliability of humanity. Despite being saved from the Philistines by David, their loyalty was conditional and easily swayed by fear of Saul. This serves as a stark reminder that human trust and loyalty are ultimately fallible, contrasting with the steadfastness of God.
* **David's Dependence on God:** David's consistent practice of inquiring of the Lord before making critical decisions, even in dire circumstances, exemplifies his character as "a man after God's own heart." His reliance was not on the strength of his army or the loyalty of the city, but solely on the word of God. This narrative reinforces the theological principle that true security and guidance come only from God.
* **The Nature of True Refuge:** Though Keilah was a "citadel" and offered physical protection from the Philistines, it could not provide true security for David due to the inhabitants' potential betrayal. This implicitly teaches that ultimate refuge is found not in fortified cities or human alliances, but in God alone.
### Summary
קְעִילָה (Qᵉʻîylâh) `{{H7084}}`, or Keilah, is a proper noun designating a fortified city in the Shephelah of Judah, its name likely deriving from a root implying "enclosure" or "citadel." Its most prominent biblical appearance is in [[1 Samuel 23]], where David rescues it from the Philistines, only to be divinely warned that its inhabitants would betray him to King Saul. This pivotal episode highlights God's direct guidance and protection of David, the fickle nature of human loyalty, and David's unwavering dependence on the Lord. The narrative underscores that while physical fortifications may offer temporary security, ultimate refuge and deliverance are found solely in divine providence. Keilah also appears in [[Joshua 15:44]] as a city in Judah and in [[Nehemiah 3:17-18]] as an administrative district involved in the post-exilic rebuilding of Jerusalem.
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