1 Samuel 23 2

1 Samuel 23:2 kjv

Therefore David inquired 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.

1 Samuel 23:2 nkjv

Therefore David inquired of the LORD, saying, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?" And the LORD said to David, "Go and attack the Philistines, and save Keilah."

1 Samuel 23:2 niv

he inquired of the LORD, saying, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?" The LORD answered him, "Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah."

1 Samuel 23:2 esv

Therefore David inquired of the LORD, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?" And the LORD said to David, "Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah."

1 Samuel 23:2 nlt

David asked the LORD, "Should I go and attack them?" "Yes, go and save Keilah," the LORD told him.

1 Samuel 23 verses

1 Samuel 23 2 Meaning

First Samuel 23:2 describes a pivotal moment where David, though being pursued by Saul, prioritizes seeking the will of the LORD concerning the Philistine threat to Keilah. It shows David's established practice of consulting God before military or significant actions, and records the LORD's direct, affirmative response, instructing David to engage the Philistines and ensure Keilah's salvation. This demonstrates God's active involvement in the lives of His faithful servants and His concern for the protection of His people.

1 Samuel 23 2 Context

Chapter 23 opens with news reaching David, who is on the run from King Saul, that the Philistines are attacking Keilah, a city in Judah. Despite his precarious situation and personal danger, David, demonstrating true leadership and faith, chooses to seek divine counsel regarding the distress of a city not under his direct command, yet part of his people, Israel. The context highlights David's ongoing commitment to God's will and his concern for his countrymen, even while he is persecuted by the very king who should be protecting them. This act contrasts sharply with Saul's abandonment of seeking God (1 Sam 13:8-14, 15:10-23), showcasing David as the leader chosen by God.

1 Samuel 23 2 Word analysis

• Therefore (וַיִּשְׁאַל - wai-yish-’al): The 'therefore' links this verse directly to the preceding news about Keilah. It signifies a logical consequence of David's character and reliance on God.
• David (דָּוִיד - dawīd): The future king of Israel, God's anointed one, here acting on behalf of his people even as he is an outcast. His actions continually set him apart as a man after God's own heart.
• inquired (שָׁאַל - sha'al): To ask, consult, inquire of. This term frequently appears when Israel or its leaders consult God, often implying the use of the priestly ephod or Urim and Thummim (e.g., 1 Sam 28:6, 30:8). It reflects David's habitual practice of seeking God's direct word before action, contrasting sharply with divination or reliance on human wisdom alone. It underlines a covenant relationship where God actively communicates with His people.
• of the LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH): The covenant God of Israel. David seeks direction from the personal, active God who sovereignly intervenes in human affairs, not a generic deity or human counsel. This emphasizes God's living and accessible nature, as opposed to silent idols of surrounding nations.
• saying (לֵאמֹר - lē'mōr): Introduces David's direct question, highlighting the clarity of his communication with God.
• Shall I go (הַאֵלֵךְ - ha’ēlēḵ): A direct interrogative, presenting a clear choice for divine arbitration. David seeks permission and instruction, not merely a blessing on his own plans.
• and attack (וְהִכֵּיתִי - wəhikētî): From נָכָה (nakah), meaning "to strike, smite, attack." It implies military engagement.
• these Philistines (הַפְּלִשְׁתִּים הָאֵלֶּה - hap-pəlištîm hā-’ēl•leh): The long-standing enemies of Israel, representing a persistent external threat to God's people and His land. David's willingness to fight them despite his fugitive status demonstrates courage and national loyalty.
• And the LORD said (וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה - waiyō’mer YHWH): Emphasizes the immediate, direct, and verbal nature of God's response, validating the genuine communication between God and David. God's answers were real and specific.
• to David (אֶל דָּוִד - ’el dāwīd): Specifies the recipient of the divine message.
• Go (לֵךְ - lēḵ): A clear command, granting explicit divine authorization for the mission. This is not just a permission but a directive.
• and attack (וְהִכִּיתָ - wəhikîṯā): Reiterates the command to engage in military action.
• the Philistines (בַפְּלִשְׁתִּים - vap-pəlištîm): Confirms the target.
• and save (וְהוֹשַׁעְתָּ - wəhôsha‘tā): From יָשַׁע (yasha), meaning "to save, deliver, bring victory." This is a crucial element. David's mission is not just punitive against the Philistines but redemptive for Keilah. The ultimate goal is salvation.
• Keilah (קְעִילָה - qə‘îlāh): A specific Judahite city, whose deliverance serves as a tangible expression of God's faithfulness and David's righteous leadership, fulfilling his divine calling to shepherd Israel.

1 Samuel 23 2 Bonus section

• Polemics: This detailed account of inquiring directly of YHWH contrasts starkly with the common practices of divination, magic, or consulting dead ancestors prevalent among the surrounding pagan nations. It asserts YHWH's uniqueness as the only living God who sovereignly and intelligibly communicates with His chosen leader. Saul, later in 1 Samuel 28, tragically turns to a medium in his spiritual desperation, offering a dire contrast to David's consistent and proper approach.
• David's Leadership: This moment solidifies David's identity as a selfless shepherd for Israel, embodying the characteristics of a future king even while hunted. He is not merely gathering a band of outlaws, but leading God's people by seeking God's will and acting upon it. This foresight and concern for others, especially those suffering, are crucial aspects of a godly ruler.
• God's Sovereignty: Even in times of national turmoil and leadership vacuum, God remains active in protecting His people. He does not abandon them but provides specific instructions through His chosen instruments, like David.
• Nature of "Salvation": The Hebrew term "yasha" encompasses not just spiritual deliverance but also physical rescue and military victory. Here, it signifies a tangible deliverance from the Philistine oppression, a physical manifestation of God's power working through David. This foreshadows the greater spiritual salvation brought by Jesus, whose name itself stems from this root meaning "YHWH saves."

1 Samuel 23 2 Commentary

1 Samuel 23:2 is a profound illustration of faith, leadership, and divine interaction. David's act of inquiring of the LORD, despite being a fugitive and having legitimate reasons to prioritize his own safety, showcases his deep trust in God's providence and his commitment to his divine calling. He wasn't seeking convenience but counsel, understanding that true leadership flows from submission to divine will. The Philistines, representing chronic opposition to God's people, often appear in narratives testing Israel's faith. Keilah, as a Judahite city, represents God's people under threat. God's response is immediate and clear, confirming David's impulse and commanding him to act. The directive to "save Keilah" highlights God's protective nature over His people. This verse implicitly sets David apart from Saul, whose declining reign was marked by a diminishing reliance on God and increasing self-will. For us, this verse underscores the importance of prayerful inquiry and obedience, recognizing that God's directives often lead us to act in situations where our human reasoning might advise otherwise, promising not only divine authorization but divine enabling for the task. It emphasizes that salvation, whether physical or spiritual, ultimately stems from the LORD and involves active participation by His obedient servants.