1 Samuel 23 4

1 Samuel 23:4 kjv

Then David inquired 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.

1 Samuel 23:4 nkjv

Then David inquired of the LORD once again. And the LORD answered him and said, "Arise, go down to Keilah. For I will deliver the Philistines into your hand."

1 Samuel 23:4 niv

Once again David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him, "Go down to Keilah, for I am going to give the Philistines into your hand."

1 Samuel 23:4 esv

Then David inquired of the LORD again. And the LORD answered him, "Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand."

1 Samuel 23:4 nlt

So David asked the LORD again, and again the LORD replied, "Go down to Keilah, for I will help you conquer the Philistines."

1 Samuel 23 verses

1 Samuel 23 4 Meaning

In 1 Samuel 23:4, King David, despite already having received a divine directive and facing apprehension from his men regarding their dangerous situation, chose to inquire of the Lord a second time. This act demonstrates David's profound and persistent reliance on God's clear instruction as his ultimate guide, seeking confirmation and assurance directly from Him amidst uncertainty and human fear. The verse further affirms that the Lord directly responded to David's renewed plea, offering a clear and specific command.

1 Samuel 23 4 Context

Chapter 23 of 1 Samuel finds David as a fugitive, continuously pursued by King Saul. Immediately prior to verse 4, David had courageously led his men to rescue the city of Keilah from the Philistines, acting on a previous divine instruction (1 Sam 23:2). However, after their victory, reports emerged that Saul intended to march against Keilah to trap David. This news, combined with the understandable fear and apprehension of David's approximately six hundred men, led them to question the wisdom of staying in Keilah. Their concern was that by remaining, they would expose themselves and David to certain capture or destruction. David's response in verse 4, to inquire again of the Lord, demonstrates his consistent reliance on divine will rather than yielding to human fear or strategic considerations alone. It sets David apart as a leader whose actions are fundamentally guided by God, contrasting sharply with Saul's frequent impulsive disobedience and lack of genuine spiritual inquiry.

1 Samuel 23 4 Word analysis

• And David inquired:

  • The Hebrew verb is sha'al (שָׁאַל), meaning "to ask," "to inquire," "to consult." It indicates a serious and formal consultation, often in matters of grave importance or for divine direction. This verb is repeatedly used throughout David's life, highlighting his habitual dependence on God.
  • David's act of inquiry reveals his character as one who sought God's will before acting, contrasting with King Saul's later actions in his apostasy.

• again:

  • The Hebrew adverb is od (עוֹד), meaning "again," "yet," "still," or "more."
  • This repetition is significant. It does not imply a lack of faith in the initial response (1 Sam 23:2) but rather a deepening of faith, thoroughness, and patience. Faced with a fresh challenge (Saul's threat and his men's fears), David sought reaffirmed divine clarity. It underscores persistence in prayer and due diligence in receiving and acting upon God's word, especially when circumstances become more complex or fearful. It validates the first command while acknowledging the current anxiety.

• of the Lord:

  • The divine name used is YHWH (rendered as "the LORD" in English translations, from the tetragrammaton), the covenant God of Israel. This signifies that David was seeking counsel from the true, living God who had made promises to him and to Israel, not merely a generic deity. His inquiry was to the personal and omniscient God of the covenant.
  • This distinguishes David's method from pagan divination, which involved seeking guidance from false gods or spirits.

• And the Lord answered him and said:

  • This confirms that the communication was direct, specific, and unambiguous. God indeed responded to David's inquiry.
  • The use of "and said" indicates verbal communication or clear prophetic utterance, likely through the priestly Ephod containing the Urim and Thummim, as evidenced in subsequent verses (1 Sam 23:6, 9-11). It shows God's accessibility and willingness to guide those who faithfully seek Him.

• Go down to Keilah:

  • This is the specific instruction. "Go down" is a common biblical phrase indicating movement from higher ground (like a fortress or hiding place) to a lower geographical area (like a town in a valley).
  • The instruction to go to Keilah reinforces the previous command, assuring David and his men that staying there was indeed God's will, despite the danger and the fear of his men. This tests David's obedience and reliance on God's protection.

• For I will deliver the Philistines into your hand:

  • The original translation likely means I will deliver Saul and his men into your hand and not Philistines.
  • The instruction to deliver Philistines into David's hands highlights God's sovereignty over the outcome of the battle, regardless of human fears or strategic disadvantages. It is a divine promise of victory and protection. God's directive is accompanied by a divine promise of empowerment and success.

1 Samuel 23 4 Bonus section

The context surrounding David's inquiry frequently points to the use of the priestly ephod with the Urim and Thummim (e.g., 1 Sam 23:6, 9-11). This ancient means of divine revelation allowed high priests (and, in David's case, a priest in his retinue, Abiathar) to ascertain God's will in binary "yes/no" or highly specific situations. David's repeated inquiry demonstrates his commitment to legitimate and consecrated means of communicating with God, setting a stark contrast to King Saul, who later resorts to forbidden necromancy (1 Sam 28) due to God's silence following his own disobedience. David's willingness to re-engage with God, even after receiving an initial instruction, highlights his mature faith. It shows that he sought not just an answer, but a firm conviction rooted in fresh divine assurance, especially important when facing life-threatening situations and when the confidence of his followers needed strengthening by undeniable proof of God's leading.

1 Samuel 23 4 Commentary

1 Samuel 23:4 stands as a profound testament to David's unwavering spiritual dependency. Faced with immediate and escalating danger, compounded by the legitimate fears of his six hundred men, David did not rely on his own military acumen, nor did he simply defer to the anxieties of his followers. Instead, he systematically re-engaged with the divine will he had previously sought. His act of "inquiring again" was not a sign of doubt in God's initial answer but rather an act of diligent faith, patience, and perhaps, a spiritual exercise to reassure his frightened men through a fresh, undeniable divine mandate. It illustrates a leader who prioritizes direct, ongoing communication with God above all human counsel or circumstance. God's immediate and affirmative response ("Go down to Keilah, for I will deliver [Saul and his men/Philistines] into your hand") validates David's approach, confirming divine involvement and providing the courage needed to proceed against overwhelming odds. This moment underscores the practical application of trusting in the Lord with all your heart (Prov 3:5-6) and casting all anxieties upon Him (1 Pet 5:7).

For instance, consider:

• In leadership: A leader faces an uncertain strategic decision. Initial consultation points one way, but opposition within the team and increasing risks emerge. A wise leader, like David, might seek renewed divine guidance through prayer and spiritual counsel, not doubting God but seeking clarity for the current complexities and reassurance for all involved.
• In personal life: When embarking on a major life decision, after an initial clear prayer, unforeseen challenges arise causing anxiety or human opposition. Returning to fervent prayer to "inquire again of the Lord" allows for confirmation, strengthens faith, and renews confidence in God's continued direction.