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1 Samuel 23

BSB·29 verses ·Old Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Now it was reportedוַיַּגִּ֥דוּway·yag·gi·ḏū — to tell, declare, make knownH5046 — Full Word Study → to Davidלְדָוִ֖דlə·ḏā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study →, “Lookהִנֵּ֤הhin·nêh — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study →, the Philistinesפְלִשְׁתִּים֙p̄ə·liš·tîm — PhilistineH6430 — Full Word Study → are fightingנִלְחָמִ֣יםnil·ḥā·mîm — to fight; to consume; to battleH3898 — Full Word Study → against Keilahבִּקְעִילָ֔הbiq·‘î·lāh — Fortress cityH7084 — Full Word Study → and lootingשֹׁסִ֥יםšō·sîm — to plunder, rob, or spoilH8154 — Full Word Study → the threshing floorsהַגֳּרָנֽוֹת׃hag·go·rā·nō·wṯ — Threshing floor; agricultural work areaH1637 — Full Word Study →.” 2So Davidדָּוִ֤דdā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → inquiredוַיִּשְׁאַ֨לway·yiš·’al — to ask, request, inquire, or demandH7592 — Full Word Study → of the LORDבַּֽיהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →, “Should I goהַאֵלֵ֣ךְha·’ê·lêḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → and attackוְהִכֵּ֔יתִיwə·hik·kê·ṯî — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → theseהָאֵ֑לֶּהסhå̄·ʾēl·lɛ·hs — These; those; the onesH428 — Full Word Study → Philistinesבַּפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖יםbap·pə·liš·tîm — PhilistineH6430 — Full Word Study →?” And the LORDיְהוָ֜הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֨אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Davidדָּוִ֗דdā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study →, “Goלֵ֚ךְlêḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → and attackוְהִכִּ֣יתָwə·hik·kî·ṯā — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → the Philistinesבַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֔יםḇap·pə·liš·tîm — PhilistineH6430 — Full Word Study → and saveוְהוֹשַׁעְתָּ֖wə·hō·wō·ša‘·tā — To deliver, rescue, or save from dangerH3467 — Full Word Study → Keilahקְעִילָֽה׃qə·‘î·lāh — Fortress cityH7084 — Full Word Study →.” 3But David’sדָוִד֙ḏā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → menאַנְשֵׁ֤י’an·šê — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֨אמְר֜וּway·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to himאֵלָ֔יו’ê·lāw — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study →, “Lookהִנֵּ֨הhin·nêh — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study →, weאֲנַ֥חְנוּ’ă·naḥ·nū — We, us, ourselves (first person plural pronoun)H587 — Full Word Study → are afraidיְרֵאִ֑יםyə·rê·’îm — to fear, be afraid, dreadH3373 — Full Word Study → hereפֹ֛הp̄ōh — Here, in this place, to this sideH6311 — Full Word Study → in Judahבִּֽיהוּדָ֖הbî·hū·ḏāh — The Lord is praisedH3063 — Full Word Study →; how much moreוְאַף֙wə·’ap̄ — Also, moreover, even, indeedH637 — Full Word Study → ifכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → we goנֵלֵ֣ךְnê·lêḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → to Keilahקְעִלָ֔הqə·‘i·lāh — Fortress cityH7084 — Full Word Study → againstאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the armies ofמַֽעַרְכ֖וֹתma·‘ar·ḵō·wṯ — A row, rank, or arrangement of troops in battle orderH4634 — Full Word Study → the Philistinesפְּלִשְׁתִּֽים׃סpə·liš·tîm — PhilistineH6430 — Full Word Study →?” 4Once againוַיּ֨וֹסֶףway·yō·w·sep̄ — to add, increase, or do againH3254 — Full Word Study →, Davidדָּוִד֙dā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → inquiredלִשְׁאֹ֣לliš·’ōl — to ask, request, inquire, or demandH7592 — Full Word Study → of the LORDבַּֽיהוָ֔הסbay·h·wå̄·hs — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →, and the LORDיְהוָ֑הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → answered himוַֽיַּעֲנֵ֖הוּway·ya·‘ă·nê·hū — To answer, respond, or testifyH6030 — Full Word Study →: “Goרֵ֣דrêḏ — To descend, go down, come downH3381 — Full Word Study → at onceק֚וּםqūm — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → to Keilahקְעִילָ֔הqə·‘î·lāh — Fortress cityH7084 — Full Word Study →, forכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → Iאֲנִ֥י’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → will deliverנֹתֵ֛ןnō·ṯên — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → the Philistinesפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖יםpə·liš·tîm — PhilistineH6430 — Full Word Study → into your handבְּיָדֶֽךָ׃bə·yā·ḏe·ḵā — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →.” 5Then Davidדָּוִד֩dā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → and his menוְאֲנָשׁוֹwə·ʾă·nå̄·šō — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → wentוַיֵּ֣לֶךְway·yê·leḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → to Keilahקְעִילָ֜הqə·‘î·lāh — Fortress cityH7084 — Full Word Study →, foughtוַיִּלָּ֣חֶםway·yil·lā·ḥem — to fight; to consume; to battleH3898 — Full Word Study → against the Philistinesבַּפְּלִשְׁתִּ֗יםbap·pə·liš·tîm — PhilistineH6430 — Full Word Study →, and carried offוַיִּנְהַג֙way·yin·haḡ — to lead, drive, guideH5090 — Full Word Study → their livestockמִקְנֵיהֶ֔םmiq·nê·hem — Livestock; herds and flocks as possessionsH4735 — Full Word Study →, strikingוַיַּ֥ךְway·yaḵ — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → them with a mightyגְדוֹלָ֑הḡə·ḏō·w·lāh — Great, mighty, large in size or significanceH1419 — Full Word Study → blowמַכָּ֣הmak·kāh — A blow, wound, or plague; physical injury or divine judgmentH4347 — Full Word Study →. So Davidדָּוִ֔דdā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → savedוַיֹּ֣שַׁעway·yō·ša‘ — To deliver, rescue, or save from dangerH3467 — Full Word Study → the peopleיֹשְׁבֵ֥יyō·šə·ḇê — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → of Keilahקְעִילָֽה׃סqə·‘î·lāh — Fortress cityH7084 — Full Word Study →. 6(Nowוַיְהִ֗יway·hî — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → Abiatharאֶבְיָתָ֧ר’eḇ·yā·ṯār — Abiathar, a high priest of IsraelH54 — Full Word Study → sonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Ahimelechאֲחִימֶ֛לֶךְ’ă·ḥî·me·leḵ — My brother is kingH288 — Full Word Study → had broughtיָרַ֥דyā·raḏ — To descend, go down, come downH3381 — Full Word Study → the ephodאֵפ֖וֹד’ê·p̄ō·wḏ — priestly garment; breastplate worn by the high priestH646 — Full Word Study → with himבְּיָדֽוֹ׃bə·yā·ḏōw — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → when he fledבִּ֠בְרֹחַbiḇ·rō·aḥ — To flee or escape in hasteH1272 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Davidדָּוִ֖דdā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → at Keilahקְעִילָ֑הqə·‘î·lāh — Fortress cityH7084 — Full Word Study →.) 7When Saulלְשָׁא֔וּלlə·šā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → was toldוַיֻּגַּ֣דway·yug·gaḏ — to tell, declare, make knownH5046 — Full Word Study → thatכִּי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → Davidדָוִ֖דḏā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → had goneבָ֥אḇā — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → to Keilahקְעִילָ֑הqə·‘î·lāh — Fortress cityH7084 — Full Word Study →, heשָׁא֗וּלšā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Godאֱלֹהִים֙’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → has deliveredנִכַּ֨רnik·kar — To recognize, acknowledge, regard, or treat as strangeH5234 — Full Word Study → himאֹת֤וֹ’ō·ṯōw — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → into my handבְּיָדִ֔יbə·yā·ḏî — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →, forכִּ֚יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → he has trapped himselfנִסְגַּ֣רnis·gar — to shut, close, or encloseH5462 — Full Word Study → by enteringלָב֔וֹאlā·ḇō·w — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → a townבְּעִ֖ירbə·‘îr — City; fortified settlement or townH5892 — Full Word Study → with gatesדְּלָתַ֥יִםdə·lā·ṯa·yim — Door; gate; valve or leaf of a doorH1817 — Full Word Study → and barsוּבְרִֽיחַ׃ū·ḇə·rî·aḥ — bar, bolt, or fugitiveH1280 — Full Word Study →.” 8Then Saulשָׁא֛וּלšā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → summonedוַיְשַׁמַּ֥עway·šam·ma‘ — to hear, listen, obeyH8085 — Full Word Study → allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → his troopsהָעָ֖םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → to goלָרֶ֣דֶתlā·re·ḏeṯ — To descend, go down, come downH3381 — Full Word Study → to warלַמִּלְחָמָ֑הlam·mil·ḥā·māh — Battle, warfare, combat, military conflictH4421 — Full Word Study → at Keilahקְעִילָ֔הqə·‘î·lāh — Fortress cityH7084 — Full Word Study → and besiegeלָצ֥וּרlā·ṣūr — to besiege, confine, or press inH6696 — Full Word Study → Davidדָּוִ֖דdā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → and his menאֲנָשָֽׁיו׃’ă·nā·šāw — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study →. 9When Davidדָּוִ֔דdā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → learnedוַיֵּ֣דַעway·yê·ḏa‘ — to know, understand, perceiveH3045 — Full Word Study → thatכִּ֣יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → Saulשָׁא֖וּלšā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → was plottingמַחֲרִ֣ישׁma·ḥă·rîš — to engrave, plow, devise, or keep silentH2790 — Full Word Study → evilהָרָעָ֑הhā·rā·‘āh — evil, bad, harm, disasterH7451 — Full Word Study → against himעָלָ֔יו‘ā·lāw — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study →, he saidוַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙way·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Abiatharאֶבְיָתָ֣ר’eḇ·yā·ṯār — Abiathar, a high priest of IsraelH54 — Full Word Study → the priestהַכֹּהֵ֔ןhak·kō·hên — priest; one who serves in God's sanctuaryH3548 — Full Word Study →, “Bringהַגִּ֖ישָׁהhag·gî·šāh — to draw near, approach, come closeH5066 — Full Word Study → the ephodהָאֵפֽוֹד׃סhā·’ê·p̄ō·wḏ — priestly garment; breastplate worn by the high priestH646 — Full Word Study →.” 10And Davidדָּוִד֒dā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּאמֶר֮way·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “O LORDיְהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →, Godאֱלֹהֵ֣י’ĕ·lō·hê — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → of Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֔לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →, Your servantעַבְדְּךָ֔‘aḇ·də·ḵā — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study → has heardשָׁמֹ֤עַšā·mō·a‘ — to hear, listen, obeyH8085 — Full Word Study → thatכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → Saulשָׁא֖וּלšā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → intendsמְבַקֵּ֥שׁmə·ḇaq·qêš — To seek, search for, or request earnestlyH1245 — Full Word Study → to comeלָב֣וֹאlā·ḇō·w — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Keilahקְעִילָ֑הqə·‘î·lāh — Fortress cityH7084 — Full Word Study → and destroyלְשַׁחֵ֥תlə·ša·ḥêṯ — to destroy, ruin, or corruptH7843 — Full Word Study → the cityלָעִ֖ירlā·‘îr — City; fortified settlement or townH5892 — Full Word Study → on my accountבַּעֲבוּרִֽי׃ba·‘ă·ḇū·rî — For the sake of; because of; in order thatH5668 — Full Word Study →. 11Will the citizensבַעֲלֵי֩ḇa·‘ă·lê — Master, owner, lord, husbandH1167 — Full Word Study → of Keilahקְעִילָ֨הqə·‘î·lāh — Fortress cityH7084 — Full Word Study → surrender meהֲיַסְגִּרֻ֣נִיhă·yas·gi·ru·nî — to shut, close, or encloseH5462 — Full Word Study → into his handבְיָד֜וֹḇə·yā·ḏōw — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →? Will Saulשָׁא֗וּלšā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → come downהֲיֵרֵ֣דhă·yê·rêḏ — To descend, go down, come downH3381 — Full Word Study →, asכַּֽאֲשֶׁר֙ka·’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → Your servantעַבְדֶּ֔ךָ‘aḇ·de·ḵā — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study → has heardשָׁמַ֣עšā·ma‘ — to hear, listen, obeyH8085 — Full Word Study →? O LORDיְהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →, Godאֱלֹהֵ֣י’ĕ·lō·hê — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → of Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֔לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →, pleaseנָ֖אnā — Please, I beseech, I prayH4994 — Full Word Study → tellהַגֶּד־hag·geḏ- — to tell, declare, make knownH5046 — Full Word Study → Your servantלְעַבְדֶּ֑ךָסlə·ʿaḇ·dɛ·ḵå̄s — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study →.” “He willיֵרֵֽד׃yê·rêḏ — To descend, go down, come downH3381 — Full Word Study →,” saidוַיֹּ֥אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָ֖הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →. 12So Davidדָּוִ֔דdā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → askedוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Will the citizensבַּעֲלֵ֧יba·‘ă·lê — Master, owner, lord, husbandH1167 — Full Word Study → of Keilahקְעִילָ֛הqə·‘î·lāh — Fortress cityH7084 — Full Word Study → surrenderהֲיַסְגִּ֜רוּhă·yas·gi·rū — to shut, close, or encloseH5462 — Full Word Study → meאֹתִ֥י’ō·ṯî — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → andוְאֶת־wə·’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → my menאֲנָשַׁ֖י’ă·nā·šay — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → into the handבְּיַד־bə·yaḏ- — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → of Saulשָׁא֑וּלšā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study →?” “They willיַסְגִּֽירוּ׃סyas·gî·rū — to shut, close, or encloseH5462 — Full Word Study →,” saidוַיֹּ֥אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָ֖הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →. 13Then Davidדָּוִ֨דdā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → and his menוַאֲנָשָׁ֜יוwa·’ă·nā·šāw — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study →, about sixכְּשֵׁשׁ־kə·šêš- — The number six; sixth in orderH8337 — Full Word Study → hundred strong, set outוַיָּקָם֩way·yā·qām — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → and departedוַיֵּצְאוּ֙way·yê·ṣə·’ū — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study → from Keilahמִקְּעִלָ֔הmiq·qə·‘i·lāh — Fortress cityH7084 — Full Word Study →, moving from place to placeוַיִּֽתְהַלְּכ֖וּway·yiṯ·hal·lə·ḵū — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study →. When Saulוּלְשָׁא֣וּלū·lə·šā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → was toldהֻגַּ֗דhug·gaḏ — to tell, declare, make knownH5046 — Full Word Study → thatכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → Davidדָּוִד֙dā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → had escapedנִמְלַ֤טnim·laṭ — to escape, deliver, or save from dangerH4422 — Full Word Study → from Keilahמִקְּעִילָ֔הmiq·qə·‘î·lāh — Fortress cityH7084 — Full Word Study →, he declinedוַיֶּחְדַּ֖לway·yeḥ·dal — to cease, stop, or desist from an actionH2308 — Full Word Study → to go forthלָצֵֽאת׃lā·ṣêṯ — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study →. 14And Davidדָּוִ֤דdā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → stayedוַיֵּ֨שֶׁבway·yê·šeḇ — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → in the wildernessבַּמִּדְבָּר֙bam·miḏ·bār — Desert; wilderness; pasture; speechH4057 — Full Word Study → strongholdsבַּמְּצָד֔וֹתbam·mə·ṣā·ḏō·wṯ — A fortified stronghold or fortressH4679 — Full Word Study → and in the hill countryבָּהָ֖רbā·hār — Mountain, hill, or elevated land massH2022 — Full Word Study → of the Wildernessבְּמִדְבַּר־bə·miḏ·bar- — Desert; wilderness; pasture; speechH4057 — Full Word Study → of Ziphזִ֑יףzîp̄ — A wilderness regionH2128 — Full Word Study →. Dayכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → after dayהַיָּמִ֔יםhay·yā·mîm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → Saulשָׁאוּל֙šā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → searched for himוַיְבַקְשֵׁ֤הוּway·ḇaq·šê·hū — To seek, search for, or request earnestlyH1245 — Full Word Study →, but Godאֱלֹהִ֖ים’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → would notוְלֹֽא־wə·lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → deliver David into his handבְּיָדֽוֹ׃bə·yā·ḏōw — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →. 15While Davidדָוִ֔דḏå̄·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → was in Horeshבַּחֹֽרְשָׁה׃סba·ḥō·rə·šāh — A forest or wooded areaH2793 — Full Word Study → in the Wildernessבְּמִדְבַּר־bə·miḏ·bar- — Desert; wilderness; pasture; speechH4057 — Full Word Study → of Ziphזִ֖יףzîp̄ — A wilderness regionH2128 — Full Word Study →, heוְדָוִ֥דwə·ḏā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → sawוַיַּ֣רְאway·yar — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → thatכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → Saulשָׁא֖וּלšā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → had come outיָצָ֥אyā·ṣā — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study → to takeלְבַקֵּ֣שׁlə·ḇaq·qêš — To seek, search for, or request earnestlyH1245 — Full Word Study → his lifeנַפְשׁ֑וֹnap̄·šōw — soul, life, person, selfH5315 — Full Word Study →. 16Andוַיָּ֙קָם֙way·yā·qām — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → Saul’sשָׁא֔וּלšā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → sonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → Jonathanיְהוֹנָתָ֣ןyə·hō·w·nā·ṯān — Yahweh has givenH3083 — Full Word Study → cameוַיֵּ֥לֶךְway·yê·leḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Davidדָּוִ֖דdā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → in Horeshחֹ֑רְשָׁהḥō·rə·šāh — A forest or wooded areaH2793 — Full Word Study → and strengthenedוַיְחַזֵּ֥קway·ḥaz·zêq — To strengthen, make firm, establishH2388 — Full Word Study → his handיָד֖וֹyā·ḏōw — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → in Godבֵּאלֹהִֽים׃bê·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study →, 17sayingוַיֹּ֨אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Do notאַל־’al- — do not; negative imperative particleH408 — Full Word Study → be afraidתִּירָ֗אtî·rā — to fear, revere, or be afraidH3372 — Full Word Study →, forכִּ֠יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → my fatherאָבִ֔י’ā·ḇî — H1 — Full Word Study → Saulשָׁא֣וּלšā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → will neverלֹ֤אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → lay a hand onתִֽמְצָאֲךָ֙ṯim·ṣā·’ă·ḵā — to find, discover, obtainH4672 — Full Word Study → youיַ֚דyaḏ — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →. And youוְאַתָּה֙wə·’at·tāh — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → will be kingתִּמְלֹ֣ךְtim·lōḵ — to reign; to rule as kingH4427 — Full Word Study → overעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֔לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →, and I willוְאָנֹכִ֖יwə·’ā·nō·ḵî — I, myself (first-person singular pronoun)H595 — Full Word Study → beאֶֽהְיֶה־’eh·yeh- — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → your second-in-commandלְמִשְׁנֶ֑הlə·miš·neh — Second; duplicate; double portionH4932 — Full Word Study →. Evenוְגַם־wə·ḡam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → my fatherאָבִ֖י’ā·ḇî — H1 — Full Word Study → Saulשָׁא֥וּלšā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → knowsיֹדֵ֥עַyō·ḏê·a‘ — to know, understand, perceiveH3045 — Full Word Study → this is trueכֵּֽן׃kên — so, thus, rightly, thereforeH3651 — Full Word Study →.” 18So the twoשְׁנֵיהֶ֛םšə·nê·hem — The number two; a pair or coupleH8147 — Full Word Study → of them madeוַיִּכְרְת֧וּway·yiḵ·rə·ṯū — To cut; to make a covenantH3772 — Full Word Study → a covenantבְּרִ֖יתbə·rîṯ — A binding agreement or covenant between partiesH1285 — Full Word Study → beforeלִפְנֵ֣יlip̄·nê — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָ֑הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →. And Davidדָּוִד֙dā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → remainedוַיֵּ֤שֶׁבway·yê·šeḇ — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → in Horeshבַּחֹ֔רְשָׁהba·ḥō·rə·šāh — A forest or wooded areaH2793 — Full Word Study →, while Jonathanוִיהוֹנָתָ֖ןwî·hō·w·nā·ṯān — Yahweh has givenH3083 — Full Word Study → wentהָלַ֥ךְhā·laḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → homeלְבֵיתֽוֹ׃סlə·ḇê·ṯōw — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study →. 19Then the Ziphitesזִפִים֙zi·p̄îm — Inhabitant of ZiphH2130 — Full Word Study → came upוַיַּעֲל֤וּway·ya·‘ă·lū — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Saulשָׁא֔וּלšā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → at Gibeahהַגִּבְעָ֖תָהhag·giḇ·‘ā·ṯāh — A hill or elevated placeH1390 — Full Word Study → and saidלֵאמֹ֑רlê·mōr — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Is notהֲל֣וֹאhă·lō·w — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → Davidדָ֠וִדḏā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → hidingמִסְתַּתֵּ֨רmis·tat·têr — To hide, conceal, or keep secretH5641 — Full Word Study → among usעִמָּ֤נוּ‘im·mā·nū — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → in the strongholdsבַמְּצָדוֹת֙ḇam·mə·ṣā·ḏō·wṯ — A fortified stronghold or fortressH4679 — Full Word Study → at Horeshבַּחֹ֔רְשָׁהba·ḥō·rə·šāh — A forest or wooded areaH2793 — Full Word Study →, on the hillבְּגִבְעַת֙bə·ḡiḇ·‘aṯ — hill, elevated terrainH1389 — Full Word Study → of Hachilahהַֽחֲכִילָ֔הha·ḥă·ḵî·lāh — A hill in JudahH2444 — Full Word Study → southמִימִ֥יןmî·mîn — right hand, right side, southH3225 — Full Word Study → of Jeshimonהַיְשִׁימֽוֹן׃hay·šî·mō·wn — The WildernessH3452 — Full Word Study →? 20Nowוְ֠עַתָּהwə·‘at·tāh — Now; at the present timeH6258 — Full Word Study →, O kingהַמֶּ֛לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →, come downרֵ֑דrêḏ — To descend, go down, come downH3381 — Full Word Study → wheneverלְכָל־lə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → your soulנַפְשְׁךָ֥nap̄·šə·ḵā — soul, life, person, selfH5315 — Full Word Study → desiresאַוַּ֨ת’aw·waṯ — strong desire or craving; lustH185 — Full Word Study →, and we will be responsible for delivering himהַסְגִּיר֖וֹhas·gî·rōw — to shut, close, or encloseH5462 — Full Word Study → into your handבְּיַ֥דbə·yaḏ — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →.” 21May youאַתֶּ֖ם’at·tem — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → be blessedבְּרוּכִ֥יםbə·rū·ḵîm — to bless, kneel, praiseH1288 — Full Word Study → by the LORDלַֽיהוָ֑הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →,” repliedוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → Saulשָׁא֔וּלšā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study →, “forכִּ֥יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → you have had compassionחֲמַלְתֶּ֖םḥă·mal·tem — to spare, show pity or compassionH2550 — Full Word Study → on meעָלָֽי׃‘ā·lāy — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study →. 22Pleaseנָ֞אnā — Please, I beseech, I prayH4994 — Full Word Study → goלְכוּ־lə·ḵū- — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → and prepareהָכִ֣ינוּhā·ḵî·nū — to establish, prepare, or make firmH3559 — Full Word Study → furtherע֗וֹד‘ō·wḏ — still, yet, again, continuing or additional occurrenceH5750 — Full Word Study →. Investigateוּדְע֤וּū·ḏə·‘ū — to know, understand, perceiveH3045 — Full Word Study → and watchוּרְאוּ֙ū·rə·’ū — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → carefully whereאֲשֶׁ֣ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → he goesתִּֽהְיֶ֣הtih·yeh — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → and whoמִ֥יmî — who? what person?H4310 — Full Word Study → has seen himרָאָ֖הוּrā·’ā·hū — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → thereשָׁ֑םšām — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study →, forכִּ֚יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → I am told thatאָמַ֣ר’ā·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → heהֽוּא׃hū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → is extremely cunningעָר֥וֹם‘ā·rō·wm — to be shrewd, prudent, or craftyH6191 — Full Word Study →. 23Observeוּרְא֣וּū·rə·’ū — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → and find outוּדְע֗וּū·ḏə·‘ū — to know, understand, perceiveH3045 — Full Word Study → allמִכֹּ֤לmik·kōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the placesהַמַּֽחֲבֹאִים֙ham·ma·ḥă·ḇō·’îm — hiding place, refuge, shelterH4224 — Full Word Study → whereאֲשֶׁ֣ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → he hidesיִתְחַבֵּ֣אyiṯ·ḥab·bê — to hide, conceal, or keep secretH2244 — Full Word Study →. Then come backוְשַׁבְתֶּ֤םwə·šaḇ·tem — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → to meאֵלַי֙’ê·lay — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → withאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → certaintyנָכ֔וֹןnā·ḵō·wn — to establish, prepare, or make firmH3559 — Full Word Study →, and I will goוְהָלַכְתִּ֖יwə·hā·laḵ·tî — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → with youאִתְּכֶ֑ם’it·tə·ḵem — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study →. Ifאִם־’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → he isיֶשְׁנ֣וֹyeš·nōw — there is, exists, has beingH3426 — Full Word Study → in the landבָאָ֔רֶץḇā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study →, I will search him outוְחִפַּשְׂתִּ֣יwə·ḥip·paś·tî — to search diligently, to seek out, to disguise oneselfH2664 — Full Word Study → among allבְּכֹ֖לbə·ḵōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the clansאַלְפֵ֥י’al·p̄ê — A thousand; a large military unit or census numberH505 — Full Word Study → of Judahיְהוּדָֽה׃yə·hū·ḏāh — The Lord is praisedH3063 — Full Word Study →.” 24So they set outוַיָּק֛וּמוּway·yā·qū·mū — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → and wentוַיֵּלְכ֥וּway·yê·lə·ḵū — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → to Ziphזִ֖יפָהzî·p̄āh — A wilderness regionH2128 — Full Word Study → ahead ofלִפְנֵ֣יlip̄·nê — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → Saulשָׁא֑וּלšā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study →. Now Davidוְדָוִ֨דwə·ḏā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → and his menוַאֲנָשָׁ֜יוwa·’ă·nā·šāw — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → were in the Wildernessבְּמִדְבַּ֤רbə·miḏ·bar — Desert; wilderness; pasture; speechH4057 — Full Word Study → of Maonמָעוֹן֙mā·‘ō·wn — Dwelling or HabitationH4584 — Full Word Study → in the Arabahבָּעֲרָבָ֔הbā·‘ă·rā·ḇāh — The Rift ValleyH6160 — Full Word Study → southיְמִ֥יןyə·mîn — right hand, right side, southH3225 — Full Word Study → of Jeshimonהַיְשִׁימֽוֹן׃hay·šî·mō·wn — The WildernessH3452 — Full Word Study →, 25and Saulשָׁא֣וּלšā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → and his menוַאֲנָשָׁיו֮wa·’ă·nā·šāw — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → wentוַיֵּ֨לֶךְway·yê·leḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → to seek him. When Davidלְדָוִ֔דlə·ḏā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → was told about itוַיַּגִּ֣דוּway·yag·gi·ḏū — to tell, declare, make knownH5046 — Full Word Study →, he went downוַיֵּ֣רֶדway·yê·reḏ — To descend, go down, come downH3381 — Full Word Study → to the rockהַסֶּ֔לַעhas·se·la‘ — Rock; cliff; stone fortressH5553 — Full Word Study → and stayedוַיֵּ֖שֶׁבway·yê·šeḇ — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → in the Wildernessבְּמִדְבַּ֣רbə·miḏ·bar — Desert; wilderness; pasture; speechH4057 — Full Word Study → of Maonמָע֑וֹןmā·‘ō·wn — Dwelling or HabitationH4584 — Full Word Study →. And when Saulשָׁא֔וּלšā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → heard of thisוַיִּשְׁמַ֣עway·yiš·ma‘ — to hear, listen, obeyH8085 — Full Word Study →, he pursuedוַיִּרְדֹּ֥ףway·yir·dōp̄ — to pursue, chase, or persecuteH7291 — Full Word Study → Davidדָוִ֖דḏā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → thereמִדְבַּ֥רmiḏ·bar — Desert; wilderness; pasture; speechH4057 — Full Word Study →. 26Saulשָׁא֜וּלšā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → was proceeding alongוַיֵּ֨לֶךְway·yê·leḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → oneמִזֶּ֔הmiz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → sideמִצַּ֤דmiṣ·ṣaḏ — side, flank, edgeH6654 — Full Word Study → of the mountainהָהָר֙hā·hār — Mountain, hill, or elevated land massH2022 — Full Word Study →, and Davidוְדָוִ֧דwə·ḏā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → and his menוַאֲנָשָׁ֛יוwa·’ă·nā·šāw — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → along the otherמִזֶּ֑הmiz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → sideמִצַּ֥דmiṣ·ṣaḏ — side, flank, edgeH6654 — Full Word Study →. Even though Davidדָוִ֜דḏā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → was hurryingנֶחְפָּ֤זneḥ·pāz — to hurry, hasten, or move with urgencyH2648 — Full Word Study → to get awayלָלֶ֙כֶת֙lā·le·ḵeṯ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study →, Saulוְשָׁא֣וּלwə·šā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → and his menוַאֲנָשָׁ֗יוwa·’ă·nā·šāw — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → were closingעֹֽטְרִ֛ים‘ō·ṭə·rîm — To crown; to encircleH5849 — Full Word Study → in onאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Davidדָּוִ֥דdā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → and his menאֲנָשָׁ֖יו’ă·nā·šāw — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → to capture themלְתָפְשָֽׂם׃lə·ṯā·p̄ə·śām — To seize, grasp, or take hold of firmlyH8610 — Full Word Study →. 27Then a messengerוּמַלְאָ֣ךְū·mal·’āḵ — messenger; angel; envoyH4397 — Full Word Study → cameבָּ֔אbā — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Saulשָׁא֖וּלšā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study →, sayingלֵאמֹ֑רlê·mōr — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Comeוְלֵ֔כָהwə·lê·ḵāh — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → quicklyמַהֲרָ֣הma·hă·rāh — to hurry, hasten, make hasteH4116 — Full Word Study →, forכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → the Philistinesפְלִשְׁתִּ֖יםp̄ə·liš·tîm — PhilistineH6430 — Full Word Study → have raidedפָשְׁט֥וּp̄ā·šə·ṭū — to strip, plunder, or invadeH6584 — Full Word Study → the landהָאָֽרֶץ׃hā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study →!” 28So Saulשָׁא֗וּלšā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → broke offוַיָּ֣שָׁבway·yā·šāḇ — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → his pursuitמִרְדֹף֙mir·ḏōp̄ — to pursue, chase, or persecuteH7291 — Full Word Study → of Davidדָוִ֔דḏā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → and wentוַיֵּ֖לֶךְway·yê·leḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → to meetלִקְרַ֣אתliq·raṯ — to meet, encounter, or come upon (often by chance or unexpectedly)H7122 — Full Word Study → the Philistinesפְּלִשְׁתִּ֑יםpə·liš·tîm — PhilistineH6430 — Full Word Study →. That is whyעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → thatהַה֔וּאha·hū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → placeלַמָּק֣וֹםlam·mā·qō·wm — A place, location, or spaceH4725 — Full Word Study → is calledקָֽרְאוּ֙qā·rə·’ū — To call, summon, or proclaimH7121 — Full Word Study → Sela-hammahlekothהַֽמַּחְלְקֽוֹת׃ham·maḥ·lə·qō·wṯ — Rock of Divisions; a geographical location of refugeH5555 — Full Word Study →. 29And Davidדָּוִ֖דdā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → went upוַיַּ֥עַלway·ya·‘al — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → from thereמִשָּׁ֑םmiš·šām — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study → and livedוַיֵּ֖שֶׁבway·yê·šeḇ — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → in the strongholdsבִּמְצָד֥וֹתbim·ṣā·ḏō·wṯ — A fortified stronghold or fortressH4679 — Full Word Study → of En-gediגֶּֽדִי׃ge·ḏî — Spring of the kidH5872 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — 1 Samuel 23
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Chapter Overview

First Samuel 23 presents David in a series of dramatic reversals: triumph, then flight, then faithfulness, then divine deliverance. After rescuing the town of Keilah from the Philistines, David discovers that the very people he saved would betray him to Saul. This chapter illustrates the loneliness of God's chosen servant and the constant faithfulness of God even when circumstances seem utterly hopeless. Throughout these trials, David models prayerful dependence on God, and Jonathan provides a beautiful picture of covenantal love and encouragement in the faith.

Verses 1-5: David's Compassion and Courage

News reaches David that Philistines are raiding Keilah and stealing grain from the threshing floors. Rather than hiding in the wilderness, David enquires of the LORD (verse 2), making prayer his first response. His men are afraid—they are already fugitives in Judah, and facing Philistine armies seems suicidal (verse 3). But David seeks God's direction again (verse 4), and God promises victory. This shows David's deep trust in God's guidance and his willingness to act on faith rather than fear. The result: David defeats the Philistines and saves Keilah's inhabitants. The lesson is clear: seeking God's will through prayer precedes bold obedience.

Verses 6-13: Ingratitude and Divine Foreknowledge

David's troubles multiply immediately. Abiathar, a priest who has escaped Saul's wrath, brings the sacred ephod to David (verse 6)—a tool for discerning God's will. Saul hears that David is now in Keilah, a walled town, and sees an opportunity: David is trapped (verse 7). Saul gathers his forces to besiege him (verse 8). Here is the bitter irony: David rescued these people, yet Saul's arrival puts them in danger of destruction. David intuits this betrayal and uses the ephod to ask God directly: Will the men of Keilah hand him over? The answer is yes—twice confirmed (verses 11-12). Without hesitation, David and his six hundred men escape (verse 13). God's foreknowledge allows His servants to flee danger wisely. Sometimes obedience means retreating, not advancing.

Verses 14-18: Jonathan's Covenant and Encouragement

David flees to the wilderness strongholds of Ziph, where Saul hunts him relentlessly (verse 14). Yet in this darkest hour, Jonathan arrives (verse 16). What a gift! Jonathan strengthened his hand in God—not with military might, but by spiritual encouragement. Jonathan reminds David of God's promises: Saul will not capture him, David shall be king, and Jonathan will be second to him (verse 17). Most remarkably, Jonathan knows all this and accepts it gladly. They renew their covenant before the LORD (verse 18). True friendship points us to God and affirms His faithfulness. Jonathan models sacrificial love that asks nothing in return.

Verses 19-29: Betrayal, Pursuit, and Providence

The Ziphites betray David's location to Saul (verses 19-20). Saul pursues with determination (verses 22-25), and David narrowly escapes being surrounded (verses 26-27). But then—divine providence interrupts: Philistines invade the land, forcing Saul to abandon his pursuit (verse 27). God delivers David, not by miraculous intervention, but by arranging circumstances. David reaches safety at Engedi (verse 29). God's protection often comes through natural means, yet remains no less divine.

Application for Today

Like David, we face seasons of persecution, ingratitude, and fear. The question is not whether trials will come, but whether we will pray first and trust God's guidance above our circumstances. David's life shows that God's promises endure even when everyone abandons us. We need Jonathan-friends who strengthen our faith, and we must be Jonathan to others. Finally, trust that God orders even seemingly random events for your protection and His glory.

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