New International Version 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.” New Living Translation So David asked the LORD again, and again the LORD replied, “Go down to Keilah, for I will help you conquer the Philistines.” English Standard Version 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.” Berean Standard Bible Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: “Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” Berean Literal Bible And David once again inquired of YHWH, and YHWH answered him and said, “Arise, go down to Keilah, for I am giving the Philistines into your hand.” King James Bible 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. New King James Version 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.” New American Standard Bible So David inquired of the LORD once more. And the LORD answered him and said, “Arise, go down to Keilah, for I am going to hand the Philistines over to you.” NASB 1995 Then David inquired of the LORD once more. And the LORD answered him and said, “Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.” NASB 1977 Then David inquired of the LORD once more. And the LORD answered him and said, “Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.” Legacy Standard Bible Then David asked of Yahweh once more. And Yahweh answered him and said, “Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.” Amplified Bible Then David inquired of the LORD again. And the LORD answered him, “Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will hand over the Philistines to you.” Berean Annotated Bible Once again, David (beloved) inquired of the LORD {YHWH}, and the LORD answered him: “Go at once to Keilah (fortress), for I will deliver the Philistines (immigrants) into your hand.” Christian Standard Bible Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him, “Go at once to Keilah, for I will hand the Philistines over to you.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: “Go at once to Keilah, for I will hand the Philistines over to you.” American Standard Version Then David inquired of Jehovah yet again. And Jehovah answered him, and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thy hand. Contemporary English Version David asked the LORD about it again. "Leave at once," the LORD answered. "I will give you victory over the Philistines at Keilah." English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation David asked the LORD again, and the LORD answered him. He said, "Go to Keilah. I'm giving you the power to defeat the Philistines." Good News Translation So David consulted the LORD again, and the LORD said to him, "Go and attack Keilah, because I will give you victory over the Philistines." International Standard Version David inquired of the LORD again, and the LORD answered him: "Get up, go down to Keilah. I'll give the Philistines into your control." NET Bible So David asked the LORD once again. But again the LORD replied, "Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand." New Heart English Bible Then David inquired of the LORD yet again. The LORD answered him, and said, "Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand." Webster's Bible Translation 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 thy hand. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleOnce again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: “Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” World English Bible Then David inquired of Yahweh yet again. Yahweh answered him, and said, “Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd David adds again to inquire of YHWH, and YHWH answers him and says, “Rise, go down to Keilah, for I am giving the Philistines into your hand.” Berean Literal Bible And David once again inquired of YHWH, and YHWH answered him and said, “Arise, go down to Keilah, for I am giving the Philistines into your hand.” Young's Literal Translation And David addeth again to ask at Jehovah, and Jehovah answereth him, and saith, 'Rise, go down to Keilah, for I am giving the Philistines into thy hand.' Smith's Literal Translation And David will add yet to ask in Jehovah, and Jehovah will answer him and say, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I gave the rovers into thy hand. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleTherefore David consulted the Lord again. And he answered and said to him: Arise, and go to Ceila: for I will deliver the Philistines into thy hand. Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, David consulted the Lord again. And responding, he said to him: “Rise up, and go into Keilah. For I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” New American Bible Again David consulted the LORD, who answered: Go down to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your power. New Revised Standard Version Then David inquired of the LORD again. The LORD answered him, “Yes, go down to Keilah; for I will give the Philistines into your hand.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen David inquired of the LORD again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And David again asked of God, and LORD JEHOVAH answered him and said to him: “Arise, go down to Qayla, because I am delivering the Philistines into your hands!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then 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 thy hand.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And David enquired yet again of the Lord; and the Lord answered him, and said to him, Arise and go down to Keila, for I will deliver the Philistines into thy hands. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context David Delivers Keilah…3But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” 4Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: “Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” 5Then David and his men went to Keilah, fought against the Philistines, and carried off their livestock, striking them with a mighty blow. So David saved the people of Keilah.… Cross References Once again, David inquired of the LORD, 1 Samuel 30:8 and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.” 2 Samuel 2:1 Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” “Go up,” the LORD answered. Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” replied the LORD. 1 Chronicles 14:10 So David inquired of God, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go,” replied the LORD, “for I will deliver them into your hand.” and the LORD answered him: 2 Samuel 5:19 So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.” 1 Chronicles 14:14 So David again inquired of God, who answered him, “Do not march up after them, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. 2 Samuel 5:23 So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. “Go at once to Keilah, 1 Kings 17:9 “Get up and go to Zarephath of Sidon, and stay there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” Joshua 8:1 Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid or discouraged. Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. See, I have delivered into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land. 1 Samuel 15:3 Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’” for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” Judges 7:7 Then the LORD said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men who lapped the water I will save you and deliver the Midianites into your hand. But all the others are to go home.” Joshua 10:8 The LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them, for I have delivered them into your hand. Not one of them shall stand against you.” 1 Samuel 14:10 But if they say, ‘Come on up,’ then we will go up, because this will be our sign that the LORD has delivered them into our hands.” 1 Samuel 30:8 and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.” 2 Samuel 5:19 So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.” 2 Samuel 5:23 So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. Judges 20:28 and Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, served before it.) The Israelites asked, “Should we again go out to battle against our brothers the Benjamites, or should we stop?” The LORD answered, “Fight, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.” Treasury of Scripture 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 your hand. yet again 1 Samuel 28:6 And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. Judges 6:39 And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew. for I will Joshua 8:7 Then ye shall rise up from the ambush, and seize upon the city: for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand. Judges 7:7 And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place. 2 Samuel 5:19 And David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand. Jump to Previous Addeth Arise David Deliver Hand Hands Inquired Keilah Kei'lah Once Philistines Question RiseJump to Next Addeth Arise David Deliver Hand Hands Inquired Keilah Kei'lah Once Philistines Question Rise1 Samuel 23 1. David, enquiring of the Lord by Abiathar, rescues Keilah7. God showing him the coming of Saul, and the treachery of the Keilites, 13. he escapes from Keilah 14. In Ziph Jonathan comes and comforts him 19. The Ziphites discover him to Saul 25. At Maon he is rescued from Saul by the invasion of the Philistines 29. He dwells at En Gedi Once again, David inquired of the LORD, David did not rely on the earlier command alone when his men feared the danger of going to Keilah. He returned to the LORD for confirmation, showing that faithful leadership requires continued dependence on God rather than confidence in past guidance. David’s pattern of seeking the LORD stands in sharp contrast to Saul’s repeated refusal to submit to God’s direction. 1Sa 30:8 David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders?”… and the LORD answered him: The LORD personally guided David in a time of military uncertainty and danger. God’s willingness to answer revealed His covenant faithfulness and prepared David to lead with courage. David’s success would not rest on numbers, weapons, or strategic advantage, but on obedience to the God who directed him. 2Sa 5:19 So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up… “Go at once to Keilah, Keilah stood in the lowlands of Judah near territory vulnerable to Philistine raids. The Philistines had attacked the city’s threshing floors, threatening both its food supply and its security. God sent David to defend fellow Israelites even while David himself was hunted as a fugitive by Saul. 1Ki 17:9 Get up and go to Zarephath of Sidon, and stay there.… for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” The promised victory came from the LORD, who ruled over Israel’s enemies and defended His people. God’s assurance gave David reason to act despite the fears of his men. David’s deliverance of Keilah also anticipated the greater work of the promised Son of David, who saves His people from enemies no human strength can overcome. Jdg 7:7 Then the LORD said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men… Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed future king of Israel, currently on the run from King Saul. He is a man after God's own heart, seeking divine guidance in his decisions. 2. The LORD The covenant God of Israel, who communicates with David and provides guidance and assurance of victory. 3. Keilah A town in Judah that was under threat from the Philistines. David seeks to protect it, demonstrating his leadership and concern for his people. 4. Philistines A perennial enemy of Israel, known for their military strength and frequent conflicts with the Israelites. 5. Saul Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the reigning king of Israel, whose pursuit of David forms the backdrop of this account. Teaching Points Seeking Divine GuidanceDavid's example teaches us the importance of seeking God's direction in our decisions. We should cultivate a habit of prayer and inquiry before taking action. Trust in God's Promises The assurance given to David that God will deliver the Philistines into his hand reminds us to trust in God's promises and His faithfulness to fulfill them. Courage in Obedience David's willingness to act on God's command, despite potential risks, encourages us to step out in faith and obedience, trusting in God's protection and provision. Leadership and Responsibility David's concern for Keilah shows a leader's heart, prioritizing the welfare of others. We are called to lead with integrity and care for those entrusted to us. God's Sovereignty in Conflict The account highlights God's control over the outcomes of battles and conflicts, reminding us to rely on His sovereignty in our struggles. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 23:4?2. How does David's inquiry to God in 1 Samuel 23:4 guide our decisions? 3. What does God's response in 1 Samuel 23:4 reveal about His guidance? 4. How can we apply David's reliance on God to our daily challenges? 5. What other biblical instances show God providing guidance to His followers? 6. How does seeking God's will, as David did, strengthen our faith journey? 7. Why did David inquire of the LORD again in 1 Samuel 23:4? 8. How does 1 Samuel 23:4 demonstrate God's guidance in decision-making? 9. What does 1 Samuel 23:4 reveal about David's relationship with God? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 23? What Does 1 Samuel 23:4 Mean Once again, David inquired of the LORD• David’s reflex was to seek God before acting, modeling the pattern seen earlier: “David inquired of the LORD, saying, ‘Shall I go and attack these Philistines?’” (1 Samuel 23:2). • Scripture highlights repetition—“once again”—underscoring a life of continual dependence (cf. 1 Samuel 30:8; Psalm 27:4). • By returning to God after his men expressed fear (23:3), David shows that faith listens afresh rather than presuming on yesterday’s guidance (compare Exodus 33:15–16). and the LORD answered him • God’s responsiveness affirms His personal involvement with those who seek Him (Psalm 34:4; Jeremiah 33:3). • The narrative contrasts divine guidance with Saul’s silent nights (1 Samuel 28:6). David hears because he walks in obedience and humility (Proverbs 3:5–6). • The immediate answer reassures: God’s will is neither distant nor hazy when approached with a surrendered heart (James 1:5). Go at once to Keilah • The command is specific and urgent—“at once”—calling for swift obedience (Genesis 22:1–3; Mark 1:18). • Keilah, a fortified Judean town (Joshua 15:44), represents David’s duty to protect covenant land despite personal risk. • Acting for Keilah foreshadows Christ’s defense of His people, stepping into danger on their behalf (John 10:11). for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand • Victory is guaranteed by God, not military prowess (1 Samuel 17:47; 2 Chronicles 20:15). • “I will deliver” echoes earlier promises to Israel (Exodus 6:6) and to Joshua (Joshua 10:8), reinforcing God’s unchanging character. • The phrase cements David’s confidence, moving him from inquiry to action, and it confirms his rising role as Israel’s deliverer while Saul falters (1 Samuel 18:14). summary 1 Samuel 23:4 shows a leader who habitually seeks God, receives clear direction, and moves in assured obedience. The verse teaches that renewed inquiry invites fresh guidance, God answers those who depend on Him, urgency accompanies divine commands, and victory rests in the Lord’s promise. (4) David enquired . . . yet again.—This second enquiry, made for the sake of inspiring his little army with confidence before embarking on the seemingly desperate attempt, was, as in the previous case mentioned in 1Samuel 23:2, no doubt through the prophet Gad. Abiathar had not yet arrived with the ephod.Hebrew Once again,וַיּ֨וֹסֶף (way·yō·w·sep̄) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3254: To add, augment David דָּוִד֙ (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse inquired לִשְׁאֹ֣ל (liš·’ōl) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand of the LORD, בַּֽיהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel and the LORD יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel answered him: וַֽיַּעֲנֵ֖הוּ (way·ya·‘ă·nê·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 6030: To answer, respond “Go רֵ֣ד (rêḏ) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend at once ק֚וּם (qūm) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand to Keilah, קְעִילָ֔ה (qə·‘î·lāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 7084: Keilah -- a city in Judah for כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction I אֲנִ֥י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I will deliver נֹתֵ֛ן (nō·ṯên) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set the Philistines פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים (pə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia into your hand.” בְּיָדֶֽךָ׃ (bə·yā·ḏe·ḵā) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 3027: A hand Additonal Resources 1 Samuel 23:4 Blue Letter Bible1 Samuel 23:4 Bible Gateway 1 Samuel 23:4 Bible.com 1 Samuel 23:4 NIV |
    |