1 Samuel 23:1
New International Version
When David was told, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are looting the threshing floors,”

New Living Translation
One day news came to David that the Philistines were at Keilah stealing grain from the threshing floors.

English Standard Version
Now they told David, “Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are robbing the threshing floors.”

Berean Standard Bible
Now it was reported to David, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and looting the threshing floors.”

King James Bible
Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors.

New King James Version
Then they told David, saying, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and they are robbing the threshing floors.”

New American Standard Bible
Then they informed David, saying, “Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are plundering the threshing floors.”

NASB 1995
Then they told David, saying, “Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are plundering the threshing floors.”

NASB 1977
Then they told David, saying, “Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and are plundering the threshing floors.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then they told David, saying, “Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are pillaging the threshing floors.”

Amplified Bible
Then they told David, saying, “Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are plundering (robbing) the threshing floors [of the grain].”

Christian Standard Bible
It was reported to David, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and raiding the threshing floors.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
It was reported to David: “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and raiding the threshing floors.”

American Standard Version
And they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and are robbing the threshing-floors.

Contemporary English Version
One day some people told David, "The Philistines keep attacking the town of Keilah and stealing grain from the threshing place."

English Revised Version
And they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and they rob the threshing-floors.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
David was asked, "Did you know that the Philistines are fighting against Keilah? They are robbing the threshing floors."

Good News Translation
David heard that the Philistines were attacking the town of Keilah and were stealing the newly harvested grain.

International Standard Version
Someone told David, "Look, the Philistines are fighting at Keilah and are plundering the threshing floors."

Majority Standard Bible
Now it was reported to David, ?Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and looting the threshing floors.?

NET Bible
They told David, "The Philistines are fighting in Keilah and are looting the threshing floors."

New Heart English Bible
David was told, "Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and are robbing the threshing floors."

Webster's Bible Translation
Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshing-floors.

World English Bible
David was told, “Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and are robbing the threshing floors.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And they declare to David, saying, “Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and they are spoiling the threshing-floors.”

Young's Literal Translation
And they declare to David, saying, 'Lo, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and they are spoiling the threshing-floors.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will announce to David, saying, Behold, the rovers fighting against Keilah, and they are plundering the threshing-floors.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they told David, saying: Behold the Philistines fight against Ceila, and they rob the barns.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they reported to David, saying, “Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and they are plundering the grain stores.”

New American Bible
David was informed that the Philistines were attacking Keilah and plundering the threshing floors.

New Revised Standard Version
Now they told David, “The Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and are robbing the threshing floors.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
THEN they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are robbing the threshing floors.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they revealed to David and they said to him: “Behold, the Philistines are fighting in Qayla and they are plundering the granary!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And they told David, saying: 'Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and they rob the threshing-floors.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it was told David, saying, behold, the Philistines war in Keila, and they rob, they trample on the threshing-floors.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Delivers Keilah
1Now it was reported to David, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and looting the threshing floors.” 2So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.”…

Cross References
Judges 6:11-14
Then the angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. / And the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and said, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” / “Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all His wonders of which our fathers told us, saying, ‘Has not the LORD brought us up out of Egypt?’ But now the LORD has forsaken us and delivered us into the hand of Midian.” ...

2 Samuel 5:17-25
When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went down to the stronghold. / Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. / 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 Kings 6:8-12
Now the king of Aram was at war against Israel. After consulting with his servants, he said, “My camp will be in such and such a place.” / Then the man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Be careful not to pass by this place, for the Arameans are going down there.” / So the king of Israel sent word to the place the man of God had pointed out. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. ...

Nehemiah 4:11-14
And our enemies said, “Before they know or see a thing, we will come into their midst, kill them, and put an end to the work.” / At that time the Jews who lived nearby came and told us ten times over, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.” / So I stationed men behind the lowest sections of the wall, at the vulnerable areas. I stationed them by families with their swords, spears, and bows. ...

Psalm 18:39-42
You have armed me with strength for battle; You have subdued my foes beneath me. / You have made my enemies retreat before me; I destroyed those who hated me. / They cried for help, but there was no one to save them—to the LORD, but He did not answer. ...

Psalm 144:1-2
Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. / He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer. He is my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.

Isaiah 41:10-13
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. / Behold, all who rage against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will be reduced to nothing and will perish. / You will seek them but will not find them. Those who wage war against you will come to nothing. ...

Jeremiah 1:19
They will fight against you but will never overcome you, since I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.

Matthew 10:16-20
Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. / But beware of men, for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues. / On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. ...

Matthew 26:47-56
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ...

Mark 13:11
But when they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand what to say. Instead, speak whatever you are given at that time, for it will not be you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

Luke 21:12-15
But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. On account of My name they will deliver you to the synagogues and prisons, and they will bring you before kings and governors. / This will be your opportunity to serve as witnesses. / So make up your mind not to worry beforehand how to defend yourselves. ...

John 7:1
After this, Jesus traveled throughout Galilee. He did not want to travel in Judea, because the Jews there were trying to kill Him.

John 10:39
At this, they tried again to seize Him, but He escaped their grasp.

Acts 4:29-31
And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness, / as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” / After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.


Treasury of Scripture

Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshing floors.

Joshua 15:44
And Keilah, and Achzib, and Mareshah; nine cities with their villages:

Nehemiah 3:17,18
After him repaired the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani. Next unto him repaired Hashabiah, the ruler of the half part of Keilah, in his part…

rob the

Leviticus 26:16
I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it.

Deuteronomy 28:33,51
The fruit of thy land, and all thy labours, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up; and thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway: …

Judges 6:4,11
And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass…

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1 Samuel 23
1. David, enquiring of the Lord by Abiathar, rescues Keilah
7. 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














Now it was reported to David
David, at this time, is in the wilderness, fleeing from King Saul. The report reaching David signifies his growing reputation as a leader and protector of Israel, even while he is not yet king. This reflects the divine favor and anointing upon David, as he is seen as a deliverer by the people. The communication of such reports to David indicates the trust and hope placed in him by the Israelites.

“Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah
Keilah is a fortified city in the lowlands of Judah, strategically important due to its location. The Philistines, perennial enemies of Israel, often attacked border towns to weaken Israel's defenses and economy. This attack on Keilah highlights the constant threat the Philistines posed during this period. The mention of Keilah connects to the broader narrative of David's battles against the Philistines, which foreshadow his future role as king and protector of Israel.

and looting the threshing floors.”
Threshing floors were critical to the agricultural economy, as they were used for processing grain. By looting these, the Philistines aimed to cripple the food supply and economic stability of the region. This act of aggression underscores the Philistines' strategy of economic warfare. The looting of threshing floors also symbolizes the spiritual and physical oppression faced by Israel, which David, as a type of Christ, is called to alleviate. This mirrors the spiritual deliverance that Christ brings, rescuing His people from the oppression of sin.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The anointed future king of Israel, currently on the run from King Saul. David is a central figure in this account, demonstrating leadership and reliance on God.

2. Philistines
A recurring enemy of Israel, known for their military prowess and frequent conflicts with the Israelites. They are attacking Keilah in this passage.

3. Keilah
A town in the lowlands of Judah, significant for its agricultural resources, particularly its threshing floors, which are being looted by the Philistines.

4. Threshing Floors
Agricultural sites where grain is separated from chaff. The looting of these sites by the Philistines represents a direct threat to the sustenance and economy of Keilah.

5. Report to David
The act of informing David about the Philistine attack, indicating his role as a leader and protector, even while he is not yet king.
Teaching Points
Leadership in Crisis
David's response to the report about Keilah demonstrates proactive leadership. Even when not in a position of official power, he takes responsibility for the welfare of others.

Seeking God's Guidance
Before taking action, David seeks God's direction (as seen in subsequent verses). This emphasizes the importance of seeking divine guidance in decision-making.

Protection of the Vulnerable
The attack on Keilah's threshing floors represents a threat to the community's livelihood. David's concern for Keilah underscores the biblical principle of protecting and defending the vulnerable.

Courage in the Face of Adversity
David's willingness to confront the Philistines, despite his own precarious situation, exemplifies courage and faith in God's provision and protection.(1) Then they told David. . . .--For this and like duties the prophet Gad (1Samuel 22:5) had summoned David to return with his armed band to Judah. There was a great work ready to his hand in his own country at that juncture. Saul was becoming more and more neglectful of his higher duty--that of protecting his people; as time went on and his malady increased, his whole thoughts were concentrated on David's imaginary crimes, and the history of the latter part of his reign is little more than a recital of his sad, bewildered efforts to compass the young hero's destruction. The task of protecting the people from the constant marauding expeditions of the Philistines, and probably of the neighbouring nations, then was entrusted to David. To point this out to the son of Jesse was evidently the first great mission of Gad the seer. Samuel's mind was, no doubt, busied in this matter. It is more than probable that Gad was first dispatched to join David at the instigation of the aged, but still mentally vigorous, prophet.

Keilah.--"This town lay in the lowlands of Judah, not far from the Philistine frontier, some miles south of Adullam, being perched on a steep hill overlooking the valley of Elah, not far from the thickets of Hareth" (Conder; Tent Life in Palestine).

Verse 1. - They told David, etc. The return of David into his own land was quickly followed by exploits which not only increased his power, but turned the eyes of all the people towards him as their protector. His first success was the deliverance of the city of Keilah from a body of Philistines who were plundering it of the produce of its harvest. This place lay a few miles south of the stronghold of Adullam, and itself occupied a defensible position, being perched on a steep hill overlooking the valley of Elah, not far from the thickets of Hareth (Condor, 'Tent Work,' 2:88). Being thus at no great distance from the Philistine border, a band of men started thence on a foray for the purpose of robbing the threshing floors. As no rain falls in Palestine in the harvest season (1 Samuel 12:17), the corn is threshed out in the open air by a heavy wooden sledge made of two boards, and curved up in front, with pieces of basalt inserted for teeth, drawn over it by horses, or it is trampled out by cattle. Conder ('Tent Work,' 2:259) describes the threshing floor as "a broad flat space on open ground, generally high. Sometimes the floor is on a flat rocky hill top, and occasionally it is in an open valley, down which there is a current of air; but it is always situated where most wind can be found, because at the threshing season high winds never occur, and the grain is safely stored before the autumn storms commence." As the grain after winnowing is made into heaps until it can be carried home, there is always a period when the threshing floors have to be watched to guard them from depredation, and this was the time chosen by the Philistines for a foray in force.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now it was reported
וַיַּגִּ֥דוּ (way·yag·gi·ḏū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

to David,
לְדָוִ֖ד (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

“Look,
הִנֵּ֤ה (hin·nêh)
Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

the Philistines
פְלִשְׁתִּים֙ (p̄ə·liš·tîm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia

are fighting
נִלְחָמִ֣ים (nil·ḥā·mîm)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle

against Keilah
בִּקְעִילָ֔ה (biq·‘î·lāh)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7084: Keilah -- a city in Judah

and looting
שֹׁסִ֥ים (šō·sîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 8154: To spoil, plunder

the threshing floors.”
הַגֳּרָנֽוֹת׃ (hag·go·rā·nō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1637: A threshing-floor, open area


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OT History: 1 Samuel 23:1 They told David saying Behold the Philistines (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 22:23
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