1 Samuel 23:4
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.”

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.”

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."

Majority 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.?

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.

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 Version
And 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.”

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 Bible
Therefore 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 Bible
Then 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 1917
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.'

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



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
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.”

1 Samuel 14:37
So Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You give them into the hand of Israel?” But God did not answer him that day.

1 Samuel 28:6
He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.

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.”

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 Kings 3:11
But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Let us inquire of the LORD through him.” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.”

2 Kings 3:15-16
But now, bring me a harpist.” And while the harpist played, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha / and he said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Dig this valley full of ditches.’

Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.

Psalm 37:23
The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey.

Psalm 73:24
You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Isaiah 30:21
And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”


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.

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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














Once again, David inquired of the LORD
David's repeated inquiry of the LORD highlights his dependence on divine guidance, a key characteristic of his leadership. This practice of seeking God's will is consistent with the biblical principle of acknowledging God in all ways (Proverbs 3:5-6). It contrasts with Saul's leadership, which often lacked such consultation with God. David's actions here reflect a heart after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), emphasizing the importance of prayer and seeking God's direction in decision-making.

and the LORD answered him:
The LORD's response to David underscores the personal relationship between God and His chosen leaders. This divine communication is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where God speaks to His prophets and leaders, providing guidance and assurance. It also demonstrates God's faithfulness in responding to those who earnestly seek Him (Jeremiah 29:13). The ability to hear from God was crucial for David's success and is a reminder of the importance of spiritual discernment.

“Go at once to Keilah,
Keilah was a fortified city in the lowlands of Judah, strategically significant due to its location. The directive to go to Keilah indicates the urgency and importance of the mission. This command reflects God's concern for His people and His desire to protect them from their enemies. The historical context shows that the Philistines were a constant threat to Israel, and God's instruction to David is part of His ongoing deliverance of Israel from oppression.

for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.”
This promise of victory is a testament to God's sovereignty and power over Israel's enemies. It echoes God's assurances to other leaders, such as Joshua (Joshua 1:5), reinforcing the theme of divine intervention in battles. The phrase also foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who defeats spiritual enemies and brings salvation to His people. This assurance would have bolstered David's confidence, knowing that the battle's outcome was determined by God's will.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The 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 Guidance
David'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.(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.



Parallel Commentaries ...


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


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OT History: 1 Samuel 23:4 Then David inquired of Yahweh yet again (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 23:3
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