1 Samuel 23:8

And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men.

EXPOSITORY (ENGLISH BIBLE)

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(8) And Saul called all the people together.—Such a summons to war on the part of the sovereign has been always a royal right. The plea, of course, alleged for this “summons” was the necessity of an immediate national effort against the hereditary enemies of the people.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

23:7-13 Well might David complain of his enemies, that they rewarded him evil for good, and that for his love they were his adversaries. Christ was used thus basely. David applied to his great Protector for direction. No sooner was the ephod brought him than he made use of it. We have the Scriptures in our hands, let us take advice from them in doubtful cases. Say, Bring hither the Bible. David's address to God is very solemn, also very particular. God allows us to be so in our addresses to him; Lord, direct me in this matter, about which I am now at a loss. God knows not only what will be, but what would be, if it were not hindered; therefore he knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and how to render to every man according to his works.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

If Gad was with David at the forest of Hareth 1 Samuel 22:5, and there inquired for him of the Lord 1 Samuel 23:2,1 Samuel 23:4, but did not accompany him to Keilah, and if Abiathar's flight occurred at the time of David's being at Keilah, we have an additional striking instance of God's watchful providential care of David in thus sending Abiathar to supply the place of Gad at so critical a moment.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

8. Saul called all the people together to war—not the united tribes of Israel, but the inhabitants of the adjoining districts. This force was raised, probably, on the ostensible pretext of opposing the Philistines, while, in reality, it was secretly to arouse mischief against David.

Matthew Poole's Commentary

No text from Poole on this verse.

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

And Saul called all the people together to war,.... Or "caused them to hear" (m) summoned them by an herald, whom he sent into all parts of the kingdom to proclaim war, and require them in his name to attend him; which was the prerogative of a king to do:

to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men; that was what he privately intended, but the pretence was to make war against the Philistines.

(m) "fecit audire", Montanus, Piscator.

Geneva Study Bible

And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men.

EXEGETICAL (ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)

1 Samuel 23:8

Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament

He therefore called all the people (i.e., men of war) together to war, to go down to Keilah, and to besiege David and his men.