David’s Faith and Divine Deliverance: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on 1 Samuel 23
Executive Summary
1 Samuel 23 recounts a pivotal moment in David’s life as a fugitive. He receives divine guidance to defend Keilah from Philistine raiders, demonstrating his courage and faith in God’s promises. Despite his success, Saul, fueled by jealousy, relentlessly pursues him. The chapter vividly illustrates God’s protective hand upon David, revealing prophetic knowledge of Saul’s intentions and the fickleness of the people of Keilah. Ultimately, David escapes into the wilderness of Ziph, foreshadowing the ultimate deliverance offered through Christ, the Good Shepherd who protects His flock. This chapter offers profound insights into faith, courage, divine providence, and the enduring promise of God’s protection, even amidst trials. We, like David, are called to trust in God’s guidance and provision in the face of adversity.
1 Samuel 23 unveils a compelling narrative of faith, courage, and divine protection. As David seeks guidance from the Lord, he embarks on a mission to rescue Keilah from Philistine oppression, displaying unwavering obedience and trust. But the story doesn’t end there. Saul’s relentless pursuit and the vulnerability of Keilah create a complex web of challenges. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of God’s constant presence and His promise to deliver those who seek Him wholeheartedly. It offers profound lessons applicable to our lives today, teaching us to rely on divine guidance and maintain unwavering faith amidst trials.
Commentary on 1 Samuel 23
1 Samuel 23:1-2 – David Inquires of the Lord
KJV: Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors. Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.
NKJV: Then they told David, saying, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and they are robbing the threshing floors.” Therefore David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” And the Lord said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines, and save Keilah.”
Here, we see David receiving information about the Philistine raids on Keilah. His immediate response is not to act on his own accord but to inquire of the Lord. This demonstrates a profound humility and reliance on divine guidance. This highlights a critical spiritual principle: before undertaking any endeavor, especially one involving risk, we must seek God’s will through prayer and discernment. The threshing floors, essential for separating grain from chaff, symbolize the spiritual harvest. The Philistines, often symbolizing the enemies of God, seek to steal this harvest. God’s command to “Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah” resonates with the call to defend the vulnerable and stand against injustice. It echoes Christ’s words in Matthew 25:40, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
Spiritual Application: Emulate David’s example by seeking God’s guidance in all your decisions. Pray for discernment, and trust that He will lead you in the right path. Remember also to defend those who cannot defend themselves. Learn about domains that could help your online mission.
1 Samuel 23:3-4 – David’s Men Doubt, David Persists
KJV: And David’s men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? Then David enquired 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.
NKJV: But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” 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.”
David’s men express their fear and doubt, highlighting the human tendency to succumb to apprehension, especially when facing seemingly insurmountable odds. Their hesitation is understandable, given their vulnerable position as fugitives. However, David, undeterred by their fear, inquires of the Lord yet again. This persistent seeking demonstrates his unwavering faith and determination to follow God’s will, even when it seems illogical. God’s response, “I will deliver the Philistines into your hand,” is a powerful affirmation of divine promise and assurance. This echoes God’s promise to Joshua before entering the Promised Land (Joshua 1:9): “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” This reminds us that true courage is not the absence of fear, but the presence of faith in the face of fear.
Spiritual Application: When faced with doubt and discouragement from others, cling to God’s promises. Persevere in prayer, and trust that He will strengthen you to overcome any obstacle.
1 Samuel 23:5 – David Rescues Keilah
KJV: So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.
NKJV: Then David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines, struck them with a mighty blow, and took away their livestock. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.
David, emboldened by God’s promise, leads his men to Keilah and decisively defeats the Philistines. This victory is a testament to the power of faith and obedience. It illustrates that when we align ourselves with God’s will, He empowers us to accomplish what seems impossible. The act of rescuing the inhabitants of Keilah reflects the sacrificial love of Christ, who came to save us from the power of sin and death. The cattle, representing the Philistines’ wealth and resources, are taken away, symbolizing the stripping of the enemy’s power. This act of deliverance foreshadows the ultimate deliverance we receive through Christ, who “spoiled principalities and powers, making a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:15). This event is a powerful reminder that God’s victory can become our victory through faith and action.
Spiritual Application: Actively participate in God’s work of salvation by extending compassion and help to those in need. Remember that even small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on the lives of others.
1 Samuel 23:6-8 – Abiathar’s Arrival and Saul’s Plot
KJV: And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand. And it was told Saul that David was come to Keilah. And Saul said, God hath delivered him into mine hand: for he is shut in, by entering into a town that hath gates and bars. And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men.
NKJV: Now it happened, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David at Keilah, that he went down with an ephod in his hand. And Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah. So Saul said, “God has delivered him into my hand, for he has shut himself in by entering a town that has gates and bars.” Then Saul called all the people together for war, to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men.
The arrival of Abiathar with the ephod is significant. The ephod was a priestly garment used to inquire of God (1 Samuel 28:6). Abiathar’s presence provided David with a means to consistently seek divine guidance. Meanwhile, Saul, upon hearing of David’s presence in Keilah, interprets it as a divine opportunity to capture him. He believes David is “shut in” and vulnerable. Saul’s interpretation is a classic example of twisting circumstances to fit a preconceived narrative driven by jealousy and malice. This highlights the danger of relying on our own understanding rather than seeking God’s wisdom. The Fathers teach us that we must be wary of our own self-deception. St. Anthony the Great says, “The knowledge of oneself is a great thing.” (Ἀντωνίου τοῦ Μεγάλου, Φιλοκαλία, 1.2). Saul’s mobilization of his army to besiege Keilah reveals the extent of his obsession and the lengths to which he will go to eliminate David, a man chosen by God.
Spiritual Application: Learn to recognize and resist the temptation to manipulate situations to your own advantage. Seek God’s perspective, and be honest about your own motives.
1 Samuel 23:9-13 – David Seeks Divine Guidance and Escapes
KJV: And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod. Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake. Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O LORD God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the LORD said, He will come down. Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up. Then David and his men, which were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth.
NKJV: When David knew that Saul plotted evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod here.” Then David said, “O Lord God of Israel, Your servant has certainly heard that Saul seeks to come to Keilah to destroy the city for my sake. Will the men of Keilah deliver me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as Your servant has heard? O Lord God of Israel, I pray, tell Your servant.” And the Lord said, “He will come down.” Then David said, “Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul?” And the Lord said, “They will deliver you up.” So David and his men, about six hundred, arose and departed from Keilah and went wherever they could go. Then it was told Saul that David had escaped from Keilah; so he desisted from going there.
This passage exemplifies David’s wisdom and reliance on divine guidance. He not only perceives Saul’s evil intentions but also understands the potential betrayal of the people of Keilah, whom he had just rescued. David does not rely on his own judgment but diligently seeks God’s counsel through the ephod. His questions reveal a keen understanding of human nature and the precariousness of his situation. God’s direct answers, confirming both Saul’s intention to attack and the Keilites’ willingness to betray him, demonstrate divine omniscience and David’s privileged access to it. This echoes the saying in 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 shall direct your paths.” David’s immediate response to this revelation is to leave Keilah, demonstrating his obedience to God’s guidance. He does not stay and fight, even though he has the strength to do so. This is a testament to his faith and trust in God’s plan. Saul’s decision to abandon his pursuit upon learning of David’s escape further underscores God’s protection and control over the situation.
Spiritual Application: Develop a habit of seeking God’s guidance in all aspects of your life. Cultivate discernment, and be prepared to act decisively based on divine revelation, even if it requires leaving behind what seems secure and comfortable.
1 Samuel 23:14-29 – David Flees and is Protected
KJV: And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand. And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood. And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God. And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth. And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house. Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon? Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire of thy soul to come down; and our part shall be to deliver him into thine hand. And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me. Go, I pray you, prepare yet for more certainty, and know and see his place where his haunt is, and who hath seen him there: for it is told me that he dealeth very subtilly. See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah. And they arose, and went to Ziph before Saul: but David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the plain on the south of Jeshimon. Saul also and his men went to seek him. And it was told David: wherefore he came down into a rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon. And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away from Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them. But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land. Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Sela Hammahlekoth. And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at Engedi.
NKJV: And David stayed in strongholds in the wilderness, and remained in the mountains in the Wilderness of Ziph. Saul sought him every day, but God did not deliver him into his hand. So David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. And David was in the Wilderness of Ziph in a woodland. Then Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God. And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you; even my father Saul knows that.” So the two of them made a covenant before the Lord. And David stayed in the woods, and Jonathan went to his own house. Then the Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Is David not hiding with us in strongholds in the woods, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon? Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire of your soul to come down; and our part shall be to deliver him into your hand.” And Saul said, “Blessed are you of the Lord, for you have compassion on me. Please go and find out for sure, and see his location, where he goes, and who has seen him there. For I hear that he deals very shrewdly. See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hides; and come back to me with certainty, and I will go with you. And it shall be that if he is in the land, I will search for him throughout all the clans of Judah.” So they arose and went to Ziph before Saul. But David and his men were in the Wilderness of Maon, in the plain south of Jeshimon. When Saul and his men went to seek him, they told David. Therefore he went down to a rock, and stayed in the Wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued David in the Wilderness of Maon. Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain. So David made haste to get away from Saul, for Saul and his men were encircling David and his men to take them. But a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Hurry and come, for the Philistines have invaded the land!” Therefore Saul returned from pursuing David and went against the Philistines; so they called that place the Rock of Escape. Then David went up from there and dwelt in strongholds at En Gedi.
This extended section vividly portrays the relentless pursuit of David by Saul and the unwavering protection of God. David, dwelling in strongholds and mountains, represents the soul seeking refuge in God amidst trials. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10). Jonathan’s visit to David is a powerful expression of true friendship and loyalty. He strengthens David’s hand in God, reminding him of the divine promise of kingship. This reminds us that true friends encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith. The treachery of the Ziphites highlights the fickleness of human loyalty and the danger of placing trust in earthly alliances. Their willingness to betray David for personal gain underscores the depravity of the human heart. However, God’s intervention through the Philistine invasion diverts Saul’s attention, miraculously delivering David from imminent capture. This is an example of God’s providential care, orchestrating events to protect His chosen servant. The place being called “Sela Hammahlekoth” (the Rock of Escape) is a memorial to God’s deliverance and a reminder that He is our refuge in times of trouble. This section underscores the overarching theme of divine sovereignty. Despite Saul’s relentless pursuit and the treachery of others, God remains in control, guiding and protecting David according to His divine plan.
Spiritual Application: Seek refuge in God amidst trials, cultivate true friendships that strengthen your faith, and trust in God’s providential care, even when circumstances seem hopeless.
Theological Reflections on David’s Escape
David’s flight and God’s protection echo themes of persecution and divine deliverance found throughout Scripture and Coptic Orthodox tradition. This narrative offers several key reflections:
- Divine Providence: God’s hand is evident in every detail of David’s escape, from revealing the betrayal of Keilah to diverting Saul’s attention with the Philistine invasion.
- Faith and Obedience: David’s consistent seeking of God’s will and his prompt obedience to divine instructions are crucial to his survival.
- The Nature of True Leadership: David’s concern for the people of Keilah, even when they are willing to betray him, demonstrates the self-sacrificing nature of true leadership.
- The Reality of Spiritual Warfare: The conflict between David and Saul symbolizes the ongoing battle between good and evil, between those who are aligned with God’s will and those who are driven by selfish ambition.
- The Importance of True Friendship: Jonathan’s unwavering loyalty and encouragement remind us of the vital role of true friendship in times of adversity.
- The Fickleness of the World: The treachery of the Ziphites serves as a warning against placing our trust in worldly alliances and human favor.
FAQ ❓
Q: Why did David inquire of the Lord repeatedly about Keilah?
A: David inquired of the Lord repeatedly to confirm the initial instruction and to address the doubts and fears of his men. This demonstrates his thoroughness and unwavering commitment to seeking God’s will, even in the face of opposition.
Q: What is the significance of Abiathar bringing the ephod to David?
A: The ephod was a priestly garment used to inquire of God. Abiathar’s presence with the ephod allowed David to consistently seek divine guidance, which was crucial for navigating the complex and dangerous circumstances he faced.
Q: How does the betrayal of the Keilites reflect the human condition?
A: The Keilites’ willingness to betray David, despite his recent deliverance of them, reveals the fickleness of human loyalty and the tendency to prioritize self-preservation over gratitude and faithfulness. It underscores the fallen nature of humanity and the need for divine grace.
Q: What does David’s escape at the end of the chapter teach us about the nature of God’s protection?
A: David’s escape, facilitated by the Philistine invasion, showcases God’s often unexpected and unconventional ways of protecting His servants. It teaches us that God’s protection is not always about preventing trials, but about providing a way through them, often in ways we could never anticipate.
Conclusion
The narrative of 1 Samuel 23 is a timeless testament to the power of faith, the importance of seeking divine guidance, and the unwavering protection of God. David’s journey from rescuing Keilah to fleeing into the wilderness is a powerful metaphor for the Christian life, which is often marked by both triumph and tribulation. The key to navigating these challenges lies in emulating David’s example: seeking God’s will through prayer and discernment, obeying His instructions, and trusting in His providential care. This chapter reminds us that even in the darkest of times, God remains faithful, providing a “Rock of Escape” for those who seek refuge in Him. Let us, therefore, embrace David’s unwavering faith and find solace in the promise of divine deliverance as we journey through life’s trials. Strive to live a life guided by faith and trust in God’s unfailing protection, allowing Him to be your ultimate refuge and deliverer. May we all learn from the example of David and truly appreciate the unwavering support and divine protection God offers to those who seek Him wholeheartedly. Living in such a time, understanding David’s Faith and Divine Deliverance is essential for our spiritual growth.
Tags
David, Saul, Keilah, Ziph, Jonathan, divine providence, faith, obedience, protection, Coptic Orthodox
Meta Description
Explore 1 Samuel 23: A Coptic Orthodox commentary on David’s rescue of Keilah and escape from Saul, revealing insights on faith, divine providence, and God’s protection.