David Fights for Keilah
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The Philistines were attacking Israel again.
News reached David that the town of Keilah, southwest of Bethlehem, was being raided, and harvested grain was being stolen.
David “had been anointed as king, and he thought that some measure of responsibility rested upon him for the protection of his people. If he could but have the positive assurance that he was moving in the path of duty, he would start out with his limited forces, and stand faithfully at his post whatever might be the consequences.” David sought assurance from the Lord that defending this town was his responsibility.
When David’s men were told the Lord wanted them to fight the Philistines and defend the people of Keilah, they were frightened (1 Samuel 23:3).
“Should David’s men as much as show themselves at this time, they would be in danger of immediate detection. As soon as Saul would discover their hiding place he would send a force against them. Fearful for their lives among their own tribe, they hesitated to face a strong foreign enemy. . . . Despite Saul’s weaknesses, the majority of the people were obedient to the crown. David and his counselors were in a real dilemma, and they felt the only wise course was to present their problem before the Lord.” David asked a second time if this action was God’s pleasure. “And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand” (v. 4). David’s men now knew they were fighting on the side of the Lord. “Keilah was a walled town (v. 7), but the unprepared inhabitants had no chance against the experienced soldiers of Philistia. Saul was many miles away, but David and his men were removed only a short distance. Action was immediate, and the surprised Philistines were routed.” This showed the people of the region that David stood in defense of the nation and not in revolt against it.
Consulting God before making a critical decision is always proper.
