David Escapes from Keilah

By Mary Vee
I Samuel 23

Thoughts from One of David's Men

I met with my friend last night. He chose to stay in service to the king, but his sympathies, his heart remains with David. 


He gave me this message, "Report my words to David as soon as possible. Earlier this evening, Saul discovered David went to Keilah. He also knows Abiathar, the priest took an ephod with him." 


He looked around to be sure no one could hear. "Saul had that look in his eyes. You know, the wild one. He said, 'God has delivered David into my hand. That foolish David shut himself in a fortified city with gates and bars. He will never escape Keilah now. Muwahahaha.'  Go quickly and tell David to leave at once. Saul has ordered his soldiers to war. They are to march to Keilah and attack David and his men."


I ran as though my life depended on it and reported the message to David at once. 


David called his leaders together and had me repeat the message. "Men," he said, "I need to ask God what we should do. Our lives are at risk. Bring Abiathar the priest to me and make sure he has his ephod."


When Abiathar arrived, David said, "O Lord God of Israel, Your servant has heard news of Saul coming to Keilah to destroy the city because of me. Will the men of Keilah turn me over to Saul? Will Saul really come here? O Lord God of Israel, I pray, tell Your servant what to do."


The Lord spoke to David saying, "Saul will come to Keilah."


David asked, "Will the men of Keilah turn me and my men over to Saul?"


The Lord answered, "They will deliver you over to Saul."


David turned back to his men. "We need to leave, at once. The people of Keilah will turn us over to Saul. Gather your things, now."


We knew how to clean a camp in quick time. David led the six hundred of us out of the city. He didn't have a destination in mind. We simply wandered the wilderness staying in strongholds hidden in the mountains. 


News of Saul's location arrived daily from his spies. David always knew where to hide to keep everyone safe. We grew to trust him and his decisions. 


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1.  What did the spy tell David's man?
2.  What did David decide to do first?
3.  Then who did he call and what did the person need to bring?
4.  What did David ask God?
5.  What answer did God give?
6. Based on God's answers, what did David do?
7.  What was most important to David when he decided where to hide?