Philistines Attacked the City of Keilah!

By Mary Vee
I Samuel 22

Thoughts from One of David's Men

David assigned several scouts to find news and bring him word. We were to report trouble and any movement from King Saul. 


I happened to search the area of Keilah and found the Philistines had captured the city. This band of Philistines must have had great strength and mighty weapons because Keilah had a thick wall around the city and iron gates to prevent anyone from attacking.


I ran back to the caves and requested to speak to our captain. 


David had great respect for his men. Whenever any of us had a need or wished to speak with him he always listened. He invited me to join him at once. I bowed. "The Philistines are fighting against Keilah and they are robbing the threshing floors."


I, along with the other men, waited for instructions. David never blurted orders, he asked God first what he should do. He went away from the group and prayed. A while later David returned and called a meeting. "The Lord said, go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah."


One of the men stepped forward. "I think I speak for everyone. We're afraid. Saul can send a huge army against us. We'll have even more trouble if we go to Keilah to fight the armies of the Philistines."


David, our great leader, kept his face relaxed. He nodded his understanding of our concerns. "Tell you what I'll do. I will go to the Lord again, let him know we feel outnumbered and are lacking weapons and see what He says."


The men agreed. David went off and spoke with the Lord again. God said, "Go down to Keilah for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand."


We didn't need to be told again. Our fathers told great stories of God's power during battle. 


Six hundred men left the caves where we hid from King Saul. We moved as camouflaged soldiers, quiet, almost invisible. The city of Keilah was built in an open area between mountains. We hid behind rocks and look down on the city to assess the situation. From there David and a few men made a battle plan. 


We had our instructions. The only way into the city would be to follow the Philistines who had already broken through. No battle cry was to be  sounded. David said, "Quietly attack the men at the rear and move forward until all Philistines killed."


This battle would not be one of strength and modern weapons, but surprise.  Our captain reminded us the battle belonged to the Lord and He would protect us. 


We moved forward, undetected, following the battle plan first killing the Philistines in the back of their group then the remaining Philistines. We took our enemies'  livestock as reward.


The people of Keilah celebrated in the streets singing and dancing their freedom. Our captain hushed the crowds and led a cheer of praise to the Almighty God of Israel.


Praise the Lord for His goodness and mercy, for His power and protection. Praise the Lord.


******************************
1. What city needed help?
2. Who attacked them?
3. What did the men hiding with David say?
4. How did David help the men understand what to do?
5. What did the men hiding with David say the second time?
6. How many men did David have for this battle?
7. How did the battle end?