2 he enquired of the Lord, saying, ‘Shall I go and attack these Philistines?’
The Lord answered him, ‘Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah.’ 1 Samuel 23
David had a heart to deliver the people of Keilah from the invading Philistine army, but his own forces were small and king Saul was an ever present danger. He sought the Lord on the matter and received permission to go and attack the invading enemy, but his men were afraid. David didn’t just ignore the voices of his men, but went back a second time to enquire of the Lord. Leaders who don’t listen to the voices of those around them may be headed for trouble. David had to be sure that he was hearing from God before he embarked on this mission.
3 But David’s men said to him, ‘Here in Judah we are afraid. How much more, then, if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces!’
4 Once again David enquired of the Lord, and the Lord answered him, ‘Go down to Keilah, for I am going to give the Philistines into your hand.’ 1 Samuel 23
David was wise to listen to those around him who would be following him into battle, but he heard the Lord telling him twice to proceed. Sometimes it’s wise to heed the advice of others but our first loyalty must always be to the Lord and not with the majority. We don’t know if there was further discussion between David and his men but in the end they obeyed the Lord and set out to rescue their fellow countrymen.
5 So David and his men went to Keilah, fought the Philistines and carried off their livestock. He inflicted heavy losses on the Philistines and saved the people of Keilah.
God fulfilled His Promise to David and his men. He rewarded their courage and the enemies were the ones who lost both their livestock and soldiers.
OBEYING THE LEADING OF GOD MAY REQUIRE A STEP OF FAITH, BUT GOD WILL NEVER FAIL THOSE WHO TRULY SEEK TO SERVE HIM.
Keilah was also the place where the sole surviving member of the priests of Nob joined David.
6 (Now Abiathar son of Ahimelek had brought the ephod down with him when he fled to David at Keilah.)
David and his men had stepped out and won a physical battle, but now we’re told that God sent a young priest to join them and he brought the ephod to them. They could now enquire enquire of the the Lord for their next steps. Fighting God’s battles in the physical CAN RESULT IN BLESSINGS IN THE SPIRITUAL FOR HIS CHILDREN!
Despite the victory to their mutual enemies, David was immediately under threat again from Saul and desperately needed God’s guidance for himself and his men. There may be seasons in life when the battles seem relentless, but so long as we continue to seek God’s direction we can know His deliverance.
What a mighty god we serveAngels bow before HimHeaven and earth adore HimWhat a mighty God we serve.
Jahovah Shiloh my PeaceJahovah signanu my righteousness. By Hezekiah Walker
May the Lord bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.