1 Samuel 23:6-12

⁶ After Abiathar took refuge with David, he joined David in the raid on Keilah, bringing the Ephod with him.

⁷ Saul learned that David had gone to Keilah and thought immediately, "Good! God has handed him to me on a platter! He's in a walled city with locked gates, trapped!" ⁸ Saul mustered his troops for battle and set out for Keilah to lay siege to David and his men. ⁹ But David got wind of Saul's strategy to destroy him and said to Abiathar the priest, "Get the Ephod." ¹⁰ Then David prayed to God: "God of Israel, I've just heard that Saul plans to come to Keilah and destroy the city because of me. ¹¹ Will the city fathers of Keilah turn me over to him? Will Saul come down and do what I've heard? O God, God of Israel, tell me!" God replied, "He's coming down." ¹² "And will the head men of Keilah turn me and my men over to Saul?" And God said, "They'll turn you over."

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Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:6-12

Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:1-6

(Read 1 Samuel 23:1-6)

When princes persecute God's people, let them expect vexation on all sides. The way for any country to be quiet, is to let God's church be quiet in it: if Saul fight against David, the Philistines fight against his country. David considered himself the protector of the land. Thus did the Saviour Jesus, and left us an example. Those are unlike David, who sullenly decline to do good, if they are not rewarded for services.

Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:7-13

(Read 1 Samuel 23:7-13)

Well might David complain of his enemies, that they rewarded him evil for good, and that for his love they were his adversaries. Christ was used thus basely. David applied to his great Protector for direction. No sooner was the ephod brought him than he made use of it. We have the Scriptures in our hands, let us take advice from them in doubtful cases. Say, Bring hither the Bible. David's address to God is very solemn, also very particular. God allows us to be so in our addresses to him; Lord, direct me in this matter, about which I am now at a loss. God knows not only what will be, but what would be, if it were not hindered; therefore he knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and how to render to every man according to his works.