Deeper Reflection
WHEN THE FAITH-WAVERING DAVID fled to Achish king of Gath for safety from Saul’s attempt on his life (1 Sam 21:10), he had strayed from the will of God. Nevertheless, God protected and preserved David’s life, albeit he escaped from the danger in Gath by acting insanely (1 Sam 21:11-15). Then God spoke to him through the prophet Gad to return to Judah (1 Sam 22:5). David left Judah because it was dangerous to remain there. So, by commanding David to return to Judah, God was placing David in harm’s way.⁴⁴ David had only to live by the word of God. “Keilah” (in Judah) is repeated 13 times in 1 Samuel 23:1-13. Central in David’s “Keilah” discipleship journey is the Word of God. “And the LORD said” is repeated four times in this “Keilah” narrative (vv.2, 4, 11, 12). And in all instances, they are divine responses to David’s inquiring of God. When Keilah was attacked by the Philistines, God’s word to David was: “Save Keilah from the Philistines” (vv.2-4). But in contrast, when Saul sought to kill David at Keilah (vv.7-8), God’s word to David was: “Keilah will surrender you to Saul” (vv.9-12). God’s Word – which is closely tied to God’s will and God’s ways – can be pleasant and unpleasant, but it is always “good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom 12:2). “Man shall not live by bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matt 4:4) is the surest and safest way to live by.

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⁴⁴ Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 152