We say we trust the Lord, but when pressure comes—when something urgent or threatening shows up—we move fast and pray slow. We act, react, strategize, and only afterward ask, "Lord, would You bless this?" But 1 Samuel 23 shows us a different kind of leader who learned to inquire of the Lord before every decision.
David's Transformation
David is no longer the impulsive, self-reliant man hiding in Philistine territory or scrambling in caves. Something has changed. Three times in 1 Samuel 23 we read: "David inquired of the LORD." Before he rescues—he asks. Before he leads—he asks. Before he escapes—he asks.
This passage teaches us a simple but life-shaping truth: God uses the people who truly depend upon Him.
The Key Phrase
"David inquired of the LORD"
Repeated three times in one chapter, showing a pattern of complete dependence.
The Crisis at Keilah
01
The Report
Philistines are attacking Keilah, robbing the threshing floors. David's people need rescue.
02
First Inquiry
David asks God: "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?" The LORD answers: "Go and save Keilah."
03
His Men's Fear
David's men protest: "We are afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah?"
04
Second Inquiry
Rather than ruling by force, David inquires again. God confirms: "I will give the Philistines into your hand."
Victory Through Obedience
David and his men went to Keilah, fought the Philistines, brought away their livestock, and struck them with a great blow. David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.
This victory reveals David's sensitivity to both God and his men. He valued their input, sought confirmation from the Lord, and led them into battle only when certain of God's direction.
The Ephod: Access to God's Guidance
What Was the Ephod?
A linen garment worn by priests—the divinely approved means of inquiring of the Lord.
Abiathar's Escape
When Saul slaughtered 85 priests, one man—Abiathar—escaped with an ephod and fled to David.
Continual Access
Now David had ongoing access to inquire of the Lord through Abiathar and the ephod.
Saul's Pursuit
Saul heard David was in Keilah and said, "God has given him into my hand, for he has shut himself in by entering a town with gates and bars." Saul summoned all the people to war, willing to attack his own people to capture David.
In stark contrast to David, Saul did not have the Lord's presence, guidance, or blessing. His paranoia drove him to destructive decisions without seeking God's will.
David's Third Inquiry
The Questions
"Will Saul come down? Will the men of Keilah surrender me into his hand?"
God's Answers
"He will come down. They will surrender you."
David's Response
David and his 600 men departed from Keilah to protect the inhabitants from Saul's attack.
David was sensitive to the risk his presence placed upon Keilah. When Saul learned David had escaped, he gave up the expedition. David remained in the wilderness strongholds, and though Saul sought him daily, God did not give him into Saul's hand.
Get Right Before You Get Used
David humbled himself, cared for his family, sought God's guidance, and owned his failures before God used him to save others. It's tempting to reverse this order—exhausting ourselves to save others while neglecting our families and hiding our sin. But your first obligation is to the Lord and your own family. Get right with God, then get used by Him to rescue others.
Strongholds Redeemed Through Submission
Strategic Action
David sheltered in strongholds and moved strategically—using what God gave him for protection.
Ongoing Danger
Saul pursued David daily. The threat never disappeared, but God's protection remained constant.
God's Protection
God did not give David into Saul's hand. Divine sovereignty secured what strategy alone could not.
Jobs, education, homes, friendships—these are good strongholds when submitted to God. They become problems only when they replace our reliance on Him. Make your plans, work heartily, but remember: "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that" (James 4:15).
We Have a Greater Priest
David Had a Priest
Abiathar with an ephod provided access to inquire of the Lord.
We Have Christ
Our Great High Priest who always lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25).
The Holy Spirit
Dwells within us, interceding with groanings too deep for words (Romans 8:26-27).
God's Word
Scripture is "a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105).
What made the difference in David's life? He stopped trusting his instincts and learned to inquire of the Lord. God guided him, protected him, and used him. The same invitation stands before us: Get right with the Lord first, order your home rightly, use the means God gives you wisely, and trust Him with the results. God delights to guide and guard those who rely on Him.