7 When it was told Saul that David had come to Keilah , Saul said , "God has delivered him into my hand , for he shut himself in by entering a city with double gates and bars ." 8 So Saul summoned all the people for war , to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men . 9 Now David knew that Saul was plotting evil against him; so he said to Abiathar the priest , " Bring the ephod here ." 10 Then David said , "O Lord God of Israel , Your servant has heard for certain that Saul is seeking to come to Keilah to destroy the city on my account . 11 "Will the men of Keilah surrender me into his hand ? Will Saul come down just as Your servant has heard ? O Lord God of Israel , I pray , tell Your servant ." And the Lord said , "He will come down ." 12 Then David said , "Will the men of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul ?" And the Lord said , " They will surrender you." 13 Then David and his men , about six hundred , arose and departed from Keilah , and they went wherever they could go . When it was told Saul that David had escaped from Keilah , he gave up the pursuit .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:7-13
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.