1 Samuel 23:8

8 And Saul summoned all the people to war, to go down to Kei'lah, to besiege David and his men.

1 Samuel 23:8 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 23:8

And Saul called all the people together to war
Or "caused [them] to hear" ^F13 summoned them by an herald, whom he sent into all parts of the kingdom to proclaim war, and require them in his name to attend him; which was the prerogative of a king to do:

to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men;
that was what he privately intended, but the pretence was to make war against the Philistines.

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FOOTNOTES:

F13 (emvy) "fecit audire", Montanus, Piscator.

1 Samuel 23:8 In-Context

6 When Abi'athar the son of Ahim'elech fled to David to Kei'lah, he came down with an ephod in his hand.

7 Now it was told Saul that David had come to Kei'lah. And Saul said, "God has given him into my hand; for he has shut himself in by entering a town that has gates and bars."

8 And Saul summoned all the people to war, to go down to Kei'lah, to besiege David and his men.

9 David knew that Saul was plotting evil against him; and he said to Abi'athar the priest, "Bring the ephod here."

10 Then said David, "O LORD, the God of Israel, thy servant has surely heard that Saul seeks to come to Kei'lah, to destroy the city on my account.