1 Samuel 23:9

9 When David learned that Saul was plotting against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.”

1 Samuel 23:9 in Other Translations

KJV
9 And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.
ESV
9 David knew that Saul was plotting harm against him. And he said to Abiathar the priest, "Bring the ephod here."
NLT
9 But David learned of Saul’s plan and told Abiathar the priest to bring the ephod and ask the LORD what he should do.
MSG
9 But David got wind of Saul's strategy to destroy him and said to Abiathar the priest, "Get the Ephod."
CSB
9 When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, "Bring the ephod."

1 Samuel 23:9 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 23:9

And. David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against
him
That is, plotted and contrived it, formed schemes in order to do him mischief, giving out one thing, and designing another; so he pretended war against the Philistines, but his intention was to come against Keilah, and take David there:

and he said to Abiathar the priest, bring hither the ephod;
not for David to put on, but for the priest himself, that being clothed with it, and the Urim and Thummim in it, he might inquire for him of the Lord.

1 Samuel 23:9 In-Context

7 Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah, and he said, “God has delivered him into my hands, for David has imprisoned himself by entering a town with gates and bars.”
8 And Saul called up all his forces for battle, to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men.
9 When David learned that Saul was plotting against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.”
10 David said, “LORD, God of Israel, your servant has heard definitely that Saul plans to come to Keilah and destroy the town on account of me.
11 Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me to him? Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? LORD, God of Israel, tell your servant.” And the LORD said, “He will.”

Cross References 2

  • 1. ver 6; S 1 Samuel 22:20; 1 Samuel 30:7
  • 2. S 1 Samuel 2:18
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.