1 Samuel 23:8

8 Saul called all his army together for battle, and they prepared to go down to Keilah to attack 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.

---

FOOTNOTES:

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

1 Samuel 23:8 In-Context

6 (Now Abiathar son of Ahimelech had brought the holy vest with him when he came to David at Keilah.)

7 Someone told Saul that David was now at Keilah. Saul said, "God has handed David over to me! He has trapped himself, because he has entered a town with gates and bars."

8 Saul called all his army together for battle, and they prepared to go down to Keilah to attack David and his men.

9 David learned Saul was making evil plans against him. So he said to Abiathar the priest, "Bring the holy vest."

10 David prayed, "Lord, God of Israel, I have heard that Saul plans to come to Keilah to destroy the town because of me.