1 Samuel 23:8

8 And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah 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 And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David at Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand.

7 And it was told Saul that David had come to Keilah. And Saul said, "God hath delivered him into mine hand, for he is shut in by entering into a town that hath gates and bars."

8 And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men.

9 And David knew that Saul secretly practiced mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, "Bring hither the ephod."

10 Then said David, "O LORD God of Israel, Thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah to destroy the city for my sake.