Then David and his men, which were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth.

1 SAMUEL 23:13KJV
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1 Samuel 23:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 23:13 mean?

1 Samuel 23:13 describes how David and his group of about six hundred men left the town of Keilah and traveled wherever they could, after learning that Saul knew their location. When Saul heard that David had escaped from Keilah, he decided not to pursue him there.

This verse takes place during a time when David is fleeing from King Saul, who sees David as a threat and is trying to capture him. David had just saved the people of Keilah from the Philistines, but after hearing that Saul was coming, he left to avoid putting the town in danger. The verse shows David’s careful decision-making and Saul’s reaction when his plan to trap David fails.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 23:13

  • The word for "departed" is יָצָא (yatsa’), which means to go out or leave. This word highlights the action of David and his men leaving a place of safety because of the threat from Saul.
  • The word for "escaped" is מָלַט (malat), meaning to slip away or deliver oneself. This emphasizes that David’s departure was not just travel, but an urgent escape from danger.
  • The word for "forbare" is חָדַל (chadal), which means to cease or stop. In this context, it shows that Saul gave up his immediate plan to go to Keilah once he realized David was gone.

Why 1 Samuel 23:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s escape was not just a random move, but a strategic decision to protect both himself and the people of Keilah from Saul’s wrath.
  • The verse highlights the growing number of David’s followers, showing that his support was increasing even as he was on the run.
  • It connects to the larger story of David’s flight from Saul, showing the ongoing tension and the lengths David had to go to avoid capture.

Where else these words appear

“Keilah” Hebrew H7084 · used in 16 verses

  • Joshua 15:44 And Keilah, and Achzib, and Mareshah; nine cities with their villages:
  • 1 Samuel 23:5 So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.
  • 1 Samuel 23:11 Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O LORD God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the LORD said, He will come down.

“forbare” Hebrew H2308 · used in 56 verses

  • Genesis 11:8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.
  • Ruth 1:18 When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.
  • Job 19:14 My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me.

“escaped” Hebrew H4422 · used in 85 verses

  • Genesis 19:17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.
  • Esther 4:13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.
  • Isaiah 46:2 They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity.

“whithersoever” Hebrew H834 · used in 105 verses

  • Genesis 1:7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
  • Genesis 31:49 And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.
  • Deuteronomy 11:8 Therefore shall ye keep all the commandments which I command you this day, that ye may be strong, and go in and possess the land, whither ye go to possess it;