Justin Houtz

Hi. I’m Justin. I write code and things but enough about that…

Let’s talk about Jesus.

  • Daily Bible Study

    1 Samuel 23; Psalms 31, 54; Matthew 7

    DateVersionReading Plan
    April 20, 2026ESV (2016)ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026

    1 Samuel 23

    Observation & Interpretation

    David was told that Philistines were fighting against Keilah and inquired of the LORD whether he should attack the Philistines (v. 1-2). The LORD told David to attack the Philistines and save Keilah, but his responded in fear, positing that their fear would only increase if they went to Keilah against the Philistines (v. 3). David inquired of the LORD a second time and the LORD again told David to attack, confirming the first divine directive (v. 4). David and his men fought with the Philistines and saved the inhabitants of Keilah (v. 5).

    Saul was told that David had come to Keilah and perceived that God had given David into his hand (v. 7). Saul summoned all the people to war in Keilah to besiege David and his men, but David knew that Saul was plotting harm against him (v. 9). David asked the LORD whether Saul would come down to destroy the city on his account and whether the men of Keilah would surrender David and his men to Saul (v. 10-12). The LORD answered both in the affirmative, prompting David and his men to depart from Keilah. Saul was informed that David escaped from Keilah and gave up on the expedition (v. 13). Saul sought David every day but the LORD did not give David into his hand (v. 14).

    While in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh, David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life (v. 15). Jonathan, Saul’s son, rose and went to David at Horesh and strengthened his hand in God (v. 16). Jonathan told David not to fear, that Saul would not find him and that he would be king over Israel. (v. 17). The two made a covenant before the LORD and separated, David remaining at Horesh and Jonathan returning home (v. 18). The FSB makes the observation that this is “The last recorded meeting between David and Jonathan.”

    In an act of treachery, the Ziphites told Saul that David was hiding among the strongholds at Horesh and offered to surrender David to the king’s hand (v. 19-20). Saul spoke a blessing of the Ziphites by the LORD for their compassion on him, a blessing that was both self-serving and ironic given that David was the LORD’s anointed (v. 21). The Ziphites and Saul collaborated on the means of approach with the Ziphites going ahead of Saul (v. 22-24). Saul sought David and, when notified of his pursuit, David went down to the rock and lived in the wilderness of Maon (v. 25). When Saul heard this, he went after David, going on one side of the mountain while David was on the other (v. 25-26). As Saul was closing in on David, a messenger came to Saul and he was notified that the Philistines had made a raid on Israel (v. 26-27). Saul returned from pursuing David to engage the Philistines and the place was thus called the Rock of Escape (v. 28). The chapter concludes with David departing and going up to live in the strongholds of Engedi (v. 29).

    Application

    God’s favor on David is on clear display in this chapter. On several occasions, David inquired of the LORD as to whether he was to initiate attack on an enemy or whether he was in danger of attack. The LORD was faithful in every instance to provide for David what was needed to proceed. By contrast, Saul makes no such supplication to the LORD, instead wrongfully blessing an ally by the LORD in his malicious endeavor. David’s actions showcased the kind of humility and contrition that magnifies our LORD’s glory and that which He delights among His children. While not every prayer among the saints is granted, He is gracious to provide our most desperate of needs: Himself.

    Resources

    Reading
    Listening