Saul Seeks Out David: 23:1–6  David’s exile did not mean that he had lost his vision for Israel’s security or his concern for the well-being of his fellow Israelites. The news of particular problems at Keilah stimulated his desire to continue fighting on behalf of God’s people. The Philistines were not taking tribute from the Israelite farmers but were looting the threshing floors. They were waiting until the Israelites had done all the hard work and then depriving them of their livelihood for the next year. Such action could not be tolerated.

The situation was different from previous sorties when David had been working directly as Saul’s representative, and it was important to ensure that his actions had God’s approval. Therefore he inquired of the LORD. His makeshift army was understandab…