Then David inquired of the LORD once again. And the LORD answered him and said, “Arise, go down to Keilah. For I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” And David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines, struck them with a mighty blow, and took away their livestock. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah. 1 Samuel 23: 4, 5, NKJV.
Dear God, in the time of decision-making, please help us to hear Your voice, and obey it. This we ask in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
David is on the run. Saul is pursuing him. One wrong move, one bad decision, could cost him, and all those who are with him, their life! For David, it is expedient that he listen to the right voice. He knows from experience, that the only voice that is all together trustworthy, is the voice of God. He realizes that he is surrounded by both friends and foes. He has learned the hard way (see chapter 22: 6-19). So for David, inquiring of God, before making a move, is not an option, it is a necessity! Our text says “Then David inquired of the LORD once again.” In other words, this is not the first time that David is inquiring of the LORD concerning this matter. He had already received the “Go ahead” from God about making this move, but because the men that comprised his army are “afraid,” David inquires from the LORD, a second time, concerning His will.
I am so glad that God is not a human being (Numbers 23: 19a) – for more reasons than one. Many human beings are so fickle, that if they give you an advice and you return to them a second time, just to be sure, they become seriously ruffled because of this! They cannot bear to be second-guessed! Yet God, who does not lie, is not threatened by our apparent doubt, or need of assurance. I say apparent, because it is possible that David is inquiring from God a second time, not for himself, but, for the men who are fighting alongside him. A good leader, will always take care of the feelings of his or her followers. Even though, because of sin, we cannot trust our feelings, nevertheless, our feelings do affect our behavior. For David to have led these men into battle, knowing that they were afraid, would have been very inconsiderate of him.
I am under the impression that David was ready to go to battle on the first word of the LORD. Let us listen in on the conversation between him and his men: “Therefore David inquired of the LORD, saying, ‘ “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” ‘ And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines, and save Keilah.” ‘ But David’s men said to him, ‘ “Look, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines” ‘ ” (1 Samuel 23: 2, 3, emphasis provided)? So, as I mentioned before, it seems to me, that it was on their behalf, that David goes back to the LORD about the matter. I like the way the NRSV translates God’s response: “The LORD answered him, ‘ “Yes, go down to Keilah; for I will give the Philistines into your hand” ‘ ” (4). A very natural, very easy, very matter of fact, answer. Simply: Yes my child, go. I will give you the victory.” No chiding, no anger, no cold silence, just a simple repeating of instructions, with the assurance that all will be well! The results speak for themselves – they won the battle!
If, in times of critical decision-making, you need to hear God tell you the same thing more than once, do not be afraid to go back to Him, as often as you may have need. He is a God of grace, who is not threatened by our questions, and who seeks to strengthen us, so that we may go out and win the battle of life!