Old Testament

1 Samuel 23:10

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

Then David prayed, "LORD, God of Israel, your servant has heard for certain that Saul plans to come to Keilah and destroy the city because of me."

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

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.

What 1 Samuel 23:10 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In 1 Samuel 23:10, David is acutely aware of the peril he faces as King Saul plots to attack the city of Keilah. Feeling a sense of responsibility for the people there, David turns to God in prayer, seeking divine guidance and clarity in this moment of crisis. His prayer reveals his deep reliance on God, showcasing the importance of honest communication with the Lord. David acknowledges his role as a servant, which emphasizes humility and trust in God's plan. This interaction reflects a personal relationship with God, where David earnestly seeks intervention in his time of need. It serves as a reminder that we can bring our fears and concerns to God, trusting that He hears us and cares for our situations. David's example encourages us to seek God's wisdom and protection, especially when we feel vulnerable or threatened. His prayer is a powerful testament that we are not alone in our struggles, and that God is always present to listen and guide us through difficult times, just as He did for David.

How to apply 1 Samuel 23:10 to your life

When you encounter challenges, remember to turn to God in prayer. Share your fears and concerns openly, just as David did. Trust that God is listening and will provide the guidance you need. This practice can strengthen your relationship with Him and bring peace during tough times. Stay humble and seek His wisdom in all situations you face.

Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of David and his men saving the town of Keilah

Illustrated scene from David's story: David Saves Keilah (1 Samuel 23:1–14)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

David

Panoramic view across Tel Beer Sheva archaeological site and surrounding landscape.

Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Beersheba

Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about 1 Samuel 23:10

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying 1 Samuel 23:10

At a Glance — the Book of 1 Samuel

Author
Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
Written
Around 930 BC
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
The Israelites of the early monarchy

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does 1 Samuel 23:10 mean?

1 Samuel 23:10 shows David's awareness of the danger he faces from King Saul, who intends to attack the city of Keilah. David's prayer reflects his reliance on God for guidance and protection during this crisis.

What is the significance of David praying in 1 Samuel 23:10?

David's prayer in 1 Samuel 23:10 highlights his humility and trust in God. It demonstrates the importance of seeking divine guidance in times of trouble and shows that he values his relationship with God.

How does 1 Samuel 23:10 relate to trusting God?

1 Samuel 23:10 emphasizes the theme of trusting God in difficult situations. David's prayer signifies his belief that God will provide the wisdom and protection he needs against Saul's threat.

What can we learn from David's prayer in 1 Samuel 23:10?

From David's prayer in 1 Samuel 23:10, we learn the importance of bringing our fears and concerns to God. It encourages us to communicate openly with Him and seek His guidance during challenging times.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.