Old Testament
1 Samuel 23:13
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, David and his group of about 600 men are on the move, leaving the city of Keilah.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
So David and his men — about 600 of them — left Keilah and kept moving from place to place. When Saul heard that David had escaped from Keilah, he called off the attack.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, David and his group of about 600 men are on the move, leaving the city of Keilah. They are fleeing from King Saul, who is determined to capture David. When Saul learns that David has escaped, he decides to abandon his plan to attack Keilah. This moment highlights the constant danger David faces and the need for him to stay one step ahead. It also shows how quickly situations can change; one moment, David is in danger, and the next, he is free to continue his journey. David's ability to adapt and respond to threats is crucial for his survival. This story reminds us that life can be unpredictable, and we must be ready to change our plans when circumstances shift unexpectedly. David's resilience and resourcefulness serve as an inspiration for anyone facing challenges in their own lives, encouraging us to keep moving forward despite obstacles and threats that may arise along the way. Trusting in our ability to navigate through difficulties can lead to unexpected freedom.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 1 Samuel 23:13 to your life
When faced with challenges, remember that change is often necessary for growth. Like David, be prepared to adjust your plans and keep moving forward. Trust in your ability to navigate through difficult situations, and don't hesitate to seek new paths when needed. Your resilience can lead to unexpected opportunities for freedom and success in life’s journey. Stay alert and adaptable to overcome obstacles effectively. “Keep moving forward.”
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Samuel 23:13 mean?
1 Samuel 23:13 describes David and his 600 men fleeing from Keilah to escape King Saul's pursuit. It illustrates the constant danger David faced and his need to remain vigilant and adaptable to survive.
What does the phrase 'he forbare to go forth' mean in 1 Samuel 23:13?
The phrase 'he forbare to go forth' means that Saul decided not to continue his attack on Keilah after learning that David had escaped. This shows how quickly circumstances can change in times of conflict.
How does 1 Samuel 23:13 relate to themes of resilience and adaptability?
This verse exemplifies resilience as David must constantly adapt to threats from Saul. His ability to move quickly and change plans demonstrates the importance of being flexible in the face of danger.
What lessons can we learn from David's actions in 1 Samuel 23:13?
David's actions teach us the importance of being proactive and adaptable when facing challenges. His escape from danger reminds us to trust our instincts and be ready to change our plans when necessary.

The Book of 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 1: The Birth of Samuel
The book opens during the time of the judges, introducing a man named Elkanah with two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. While Peninnah has children, Hannah is barren and is cruelly taunted by her rival. During their annual pilgrimage to the sanctuary at Shiloh, the deeply distressed Hannah prays silently to the Lord, weeping and vowing that if God will give her a son, she will dedicate him to the Lord's service for his entire life as a Nazirite. Eli, the high priest, sees her lips moving and initially mistakes her for a drunken woman, but after she explains her sorrowful prayer, he blesses her, saying, "Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition."
Unlock the full 1 Samuel summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of 1 Samuel — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 31 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of 1 Samuel summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.