Old Testament
1 Samuel 23:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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.
Compare translations
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.
What 1 Samuel 23:13 means
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.
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
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.
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
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 PlansAsk AI about 1 Samuel 23:13
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 23:13
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 23:13 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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.