1 Samuel 23:2 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

David enquired of the Lord, &c.— This was one of the noblest adventures of David's life, and perhaps the most extraordinary of any recorded in history. The Philistines, probably encouraged by David's disgrace and Saul's distraction, invaded Judah, and besieged Keilah, wasting the country all around it. Another man in David's place would have rejoiced at this invasion, and perhaps encouraged it; and this both from self-preservation and policy: First, Because he had nothing to fear for himself, while Saul had such an enemy upon his hands; and secondly, Because the distress of his country was the likeliest means to bring Saul to reason, and force him to recal, and be reconciled to, his best companion. But David was governed by other than these narrow views: neither safety nor honour were desirable to him, if to be purchased by the distress of his country and his friends; his bosom beat with an earnest desire to relieve Keilah: but it was not an adventure to be unadvisedly undertaken; and therefore we are assured, that he enquired of God, saying, Shall I go, and smite these Philistines? This is to me one of those passages of Scripture which give evidence of their own truth. None but a hero could put the question, and none but GOD could resolve it. And the Lord said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.