New Living Translation
1 Samuel 23:9
9But David learned of Saul’s plan and told Abiathar the priest to bring the ephod and ask the Lord what he should do.
1 Samuel 23:9 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.
- New International Version (NIV)When David learned that Saul was plotting against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.”
- English Standard Version (ESV)David knew that Saul was plotting harm against him. And he said to Abiathar the priest, "Bring the ephod here."
- New King James Version (NKJV)When David knew that Saul plotted evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod here.”
Context of 1 Samuel 23:9
7Saul soon learned that David was at Keilah. “Good!” he exclaimed. “We’ve got him now! God has handed him over to me, for he has trapped himself in a walled town!” 8So Saul mobilized his entire army to march to Keilah and besiege David and his men. But David learned of Saul’s plan and told Abiathar the priest to bring the ephod and ask the Lord what he should do. 10Then David prayed, “O Lord, God of Israel, I have heard that Saul is planning to come and destroy Keilah because I am here. 11Will the leaders of Keilah betray me to him? And will Saul actually come as I have heard? O Lord, God of Israel, please tell me.” And the Lord said, “He will come.”
Read all of 1 Samuel 231 Samuel 23:9 word by word
וַיֵּ֣דַע דָּוִ֔ד כִּ֣י עָלָ֔יו שָׁא֖וּל מַחֲרִ֣ישׁ הָרָעָ֑ה וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ אֶל־אֶבְיָתָ֣ר הַכֹּהֵ֔ן הַגִּ֖ישָׁה הָאֵפֽוֹד׃ סRead the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
- And Davidדָּוִדdâvid dâvîyd · DavidH1732
- knewיָדַעyâda‛ · to knowH3045
- that Saulשָׁאוּלshâ'ûl · SaulH7586
- secretly practisedחָרַשׁchârash · to plow/plotH2790
- mischiefרָעָהra‛ râ‛âh · distress: harmH7451
- against him; and he saidאָמַר'âmar · to sayH559
- to Abiatharאֶבְיָתָר'ebyâthâr · AbiatharH54
- the priestכֹּהֵןkôhên · priestH3548
- Bring hitherנָגַשׁnâgash · to approach: bringH5066
- the ephodאֵפוֹד'êphôd 'êphôd · ephodH646
Commentaries on 1 Samuel 23:9
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 9Bring hither the ephod - It seems as if David himself, clothed with the ephod, had consulted the Lord; and 1 Samuel 23:10-12; contain the words of the consultation, and the Lord's answer. But see on 1 Samuel 23:2; (note).Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 7-13Verses 7-13 Well might David complain of his enemies, that they rewarded him evil for good, and that for his love they were his adversaries. Christ was used thus basely. David applied to his great Protector for direction. No sooner was the ephod brought him than he made use of it. We have the Scriptures in our hands, let us take advice from them in doubtful cases. Say, Bring hither the Bible. David's address to God is very solemn, also very particular…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 1-29Because Saul received reports from informants, he was able to continue pursuing David (1 Samuel 23:7,13). David also had informants, which helped him stay ahead of Saul (1 Samuel 23:1, 9, 15, 25). David’s greatest advantage was that he could seek guidance and help from God, which Saul did not have (1 Samuel 23:2, 4, 12).Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 99. he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod--The consultation was made, and the prayer uttered, by means of the priest. The alternative conditions here described have often been referred to as illustrating the doctrine of God's foreknowledge and preordination of events. 1Sa 23:14-18. David Escapes to Ziph.Read the comment
Topics related to 1 Samuel 23:9
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on 1 Samuel 23
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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