Bible Strands
1 Samuel 23:9
When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — David speaks to Abiathar the priest at the moment he learns Saul is actively plotting evil against him. This occurs as Saul gathers his troops to besiege Keilah.
The words — The Hebrew מַחֲרִישׁ (ma.cha.Rish) literally denotes a silent or secret plotting, while וַ/יֵּ֣דַע (va/i.Ye.da') marks David’s concrete awareness of the threat.
The thread — David later repeats this command to Abiathar in 1 Samuel 30:7, and the practice of seeking divine counsel through the ephod connects to the priestly duty described in Numbers 27:21.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that leadership under threat requires turning to established means of divine guidance rather than relying on human strategy alone.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.
Cross-references
- 1 Samuel 30:7 Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought it to him,
- 1 Samuel 23:6 (Now Abiathar son of Ahimelech had brought the ephod with him when he fled to David at Keilah.)
- Numbers 27:21 He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him—the entire congregation—will go out and come in.”
- 1 Samuel 14:18 Then Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God.” (For at that time it was with the Israelites.)
- 1 Samuel 22:20 But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar, and he fled to David.
- Jeremiah 11:18 And the LORD informed me, so I knew. Then You showed me their deeds.
- Jeremiah 33:3 Call to Me, and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
- Acts 9:24 but Saul learned of their plot. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him.
- Acts 14:6 they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding region,
- Acts 23:16 But when the son of Paul’s sister heard about the plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.