- David inquires of the LORD twice before going to fight the Philistines at Keilah (vv. 1–5).
- David saves an Israelite city while Saul is trying to kill him, further distinguishing the Lord’s anointed from the current holder of the throne.
- Abiathar brought the ephod when he fled to David (v. 6). The means of divine inquiry reside with the LORD's anointed David, not with Saul.
- Saul misreads providence (v. 7).
- He hears David has entered a walled city and concludes: "God has delivered him into my hand, for he has trapped himself."
- Saul’s understanding of providence is as a tool for reading your own desires back onto God.
- David inquires of the LORD again at Keilah (vv. 9–12).
- David considers the will of the LORD in all he is doing, not trusting in his own judgment, but rather in the will and judgment of God.
- Jonathan comes to David to encourage him that his reign is secure (v. 17).
- The LORD has continuously delivered David from Saul’s hand, and even provided for him loyal followers before he has claimed the throne.
- The LORD’s promises are not subject to the actions of man.