⁴ But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the Lord.”

² “Inquire^(A) now of the Lord for us because Nebuchadnezzar^[a](B) king of Babylon^(C) is attacking us. Perhaps the Lord will perform wonders^(D) for us as in times past so that he will withdraw from us.”

²³ so David inquired of the Lord, and he answered, “Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the poplar trees.

¹⁹ so David inquired^(A) of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?”

The Lord answered him, “Go, for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hands.”

David Anointed King Over Judah

2 In the course of time, David inquired^(A) of the Lord. “Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” he asked.

The Lord said, “Go up.”

David asked, “Where shall I go?”

“To Hebron,”^(B) the Lord answered.

⁹ When David learned that Saul was plotting against him, he said to Abiathar^(A) the priest, “Bring the ephod.^(B)” ¹⁰ David said, “Lord, God of Israel, your servant has heard definitely that Saul plans to come to Keilah and destroy the town on account of me. ¹¹ Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me to him? Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? Lord, God of Israel, tell your servant.”

And the Lord said, “He will.”

¹² Again David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender^(C) me and my men to Saul?”

And the Lord said, “They will.”

⁴ Once again David inquired^(A) of the Lord, and the Lord answered him, “Go down to Keilah, for I am going to give the Philistines^(B) into your hand.^(C)”

² he inquired^(A) of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?”

The Lord answered him, “Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah.”

²⁶ Tell the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says concerning the words you heard: