KEILAH ke ī’ lə (קְעִילָ֔ה). 1. A fortified town in the Shephelah district of Libnah-Mareshah near Achzib, now identified with modern Khirbt Qila 8 1/2 m. NW of Hebron. Mentioned as one of the towns given by lot to Judah (Josh 15:44).

David led a daring expedition to Keilah to deliver it from attacks by the Philistines who were robbing the threshing floors. Saul heard that he was there and sent troops to capture David and his men. David was forced to retreat again into the wilderness of Ziph, when it became apparent after consulting the ephod that the men of Keilah might turn him over to Saul (1 Sam 23:1-13).

Keilah is mentioned in the Amarna Letters as Qilti, an Egyp. base. Letters to Akh-en-Aton, pharaoh of Egypt, from the princes of Jerusalem and Hebron complained of each other’s occupation of Keilah at various times.

Keilah was inhabited by Jews returning from the Exile and was included in the roster of those who participated in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah (Neh 3:17, 18).

There is a tradition that the prophet Habakkuk was buried in Keilah.

2. A descendant of Caleb son of Jephunneh, called a Garmite (1 Chron 4:19).