1 Samuel 22:1
1 Samuel 22:1 in Multiple Translations
So David left Gath and took refuge in the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there.
David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father’s house heard it, they went down thither to him.
David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave of Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father’s house heard it, they went down thither to him.
So David went away from there and took cover in a strong place at Adullam; and his brothers and all his father's people, hearing of it, went down to him there.
David escaped and went to the cave of Adullam. When they heard where he was his brothers and all the rest of his family went and joined him there.
Dauid therefore departed thence, and saued him selfe in the caue of Adullam: and when his brethren and all his fathers house heard it, they went downe thither to him.
And David goeth thence, and is escaped unto the cave of Adullam, and his brethren hear, and all the house of his father, and go down unto him thither;
David therefore departed from there and escaped to Adullam’s cave. When his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him.
David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it , they went down thither to him.
David therefore went from thence and fled to the cave of Odollam. And when his brethren, and all his father’s house had heard of it, they went down to him thither;
David and his men left Gath and went east to hide in a cave on a hill at Adullam city. Soon his older brothers and all his other relatives came and stayed with him there.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 22:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 22:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּ֤לֶךְ
דָּוִד֙
מִ/שָּׁ֔ם
וַ/יִּמָּלֵ֖ט
אֶל
מְעָרַ֣ת
עֲדֻלָּ֑ם
וַ/יִּשְׁמְע֤וּ
אֶחָי/ו֙
וְ/כָל
בֵּ֣ית
אָבִ֔י/ו
וַ/יֵּרְד֥וּ
אֵלָ֖י/ו
שָֽׁמָּ/ה
וַ/יֵּ֤לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִד֙
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
מִ/שָּׁ֔ם
shâm
H8033
there
Prep | Adv
וַ/יִּמָּלֵ֖ט
mâlaṭ
H4422
to escape
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מְעָרַ֣ת
mᵉʻârâh
H4631
cave
N-fs
עֲדֻלָּ֑ם
ʻĂdullâm
H5725
Adullam
N-proper
וַ/יִּשְׁמְע֤וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶחָי/ו֙
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp | Suff
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
אָבִ֔י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
וַ/יֵּרְד֥וּ
yârad
H3381
to go down
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֵלָ֖י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
שָֽׁמָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
there
Adv | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 22:1
וַ/יֵּ֤לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
דָּוִד֙
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
מִ/שָּׁ֔ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Prep | Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
וַ/יִּמָּלֵ֖ט
mâlaṭ
H4422
"to escape"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to escape or be delivered, like slipping away to safety. It is used in the Bible to describe people being saved from danger, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as deliver or escape.
Definition: 1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to slip away 1a2) to escape 1a3) to be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs) 1b2) to let escape 1b3) to deliver, save (life) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give birth to 1c2) to deliver 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape 1d2) to escape
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 19:17; Psalms 41:2; Psalms 22:6.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מְעָרַ֣ת
mᵉʻârâh
H4631
"cave"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for a cave or den, often used to describe a dark or hidden place. It can also refer to a hole or a hollowed-out space. In the Bible, it is used to describe natural landscapes and places of refuge or hiding.
Definition: cave, den, hole
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: cave, den, hole. See also: Genesis 19:30; 1 Samuel 13:6; Psalms 57:1.
עֲדֻלָּ֑ם
ʻĂdullâm
H5725
"Adullam"
N-proper
Adullam was a town in Palestine, originally inhabited by Canaanites. It was allotted to the tribe of Judah and is notable as the site where David hid in a cave. Adullam's name means justice of the people.
Definition: Adullam = "justice of the people" a town of the Canaanites allotted to Judah and lying in the lowlands; site of the cave where David hid Also named: a.dul.la.mi (עֲדֻלָּמִי "Adullamite" H5726)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Adullam. See also: Joshua 12:15; 1 Chronicles 11:15; Micah 1:15.
וַ/יִּשְׁמְע֤וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֶחָי/ו֙
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אָבִ֔י/ו
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
וַ/יֵּרְד֥וּ
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
אֵלָ֖י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
שָֽׁמָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv | Suff
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 22:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 22:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 22:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 22:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:1
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:1
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 22:1
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 22:1
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:1
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 22:1
Context — David Flees to Adullam and Mizpeh
1So David left Gath and took refuge in the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there.
2And all who were distressed or indebted or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him. 3From there David went to Mizpeh of Moab, where he said to the king of Moab, “Please let my father and mother stay with you until I learn what God will do for me.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 57:1–11 | Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me. He reaches down from heaven and saves me; He rebukes those who trample me. Selah God sends forth His loving devotion and His truth. My soul is among the lions; I lie down with ravenous beasts— with men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; may Your glory cover all the earth. They spread a net for my feet; my soul was despondent. They dug a pit before me, but they themselves have fallen into it! Selah My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing and make music. Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise You, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing Your praises among the peoples. For Your loving devotion reaches to the heavens, and Your faithfulness to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; may Your glory cover all the earth. |
| 2 | Psalms 142:1–7 | I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift my voice to the LORD for mercy. I pour out my complaint before Him; I reveal my trouble to Him. Although my spirit grows faint within me, You know my way. Along the path I travel they have hidden a snare for me. Look to my right and see; no one attends to me. There is no refuge for me; no one cares for my soul. I cry to You, O LORD: “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” Listen to my cry, for I am brought quite low. Rescue me from my pursuers, for they are too strong for me. Free my soul from prison, that I may praise Your name. The righteous will gather around me because of Your goodness to me. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 11:15 | Three of the thirty chief men went down to David, to the rock at the cave of Adullam, while a company of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. |
| 4 | Psalms 34:1 | I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. |
| 5 | Joshua 12:15 | the king of Libnah, one; the king of Adullam, one; |
| 6 | Hebrews 11:38 | The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and hid in caves and holes in the ground. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 23:13–14 | At harvest time, three of the thirty chief men went down to David at the cave of Adullam, while a company of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. At that time David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem. |
| 8 | Micah 1:15 | I will again bring a conqueror against you, O dweller of Mareshah. The glory of Israel will come to Adullam. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 21:10–15 | That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath. But the servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David, the king of the land? Did they not sing about him in their dances, saying: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?” Now David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish the king of Gath. So he changed his behavior before them and feigned madness in their hands; he scratched on the doors of the gate and let his saliva run down his beard. Then Achish said to his servants, “Look, you can see that the man is insane! Why have you brought him to me? Am I in need of madmen, that you have brought this man to rave in my presence? Must this man come into my house?” |
| 10 | Micah 1:3 | For behold, the LORD comes forth from His dwelling place; He will come down and tread on the high places of the earth. |
1 Samuel 22:1 Summary
In 1 Samuel 22:1, David leaves Gath and goes to the cave of Adullam to find safety. When his family hears about it, they go to be with him, showing their love and support. This reminds us that, just like David, we can find refuge in God during difficult times (as in Psalms 46:1). It also teaches us about the importance of family and community, as seen in Acts 2:42-47, where believers came together to support one another.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David leave Gath and go to the cave of Adullam?
David left Gath because he was not safe there, as King Achish's servants questioned his loyalty, and he went to the cave of Adullam to escape and regroup, as seen in 1 Samuel 21:10-15. This decision ultimately led to the gathering of his family and other supporters.
What kind of people joined David in the cave of Adullam?
According to 1 Samuel 22:2, those who joined David were distressed, indebted, or discontented, indicating that they were likely outcasts or marginalized individuals who found hope and leadership in David. This is reminiscent of Jesus' ministry, where He also drew people who were marginalized or oppressed, as seen in Matthew 9:10-13.
How did David's family respond to his situation?
David's brothers and the rest of his father's household went down to him in the cave of Adullam when they heard about his whereabouts, showing that they were supportive and willing to be with him despite the danger and uncertainty, much like the commitment of believers to one another as described in Acts 2:42-47.
What can we learn from David's decision to take refuge in the cave of Adullam?
David's decision teaches us about the importance of seeking refuge in God during times of trouble, as expressed in Psalms 34:17-18 and Psalms 57:1, and trusting in His provision and protection, even when circumstances seem bleak.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I felt like I needed to 'take refuge' in a safe place, and how did I respond to those situations?
- How does David's experience in the cave of Adullam relate to my own experiences of feeling isolated or marginalized, and what can I learn from his example?
- In what ways can I, like David, provide a sense of hope and leadership to those around me who may be struggling or feeling lost?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate my commitment to my family and community, just as David's family showed up to support him in the cave of Adullam?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 22:1
David therefore departed from thence,.... From Gath, being driven by Achish from his court, and let go by his servants, and glad he was of the deliverance: and escaped to the cave Adullam; which was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 22:1
David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:1
1 SAMUEL CHAPTER 22 David cometh to Adullam, where companies resort to him, ,2. He goeth to Mizpeh, and commendeth his parents to the king of Moab, ,4. Admonished by Gad, he returneth to Judah: Saul pursueth him; complaineth of his servants’ unfaithfulness, . Doeg accuseth Ahimelech: Saul sentenceth him, the high priest, and the rest of the priests, to die: Doeg slayeth eighty-five priests: the city Nob and all in it is laid waste; only Abiathar the priest remained alive fleeing to David, . David acknowledgeth himself to be the cause hereof, ,23. The cave Adullam; a place of considerable strength, , in the land of Judah, ,35, which being his own tribe, and the tribe to which God had first promised the kingdom, , he hoped for some protection and assistance there. They went down thither to him; partly, to comfort and assist him; partly, to secure themselves at the present from Saul’ s rage, which they knew to be fierce and cruel, and thought he might extend it to David’ s friends; especially, because they had so lately entertained him, ,29; and partly, that they might share with David in his honour and advancement; which they now concluded certain and near, though it was interrupted with some difficulties.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:1
1 Samuel 22:1 David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father’ s house heard [it], they went down thither to him.Ver. 1. David therefore departed thence.] Full glad he was so fairly delivered; and got to a place where he might, to the glory of God, his Sospitator, compose that most elegant and excellent thirty-fourth Psalm. And escaped to the cave of Adullam.] Which was in the tribe of Judah, saith Lyra: a place fortified by nature, saith Adrichomius, insomuch as that the Christians do there still shelter and secure themselves, - namely, from the force and spoil of the Turks that come to plunder and rob them. And when his brethren, &c.] Who had, it is likely, suffered for his sake, by Saul’ s cruelty. Christ’ s friends shall be sure to be hated of all men, and to suffer many things for the name of Jesus: they must be conformed unto him in sufferings, that he may be the firstborn among many brethren. They went down thither to him.] For mutual comfort, as Romans 1:11-12. In trib. Jud., Numbers 201. In this country dwelt that hangby Hiram, Judah’ s friend, or rather broker. - Gen. xxxviii.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:1
(1) The cave Adullam.—The great valley of Elah forms the highway from Philistia to Hebron. In one especially of the tributary vales or ravines of the Elah valley are many natural caves, some of great extent, roomy and dry, which are still used by the shepherds as dwelling-places, and as refuges for their flocks and herds. David chose one of these natural fastnesses as the temporary home for himself and his followers. The traveller sees that there was ample room for the 400 refugees who gathered under David’s skilled leadership. Stanley even speaks of this Adullam Cavern as “a subterranean palace, with vast columnar halls and arched chambers.” The name Adullam was probably given to the largest of these great caverns from its proximity to the old royal Canaanitish city of Adullam (Joshua 15:35), ruins of which on a rounded hill to the south of the cave are still visible. His brethren and all his father’s house.—They of course soon felt the weight of Saul’s anger against the prominent hero of their race, and dreading the fate which often overwhelms whole families for the faults of one of the more distinguished members, fled from their homes, and joined David and his armed force of outlaws.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:1
CHAPTER XXII David flees to the cave of Adullam, where he is joined by four hundred men of various descriptions, 1, 2. He goes afterwards to Moab; and by the advice of the prophet Gad, to the forest of Hareth, 3-5. Saul, suspecting his servants of infidelity, upbraids them, 6-8. Doeg informs him of David's coming to Nob; of his being entertained by Ahimelech; on which Saul slays Ahimelech and all the priests, to the number of eighty-five, and destroys the city of Nob, 9-19. Abiathar, the son of Ahimelech, only escapes; he joins with David, by whom he is assured of protection, 20-23. NOTES ON CHAP. XXII Verse 1. The cave Adullam] This was in the tribe of Judah, and, according to Eusebius and Jerome, ten miles eastward of what they call Eleutheropolis.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 22:1
Ch. 1 Samuel 22:1-5. David’s band of Followers 1. the cave Adullam] Rather, the cave of Adullam. Adullam was an ancient royal city of the Canaanites, in the neighbourhood of Jarmuth, Socoh, Azekah, and Shaaraim, all places in or near the valley of Elah (Joshua 12:15; Joshua 15:35). In this valley, about 2½ miles S. of the point where it takes an abrupt turn to the west, some ruins have been discovered bearing the name Aid el Ma, which is thought to be a corruption of Adullam. They lie at the foot of a high rounded hill, almost isolated by subordinate valleys, and commanding a fine view over the main valley to the east. It forms a natural fortress, well adapted for the site of a city, which numerous ruins shew once stood there. The sides of the tributary valleys are lined with rows of caves, amply sufficient to accommodate David’s 400 men, and still used for habitations. See Conder’s Tent Work, II. 157 ff. The traditional identification of Adullam with the cave at Khureitun, five miles S.E. of Bethlehem, is quite untenable. they went down thither to him] For fear lest Saul might wreak his vengeance upon them. In the East it was not uncommon for a whole family to be put to death for the fault of one member, and the massacre at Nob soon shewed them what they might expect.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 22:1
To the cave Adullam - Or rather “of Adullam.” Adullam was the name of a town of Judah in the “Shephelah,” not far from Bethlehem, and below it.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:1
1. Departed thence, and escaped — Whether he was thrust out of the land or escaped by stealth we are not here told, but from the title of Psalms 34 we infer that he was driven away.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 22:1
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(1 Samuel) God’s Idea of a Team by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of David and the 400 men who gathered around him in distress, debt, and discontentment. He emphasizes that God calls and brings to |
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David's Flight From Saul by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith encourages believers to take ventures in faith and make themselves available for God's work. He emphasizes the power of one person who is totally |
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A Lion in a Pit on a Snowy Day by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of David and his men taking refuge in a cave. The speaker expresses a desire to know what exactly happened in that cave and sugges |
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(How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 35 Psalm 142 by Keith Simons | Keith Simons teaches on Psalm 142, emphasizing David's desperate prayer while hiding in the cave of Adullam from King Saul. He highlights how David cried out to the Lord, expressin |
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In the Lord's Army by Keith Keyser | Keith Keyser preaches on the parallels between the valiant warriors of Special Operations forces in modern armies and David's Mighty Men in Biblical times. He highlights how David |
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A Man Who Exalted God by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of exalting God above all else, using Psalm 57 as a foundation. He reflects on David's prayer for God's mercy and his commitment to praise God |
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Under His Wings by John Henry Jowett | John Henry Jowett beautifully illustrates the tender and gracious image of finding refuge under the shadow of God's wings, symbolizing warmth, shelter, and rest in God's loving emb |