1 Samuel 22:1-5
David Finds Refuge in Moab
Verse 1 David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his family heard that he was there, they went down to him.
The Faithful Followers
In this passage, we see David fleeing from King Saul, who was trying to kill him. David found refuge in the cave of Adullam, a place that would become a safe haven for him and his followers. When his brothers and the rest of his family heard about his whereabouts, they went down to be with him. This shows the strong bond and loyalty that existed between David and his family.
Verse 2 Everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented, gathered to him; and he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him.
The Gathering of the Misfits
In this verse, we see that David became the leader of a group of misfits, people who were in distress, in debt, or discontented. These individuals were likely outcasts, people who didn't fit into the traditional Israelite society. However, David, who was also an outcast at this point, took them in and became their captain. This shows David's willingness to lead and care for those who were marginalized.
Verse 3 David went from there to Mizpah of Moab. And he said to the king of Moab, "Please let my father and my mother stay with you, till I know what God will do to me."
David's Family Finds Refuge
David, concerned for the safety of his family, asked the king of Moab to take in his parents until the situation with Saul blew over. This shows David's concern for his family's well-being and his trust in the Moabite king.
Verse 4 Then the prophet Gad said to David, "Do not remain in the stronghold; depart, and go into the land of Judah." So David departed and went into the forest of Hereth.
The Prophet's Counsel
In this verse, we see the prophet Gad advising David to leave the stronghold and go into the land of Judah. Gad's counsel likely influenced David's decision to move, as he fled to the forest of Hereth. This shows David's willingness to listen to God's prophets and follow their guidance.
Verse 5 Now the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying, "Is David not hiding among us in the strongholds in the woods, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon?"
The Ziphites' Betrayal
In the final verse of this passage, the Ziphites, who were supposed to be David's allies, betrayed him by revealing his whereabouts to King Saul. This sets the stage for David's continued flight from Saul's wrath.
In conclusion, this passage highlights David's struggle for survival, his reliance on God, and his willingness to care for others. It also sets the stage for the ongoing conflict between David and Saul.
