1 Samuel 22:3

KJV

And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said unto the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, [and be] with you, till I know what God will do for me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} went {H3212} thence to Mizpeh {H4708} of Moab {H4124}: and he said {H559} unto the king {H4428} of Moab {H4124}, Let my father {H1} and my mother {H517}, I pray thee, come forth {H3318}, and be with you, till I know {H3045} what God {H430} will do {H6213} for me.

Complete Jewish Bible

David went from there to Mitzpeh of Mo'av and said to the king of Mo'av, "Please let my father and mother come and stay with you until I know what God will do for me."

Berean Standard Bible

From 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.”

American Standard Version

And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said unto the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, and be with you, till I know what God will do for me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 22:3 captures a poignant moment in David's life as a fugitive, demonstrating his profound filial devotion and unwavering trust in divine providence. Having fled the relentless pursuit of King Saul, David, in a state of extreme vulnerability, seeks a temporary refuge for his elderly parents in Mizpeh of Moab. His plea to the Moabite king underscores his primary concern for his family's safety, while his declaration, "till I know what God will do for me," reveals his absolute dependence on God's sovereign direction amidst his tumultuous and uncertain circumstances. This act of prudent care combined with spiritual reliance paints a vivid picture of David's character as both a compassionate son and a man after God's own heart.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a critical period of David's life, immediately following his desperate flight from King Saul, who is consumed by jealousy and seeks to kill him. David has just left the sanctuary of the tabernacle at Nob, where he received provisions and Goliath's sword from Ahimelech the priest ([1 Samuel 22:18-19](/1_samuel/22-18 "1 Samuel 22:18-19 - Saul's Slaughter of Priests")). From Nob, David first sought refuge with Achish, the king of Gath, feigning madness to escape danger ([1 Samuel 21:10-15](/1_samuel/21-10 "1 Samuel 21:10-15 - David Feigns Madness in Gath")). Subsequently, he retreated to the cave of Adullam, where he was joined by his family and a growing band of disaffected, distressed, and indebted men, numbering about 400 ([1 Samuel 22:1-2](/1_samuel/22-1 "1 Samuel 22:1-2 - David at the Cave of Adullam")). It is from this precarious position in the cave that David takes the critical step of securing his parents' safety, recognizing their vulnerability in his nomadic, hunted existence. His immediate concern for his family highlights his compassionate leadership even before he fully establishes his own base.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described is the transition from Saul's reign to David's, marked by political instability and intense personal conflict. In ancient Near Eastern societies, elderly parents, especially those whose primary provider was a fugitive, were highly vulnerable. Securing their safety was not just a matter of filial piety but a practical necessity, as they could easily become targets or burdens. David's choice of Mizpeh in Moab is significant. While Moab had a long history of adversarial relations with Israel (e.g., [Numbers 22-24](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22-24 - Balaam and Balak") and [Judges 3:12-30](/judges/3-12 "Judges 3:12-30 - Ehud and Eglon")), David also had a personal connection: his great-grandmother, Ruth, was a Moabitess ([Ruth 1:4](/ruth/1-4 "Ruth 1:4 - Ruth's Moabite Origin")). This familial tie, though distant, might have provided a basis for seeking asylum and protection, appealing to ancient customs of kinship and hospitality, even across national boundaries. Kings often offered sanctuary to prominent exiles or their families, sometimes to gain political leverage or out of a sense of honor.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several enduring themes. Firstly, **Filial Piety and Protection** are paramount, showcasing David's deep love and responsibility for his parents, prioritizing their security above his own immediate needs. This reflects a core value in ancient Israelite society, enshrined in the Fifth Commandment ([Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - Honor Your Father and Mother")). Secondly, the phrase "till I know what God will do for me" underscores David's profound **Trust in Divine Providence and Guidance**. Despite his desperate circumstances, he does not act impulsively but waits for God's clear direction, demonstrating an active, expectant faith that characterizes much of his life and is echoed in his psalms (e.g., [Psalm 27:13-14](/psalms/27-13 "Psalm 27:13-14 - Waiting for the Lord")). Thirdly, David's action reveals **Prudent Leadership and Wisdom in Adversity**. He doesn't passively await God's intervention but takes responsible, strategic steps to mitigate risk for his family, demonstrating a balance between human responsibility and divine reliance. This blend of practical wisdom and spiritual dependence is a hallmark of effective biblical leadership, as seen in figures like Joseph ([Genesis 41:33-40](/genesis/41-33 "Genesis 41:33-40 - Joseph's Wisdom in Egypt")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mizpeh (מִצְפֶּה, _Mitzpeh'_):** Meaning "watchtower" or "outlook," this name often designates a high place offering a broad view or strategic vantage point. In the context of David's flight, it symbolically represents a place of temporary security and watchful waiting. While its exact location in Moab is debated, the name itself suggests a place from which one can observe and anticipate, fitting David's posture of waiting to see "what God will do." It implies a place of refuge that also offers a perspective on the unfolding divine plan.
* **Moab (מוֹאָב, _Mo'av'_):** A Transjordanian kingdom east of the Dead Sea, historically related to Israel through Lot (Genesis 19:37) but often in conflict with them. The choice of Moab, despite its general animosity towards Israel, is striking. It highlights David's desperation but also potentially his reliance on the distant familial connection through Ruth. The act of seeking refuge in a foreign land underscores the extreme danger David faced within Israel itself due to Saul's relentless pursuit.
* **"till I know what God will do for me" (עַד אֲשֶׁר אֵדַע מַה־יַּעֲשֶׂה־לִּי אֱלֹהִים, _'ad 'asher 'eda' mah-ya'aseh-li 'Elohim'_):** This phrase is central to understanding David's spiritual posture. It signifies not passive resignation but an active, expectant waiting for divine revelation and intervention. The Hebrew verb יָדַע (_yada'_) "to know" implies experiential knowledge, a clear understanding of God's will and next steps. It indicates David's recognition that his future, and the safety of his family, ultimately rested in God's sovereign hands, and he would not act decisively regarding his own circumstances until he received divine direction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab:"** This clause establishes David's movement from the cave of Adullam to a specific location in Moabite territory. "Thence" refers to his previous refuge, emphasizing his continued state of displacement and the necessity of seeking new, safer havens. The destination, Mizpeh of Moab, signifies a deliberate choice, likely made after careful consideration of his options and the potential for asylum.
* **"and he said unto the king of Moab,"** This indicates David's direct appeal to the highest authority in Moab. It suggests a formal request for asylum and protection, implying a negotiation or plea based on a recognized custom of hospitality or perhaps the distant familial link to Ruth. David, though a fugitive, approaches the king with the necessary respect and humility required for such a request.
* **"Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, [and be] with you,"** This is David's specific request, revealing his immediate and primary concern. His parents, likely elderly and vulnerable, are his priority. The plea "I pray thee" (נָא, _na'_) adds a tone of earnest supplication, highlighting the urgency and depth of his concern. He is not seeking refuge for himself, but for those dearest to him, demonstrating profound filial piety.
* **"till I know what God will do for me."** This concluding phrase provides the theological framework for David's action. It expresses his complete dependence on God's will and timing for his own future. He is in a state of uncertainty, but it is an uncertainty tempered by faith. He will not make long-term plans or settle his own affairs until God reveals His next move, trusting that divine providence will guide him through his current crisis.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning. **Pathos** is evident in David's vulnerable state and his desperate plea for his elderly parents, evoking sympathy for his plight. The choice of **Mizpeh** (meaning "watchtower") can be seen as **Symbolism**, representing not only a physical place of refuge but also David's spiritual posture of watchful waiting for God's clear direction. There is a subtle **Irony** in David, the future king of Israel, seeking asylum for his family in Moab, a nation historically antagonistic to Israel, highlighting the extreme nature of Saul's persecution. Furthermore, David's declaration, "till I know what God will do for me," serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at God's future actions to establish David's kingship and protect him through his trials, reinforcing the overarching narrative of divine election and providence in the book of Samuel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 22:3 stands as a powerful testament to the intertwining of human responsibility and divine sovereignty. David, a man after God's own heart, does not passively await a miracle but actively seeks a safe haven for his vulnerable parents, demonstrating profound filial piety and practical wisdom. Yet, his actions are entirely framed by his absolute dependence on God, acknowledging that his future and the resolution of his crisis rest solely in the divine will. This balance between taking prudent steps and maintaining unwavering trust in God's ultimate plan is a recurring theological theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing that faith is not an excuse for inaction but a foundation for wise and prayerful decision-making. David's willingness to humble himself and seek aid from a foreign king, all while waiting for God's direction, exemplifies a deep-seated conviction that God's purposes would prevail, regardless of his immediate circumstances.

* [Ruth 1:16](/ruth/1-16 "Ruth 1:16 - Ruth's Loyalty to Naomi")
* [Psalm 56:3-4](/psalms/56-3 "Psalm 56:3-4 - Trust in God Amidst Fear")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's actions in 1 Samuel 22:3 offer profound lessons for believers navigating uncertainty and adversity today. His immediate concern for his parents, even amidst his own life-threatening circumstances, serves as a powerful reminder of the biblical imperative to honor and care for our families, especially the vulnerable among us. This extends beyond immediate family to the broader community of faith, urging us to consider how we can protect and support those who are most susceptible to hardship. Furthermore, David's declaration, "till I know what God will do for me," provides a model for living in active, expectant trust. It teaches us that while we are called to exercise wisdom and take responsible, practical steps in our lives, our ultimate security and direction come from God. In moments of great uncertainty, rather than succumbing to anxiety or making impulsive decisions, we are encouraged to patiently wait on the Lord, seeking His guidance and trusting that He will reveal His perfect will in His perfect timing. This posture of humble dependence allows us to act with courage and prudence, knowing that our future is securely held in His hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's priority for his parents challenge my own priorities, especially when I am facing personal difficulties?**
* **In what areas of my life am I currently waiting for God's direction, and how can I cultivate a more active, expectant trust like David's?**
* **What practical steps can I take to care for vulnerable family members or community members, even when my own resources or circumstances are limited?**
* **How can I balance prudent planning and responsible action with a complete reliance on God's sovereignty in my decision-making?**

### FAQ

**Why did David choose Moab, given its historical relationship with Israel?**

Answer: David's choice of Moab, despite its often adversarial history with Israel, was likely a pragmatic decision born of desperation and potentially a distant familial connection. David's great-grandmother, Ruth, was a Moabitess ([Ruth 1:4](/ruth/1-4 "Ruth 1:4 - Ruth's Moabite Origin")), which may have provided a basis for appealing to the Moabite king for asylum and protection. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, such kinship ties, however distant, could sometimes be invoked to secure hospitality or refuge. Furthermore, David was in extreme danger from King Saul within Israelite territory, making a foreign land a safer, albeit unusual, option for his vulnerable parents. It highlights the severity of Saul's persecution and David's desperate need for a secure haven for his family.

**What happened to David's parents after he left them in Moab?**

Answer: The biblical text does not explicitly state what happened to David's parents after this point. However, the next mention of David's family (or lack thereof) is in [1 Samuel 23:6](/1_samuel/23-6 "1 Samuel 23:6 - Abiathar Joins David") when Abiathar joins David, bringing the ephod. Later, David's family is not mentioned as being with him in the wilderness, suggesting they remained in Moab for a period. Tradition and later rabbinic commentary suggest that the Moabite king later betrayed David by killing his parents, which is sometimes cited as a reason for David's later punitive actions against Moab ([2 Samuel 8:2](/2_samuel/8-2 "2 Samuel 8:2 - David Defeats Moab")). However, this is not explicitly stated in the biblical narrative. The silence of the text implies that their safety was secured, at least for the duration David needed to establish himself, fulfilling his immediate objective.

**What does "till I know what God will do for me" imply about David's faith?**

Answer: This phrase reveals a profound aspect of David's faith: an active, expectant dependence on God's sovereign will. It is not a passive waiting but a posture of seeking and readiness to obey once God's direction is clear. David recognized that his future, including his eventual kingship, was entirely in God's hands. He was navigating a period of immense uncertainty and danger, yet he refused to make long-term plans without divine guidance. This demonstrates his deep trust in God's providence, his patience, and his commitment to aligning his actions with God's revealed will, a characteristic often highlighted in the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 37:7](/psalms/37-7 "Psalm 37:7 - Rest in the Lord")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's act of seeking refuge for his parents in Moab, while he himself remained in a precarious state, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate care and provision offered by Jesus Christ. Just as David, the future king, ensured the safety of his vulnerable family before fully establishing his reign, so too does Christ, the eternal King, provide ultimate security and refuge for His people. Jesus, in His earthly ministry, demonstrated profound care for His own mother, Mary, even in His final moments on the cross, entrusting her to the care of John ([John 19:26-27](/john/19-26 "John 19:26-27 - Jesus' Care for His Mother")). More broadly, Christ Himself became the ultimate fugitive, fleeing Herod's wrath as an infant ([Matthew 2:13-15](/matthew/2-13 "Matthew 2:13-15 - Flight to Egypt")), and later, throughout His ministry, having "nowhere to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")). Yet, in His vulnerability, He always operated within the perfect will of the Father, consistently declaring His dependence on God's plan and timing ([John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - The Son Can Do Nothing of Himself")). Ultimately, Christ is our true "Mizpeh," our watchtower and secure refuge, where we can entrust our lives and the lives of our loved ones, knowing that He is fully aware of "what God will do" and perfectly executes the Father's will for our salvation and eternal security ([Hebrews 4:15-16](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15-16 - Our High Priest")). His perfect trust in the Father's plan, even unto death, ensures our ultimate safety and provision in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 14:47

¶ So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed [them].

2 Samuel 15:25

And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me again, and shew me [both] it, and his habitation:

2 Samuel 15:26

But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, [here am] I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.

1 Samuel 3:18

And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It [is] the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.

Philippians 2:23

Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.

Philippians 2:24

But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

Judges 11:29

¶ Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed over Gilead, and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over [unto] the children of Ammon.