1 Samuel 22:4

KJV

And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he brought {H5148} them before {H6440} the king {H4428} of Moab {H4124}: and they dwelt {H3427} with him all the while {H3117} that David {H1732} was in the hold {H4686}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He presented them to the king of Mo'av, and they lived with him as long as David remained in his stronghold.

Berean Standard Bible

So he left them in the care of the king of Moab, and they stayed with him the whole time David was in the stronghold.

American Standard Version

And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the stronghold.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 22:4 captures a pivotal moment in David's life as a fugitive, illustrating his profound filial devotion and responsible leadership amidst extreme personal peril. Having fled King Saul's relentless pursuit, David meticulously arranged for the safety of his vulnerable parents, Jesse and his mother, by securing asylum for them with the King of Moab. This compassionate act ensured their well-being for the entire duration of David's precarious existence in various wilderness strongholds, underscoring his unwavering commitment to his family even when facing dire circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of David's desperate flight from King Saul, whose escalating paranoia and jealousy had driven David into exile. Immediately preceding this, [1 Samuel 22:1-2](/1_samuel/22-1-2 "1 Samuel 22:1-2 - David Gathers Men in the Cave of Adullam") describes David's initial refuge in the cave of Adullam, where he gathered a diverse group of 400 distressed, indebted, and discontented men, forming the nucleus of his future army. Recognizing the extreme vulnerability of his elderly parents due to his outlaw status and the potential for Saul to target them, David's next priority, as detailed in [1 Samuel 22:3](/1_samuel/22-3 "1 Samuel 22:3 - David's Request for His Parents' Safety"), was to seek a secure haven for them. Verse 4 confirms the successful execution of this plan, showing the King of Moab's acceptance of David's family, thus providing them a safe dwelling while David continued his hazardous life as a hunted fugitive. This act of familial protection precedes David's subsequent movements and the tragic events involving Doeg the Edomite and the priests of Nob in [1 Samuel 22:9-19](/1_samuel/22-9-19 "1 Samuel 22:9-19 - Saul's Massacre of the Priests of Nob").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Saul's reign was marked by increasing instability and internal conflict, culminating in his personal vendetta against David. In the ancient Near East, seeking refuge in a foreign land was a common and often necessary practice for individuals fleeing political persecution or blood feuds. David's choice of Moab was particularly significant due to his ancestral ties; his great-grandmother, Ruth, was a Moabitess, as chronicled in [Ruth 4:17](/ruth/4-17 "Ruth 4:17 - David's Lineage through Ruth"). This lineage likely provided a diplomatic basis for David's appeal to the King of Moab, potentially fostering a sense of kinship, obligation, or at least neutrality that facilitated the asylum. The reference to "the hold" (Hebrew: _mâtsûwd_) signifies the various natural strongholds, caves, and fortified places in the wilderness of Judah (e.g., the [cave of Adullam](/1_samuel/22-1 "1 Samuel 22:1 - David in the Cave of Adullam"), the strongholds of En Gedi) where David and his growing band took refuge. This highlights the precarious, mobile, and constantly threatened nature of David's existence as an outlaw.
* **Key Themes:** David's actions in this verse powerfully contribute to several overarching themes within 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it profoundly illustrates **filial piety and responsibility**, showcasing David's unwavering commitment to his family's welfare, even when his own life was in extreme peril. This embodies the spirit of the fifth commandment to [honor one's father and mother](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment"). Secondly, the theme of **seeking refuge and divine provision** is subtly yet significantly present; David's proactive step to secure his parents' safety, while a human initiative, can also be understood as an instance of God's providential care for David and his lineage amidst great danger. This resonates with David's consistent trust in God as his ultimate refuge, as expressed in many psalms where he describes God as his [rock, fortress, and deliverer](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - God as David's Rock and Fortress"). Lastly, the verse highlights David's emerging **leadership responsibility**. Even as an outcast, he demonstrates a shepherd-like care for those dependent on him, prioritizing their well-being. This foreshadows his future role as a compassionate and responsible king, contrasting sharply with Saul's increasingly erratic and self-serving rule, as seen in Saul's later massacre of the priests of Nob in [1 Samuel 22:18-19](/1_samuel/22-18-19 "1 Samuel 22:18-19 - Saul's Massacre of the Priests").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **brought (Hebrew, _nâchâh'_):** This verb (H5148) means "to guide," "to lead," or "to transport." In this context, it implies David's active role in personally escorting his parents to Moab. It suggests a deliberate, protective act of guidance rather than merely sending them. David did not just arrange for their transport; he was personally involved in ensuring their safe delivery, underscoring his deep commitment and the personal risk he undertook.
* **dwelt (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** The verb (H3427) signifies "to sit down," "to abide," or "to remain." Here, it indicates that David's parents were not merely visiting but were granted a secure and stable residence in Moab. This implies a settled existence, a stark contrast to David's own nomadic and dangerous life. The use of "dwelt" emphasizes the successful establishment of a safe haven for them, providing a sense of peace and security that David himself lacked.
* **hold (Hebrew, _mâtsûwd'_):** This term (H4686), or its feminine form _mĕtsûdâ'_, refers to a "stronghold," "fortress," or a "fortified place." It often denotes natural defensive positions like caves or mountain fortresses. In David's context, it highlights his precarious existence as a fugitive, constantly seeking and moving between secure, defensible locations to evade Saul's relentless pursuit. It underscores the danger and instability of David's life, in stark contrast to the secure dwelling he arranged for his parents.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he brought them before the king of Moab":** This clause highlights David's proactive and intentional action. Despite his own desperate circumstances and the immediate danger he faced from Saul, David undertook the journey to Moab with his parents. This demonstrates his profound sense of filial responsibility and his unwavering commitment to protecting his vulnerable family members. It was not a casual decision but a strategic, diplomatic appeal to a foreign monarch, likely leveraging his ancestral connection through Ruth.
* **"and they dwelt with him":** This phrase confirms the successful outcome of David's appeal. The King of Moab granted asylum and provided a place for David's parents to reside safely. This indicates a period of peace and security for Jesse and his wife, a stark contrast to the life of constant flight and danger that David himself endured. It suggests a degree of hospitality, perhaps a political alliance, or recognition of David's lineage that benefited both parties.
* **"all the while that David was in the hold":** This final clause specifies the duration of their stay. David's parents remained in Moab for the entire period that David was living as a fugitive, moving between various strongholds and fortified places in the wilderness. This highlights the long-term nature of Saul's persecution and the sustained protection afforded to David's parents. It also implicitly connects their safety to David's continued precarious existence, underscoring the sacrifice and foresight involved in his decision to separate from them for their well-being.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning and emotional weight. **Contrast** is powerfully evident, juxtaposing the safety and stability provided to David's parents in Moab with David's own perilous, nomadic existence in wilderness strongholds. This stark difference highlights the depth of David's sacrifice and his selfless care. There is also an element of **irony**, as David, the divinely anointed future king of Israel, is forced to seek refuge for his family in a foreign, often adversarial, nation, rather than finding security within his own kingdom due to the madness and tyranny of the reigning king. Furthermore, David's compassionate and protective actions here serve as **foreshadowing** of his character as a king who would genuinely care for his people, acting as a shepherd to his flock, prioritizing their well-being even at great personal cost. This act of love and responsibility sets him apart from Saul.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's decision to place his parents in the care of the King of Moab, even while he himself was a hunted fugitive, is a profound testament to his character and a powerful illustration of biblical principles. It showcases a deep commitment to filial piety and family responsibility, echoing the divine command to honor one's parents. This act, born out of necessity and love, also subtly points to God's providential hand, orchestrating circumstances even through human diplomacy to ensure the safety of David's lineage, from which the Messiah would come. It underscores that true leadership, even in its nascent and most challenging forms, involves prioritizing the vulnerable and seeking their protection. David's actions here are a practical outworking of faith, demonstrating that trust in God does not negate wise and compassionate human initiative. He acted responsibly, trusting God with the outcome, embodying a principle of diligent care for those entrusted to him.

* [Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - Honor Your Father and Mother")
* [1 Timothy 5:8](/1_timothy/5-8 "1 Timothy 5:8 - Providing for One's Own Family")
* [Psalm 27:5](/psalms/27-5 "Psalm 27:5 - God's Shelter in Times of Trouble")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's compassionate act in 1 Samuel 22:4 offers a timeless lesson in prioritizing the welfare of our loved ones, especially the vulnerable, even when we are facing immense personal pressure and hardship. In a world that often encourages self-preservation and individualistic pursuits, David's example calls us to a higher standard of care and responsibility. It challenges us to consider who in our lives might be exposed or vulnerable due to our circumstances, and what proactive, even sacrificial, steps we can take to ensure their safety and well-being. This passage also reminds us that wise planning and strategic action are not antithetical to trusting God; rather, they can be instruments of His providence. We are called to be resourceful and diligent in protecting those entrusted to our care, relying on God's overarching sovereignty even as we navigate difficult decisions. Ultimately, David's actions inspire us to embody a sacrificial love that extends beyond ourselves, reflecting the very heart of God in caring for the weak and dependent.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's commitment to his parents challenge my own priorities in times of personal stress or difficulty, prompting me to consider the needs of others?**
* **In what specific ways can I practically demonstrate care and provision for vulnerable family members or those under my responsibility today, even when facing my own challenges?**
* **How does this passage encourage me to trust in God's provision and protection, even when I must take human initiative and make difficult, potentially costly, decisions for the sake of others?**

### FAQ
**Why did David choose Moab specifically for his parents' refuge?**

Answer: David likely chose Moab due to his significant ancestral ties to the nation. His great-grandmother, Ruth, was a Moabitess, as recorded in [Ruth 4:17](/ruth/4-17 "Ruth 4:17 - David's Lineage through Ruth"). This familial connection would have provided a diplomatic basis for his appeal to the King of Moab, potentially fostering a sense of kinship or obligation that made the request for asylum more favorable. Furthermore, Moab was geographically accessible from David's wilderness hideouts and was outside of Saul's immediate jurisdiction, offering a safer haven than any location within Israel where Saul's reach was absolute.

**What does "the hold" refer to in this context?**

Answer: "The hold" (Hebrew: _mâtsûwd_ or _mĕtsûdâ'_) refers to a stronghold, fortress, or a fortified place, typically a natural defensive position like a cave system or a mountain fortress. It is not a single, fixed location but rather a series of such places in the wilderness of Judah, where David and his men took refuge from Saul's relentless pursuit. For example, David initially took refuge in the [cave of Adullam](/1_samuel/22-1 "1 Samuel 22:1 - David in the Cave of Adullam"), which would be considered a "hold." The term emphasizes David's life as a fugitive, constantly moving and seeking secure, defensible locations to evade capture, highlighting the constant danger and instability of his existence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's admirable act of securing refuge for his vulnerable parents in Moab finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While David, a shepherd-king in the making, could only offer temporary, human-arranged safety, Christ, the Good Shepherd, provides eternal and divine security for His flock. David's protective care for his earthly family foreshadows the Son of God's perfect love and sacrificial provision for His spiritual family, the Church. Just as David sought a safe haven for his parents, Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to find rest and ultimate refuge in Him, declaring, "[Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")." Unlike David's temporary "hold," Christ Himself is our eternal [Rock and Fortress](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - God as David's Rock and Fortress"), a secure dwelling place from all spiritual and eternal danger. His care extends beyond physical protection to the salvation of souls, demonstrating a love far surpassing any human act of filial piety, as He "[loved the church and gave himself up for her](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ's Love for the Church")" (the church), laying down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). Indeed, He promises that "[no one will snatch them out of my hand](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them")", offering a security that David, in his limited human capacity, could only imperfectly model.

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

Psalms 11:1

¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David. In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee [as] a bird to your mountain?

1 Chronicles 29:29

Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they [are] written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer,

2 Samuel 24:11

For when David was up in the morning, the word of the LORD came unto the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying,

1 Chronicles 12:16

And there came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the hold unto David.

1 Samuel 23:1

¶ Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors.

1 Samuel 23:6

And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, [that] he came down [with] an ephod in his hand.

2 Chronicles 29:25

And he set the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, with psalteries, and with harps, according to the commandment of David, and of Gad the king's seer, and Nathan the prophet: for [so was] the commandment of the LORD by his prophets.