TRV
Translation
King James Version
And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
He brought them before the king of Moab; and they lived with him all the while that David was in the stronghold.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he brought them before the King of Moab, and they dwelt with him all the while that Dauid was in the holde.
Young's Literal Translation
and he leadeth them before the king of Moab, and they dwell with him all the days of David's being in the fortress.
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In the KJVVerse 7,792 of 31,102
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Commentary on 1 Samuel 22 verses 1–5
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.
2 And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men.
3 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.
4 And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold.
5 And the prophet Gad said unto David, Abide not in the hold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hareth.
Here, I. David shelters himself in the cave of Adullam, Sa1 22:1. Whether it was a natural or artificial fastness does not appear; it is probable that the access to it was so difficult that David thought himself able, with Goliath's sword, to keep it against all the forces of Saul, and therefore buried himself alive in it, while he was waiting to see (and he says here, Sa1 22:3) what God would do with him. The promise of the kingdom implied a promise of preservation to it, and yet David used proper means for his own safety, otherwise he would have tempted God. He did not do any thing that aimed to destroy Saul, but only to secure himself. He that might have done great service to his country as a judge or general is here shut up in a cave, and thrown by as a vessel in which there was no pleasure. We must not think it strange if sometimes shining lights be thus eclipsed and hidden under a bushel. Perhaps the apostle refers to this instance of David, among others, when he speaks of some of the Old Testament worthies that wandered in deserts, in dens and caves of the earth, Heb 11:38. It was at this time that David penned Psa 142:1-7, which is entitled, A prayer when David was in the cave; and there he complains that no man would know him and that refuge failed him, but hopes that shortly the righteous would compass him about.
II. Thither his relations flocked to him, his brethren and all his father's house, to be protected by him, to give assistance to him, and to take their lot with him. A brother is born for adversity. Now, Joab, and Abishai, and the rest of his relations, came to him, to suffer and venture with him, in hopes shortly to be advanced with him; and they were so. The first three of his worthies were those that first owed him when he was in the cave, Ch1 11:15, etc.
III. Here he began to raise forces in his own defence, Sa1 22:2. He found by the late experiments he had made that he could not save himself by flight, and therefore was necessitated to do it by force, wherein he never acted offensively, never offered any violence to his prince nor gave any disturbance to the peace of the kingdom, but only used his forces as a guard to his own person. But, whatever defence his soldiers were to him, they did him no great credit, for the regiment he had was made up not of great men, nor rich men, nor stout men, no, nor good men, but men in distress, in debt, and discontented, men of broken fortunes and restless spirits, that were put to their shifts, and knew not well what to do with themselves. When David had fixed his headquarters in the cave of Adullam, they came and enlisted themselves under him to the number of about 400. See what weak instruments God sometimes makes use of, by which to bring about his own purposes. The Son of David is ready to receive distressed souls, that will appoint him their captain and be commanded by him.
IV. He took care to settle his parents in a place of safety. No such place could he find in all the land of Israel while Saul was so bitterly enraged against him and all that belonged to him for his sake; he therefore goes with them to the king of Moab, and puts them under his protection, Sa1 22:3, Sa1 22:4. Observe here, 1. With what a tender concern he provided for his aged parents. It was not fit they should be exposed either to the frights or to the fatigues which he must expect during his struggle with Saul (their age would by no means bear such exposure); therefore the first thing he does is to find them a quiet habitation, whatever became of himself. Let children learn from this to show pity at home and requite their parents (Ti1 5:4), in every thing consulting their ease and satisfaction. Though ever so highly preferred, and ever so much employed, let them not forget their aged parents. 2. With what a humble faith he expects the issue of his present distresses: Till I know what God will do for me. He expresses his hopes very modestly, as one that had entirely cast himself upon God and committed his way to him, expecting a good issue, not from his own arts, or arms, or merits, but from what the wisdom, power, and goodness of God would do for him. Now David's father and mother forsook him, but God did not, Psa 27:10.
V. He had the advice and assistance of the prophet Gad, who probably was one of the sons of the prophets that were brought up under Samuel, and was by him recommended to David for his chaplain or spiritual guide. Being a prophet, he would pray for him and instruct him in the mind of God; and David, though he was himself a prophet, was glad of his assistance. He advised him to go into the land of Judah (Sa1 22:5), as one that was confident of his own innocency, and was well assured of the divine protection, and was desirous, even in his present hard circumstances, to do some service to his tribe and country. Let him not be ashamed to own his own cause nor decline the succours that would be offered him. Animated by this word, there he determined to appear publicly. Thus are the steps of a good man ordered by the Lord.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–5. Public domain.
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Richard ChallonerAD 1781
The hold: The strong hold, or fortress of Maspha.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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. 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, 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." Unlike David's temporary "hold," Christ Himself is our eternal 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" (the church), laying down His life for His sheep (John 10:11). Indeed, He promises that "no one will snatch them out of my hand", offering a security that David, in his limited human capacity, could only imperfectly model.