1 Samuel 22:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the prophet {H5030} Gad {H1410} said {H559} unto David {H1732}, Abide {H3427} not in the hold {H4686}; depart {H3212}, and get {H935} thee into the land {H776} of Judah {H3063}. Then David {H1732} departed {H3212}, and came {H935} into the forest {H3293} of Hareth {H2802}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the prophet Gad said to David, "Don't stay in the stronghold. Leave, and go to the land of Y'hudah." So David left and went to the Forest of Heret.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the prophet Gad said to David, “Do not stay in the stronghold. Depart and go into the land of Judah.” So David left and went to the forest of Hereth.

American Standard Version

And the prophet Gad said unto David, Abide not in the stronghold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hereth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse marks a pivotal moment in David's fugitive journey, as the prophet Gad delivers a direct divine command for David to leave his current "hold" or stronghold and return to the land of Judah. David's immediate and unquestioning obedience to this instruction, despite the apparent danger, underscores God's active guidance in his life and David's deep trust in divine providence, even when human logic might suggest otherwise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Samuel 22:5 is situated within a highly dramatic and dangerous period of David's life. Having fled from King Saul's escalating jealousy and murderous intent, David has sought refuge in various places. He first escaped to Nob, where he received provisions from Ahimelech the priest, an act that later led to the tragic massacre of the priests by Saul (1 Samuel 22:9-19). Following this, David gathered a diverse group of distressed, indebted, and discontented men in the cave of Adullam (1 Samuel 22:1-2), a significant "hold." He then moved his parents to Mizpeh of Moab for their safety (1 Samuel 22:3-4), indicating his concern for his family and his continued reliance on temporary, human-devised security. It is at this point, while David is in a precarious and uncertain state, that the prophet Gad appears, signaling a direct divine intervention and a shift in David's immediate trajectory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the early Israelite monarchy, a time when the role of prophets like Gad was crucial for conveying God's will directly to His people and their leaders. David, though anointed by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13), is an outlaw, hunted by the reigning king. "Holds" (Hebrew: _metsudah_) were natural fortresses, often caves or rugged mountain strongholds, common in the Judean wilderness, providing temporary refuge for those fleeing persecution. For David to be commanded to leave such a place of perceived safety and return to "the land of Judah" – his tribal homeland, but also the heartland where Saul's authority was most concentrated – was a significant directive. This period highlights the tension between human attempts at security and divine guidance, as well as the unique role of prophets in shaping national destiny.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of 1 Samuel and David's narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Guidance in Adversity**, demonstrating God's active and personal involvement in the life of His chosen servant, even when David is a hunted fugitive. God does not abandon David but provides specific, timely direction, reinforcing the importance of seeking and heeding [divine wisdom and direction](/proverbs/3-6 "Proverbs 3:6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart"). Secondly, David's **Immediate Obedience** is a hallmark of his character. His prompt departure from the "hold" contrasts sharply with King Saul's repeated acts of disobedience, which ultimately led to his rejection by God (as seen in [1 Samuel 15:22-23](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22-23 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")). David's readiness to follow God's instruction, even when it meant leaving a place of perceived security, was a testament to his faith. Lastly, the verse showcases **God's Sovereign Providence**. God directs David not to remain in a distant stronghold but to return to the heartland of Israel, specifically the land of Judah. This seemingly counter-intuitive move was part of God's larger plan to prepare David for kingship and to keep him within the sphere of the covenant people, even as a fugitive, subtly guiding him towards his destiny as the future king of Israel (a theme developed further in [2 Samuel 5:1-5](/2_samuel/5-1 "2 Samuel 5:1-5 - David Becomes King Over All Israel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gad (Hebrew, _Gad'_):** Introduced here for the first time in Scripture, Gad is identified as "the prophet." His appearance signifies a direct, divine intervention in David's life. Prophets in ancient Israel served as God's spokespersons, delivering His specific messages and guidance. Gad later becomes a significant figure in David's reign, known as "David's seer" (e.g., [2 Samuel 24:11](/2_samuel/24-11 "2 Samuel 24:11 - Gad's Counsel After David's Census")), indicating his continued role as a trusted divine messenger.
* **Hold (Hebrew, _metsudah'_):** This term refers to a "fortress," "stronghold," or "mountain-hold." It denotes a naturally defensible or fortified place, often a cave or a rocky outcrop, where one could find refuge from enemies. David had sought such places for safety from Saul. The divine command to "abide not in the hold" is a directive to move beyond reliance on human-devised security and to trust in God's specific, albeit seemingly riskier, leading.
* **Forest of Hareth (Hebrew, _Ya'ar Hareth'_):** A specific geographical location within the land of Judah. While its exact modern identification is uncertain, the mention of a specific destination, rather than just "wander in Judah," highlights the precision of God's guidance. It suggests that David's movements were not random but divinely orchestrated, leading him to a particular place for a specific purpose within God's unfolding plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the prophet Gad said unto David":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine origin of the message. It is not David's own strategic decision or a human counsel, but a direct word from God delivered through His appointed messenger, Gad. This highlights God's active and personal involvement in David's life.
* **"Abide not in the hold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah":** This is a clear, three-part command. "Abide not in the hold" instructs David to leave his current place of refuge, which may have offered a false sense of security. "Depart" reinforces the urgency of the movement. "Get thee into the land of Judah" provides the specific, divinely ordained destination. This command is counter-intuitive from a human perspective, as Judah was Saul's primary domain, but it was essential for David's preparation for kingship and to keep him connected to the covenant people.
* **"Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hareth":** This clause demonstrates David's immediate and unquestioning obedience. Without argument or delay, he acts upon the divine word. This prompt response is a consistent characteristic of David's faith and distinguishes him from Saul, who often hesitated or disobeyed God's commands. David's arrival in the "forest of Hareth" signifies the successful execution of the divine directive.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Divine Intervention** is prominent, as the sudden appearance of the prophet Gad underscores God's direct and personal involvement in David's life, guiding his steps even as a fugitive. This contrasts sharply with Saul's increasing isolation from divine counsel. There is also a clear **Contrast** between the "hold" (representing human-devised security and a place of hiding) and "the land of Judah" (representing a return to the heartland of Israel, a place of greater exposure but also divine purpose). This highlights the theme of trusting God's leading over human logic or comfort. David's immediate action serves as a **Motif of Obedience**, a recurring characteristic that distinguishes him as a man after God's own heart, in stark opposition to Saul's pattern of disobedience. Finally, David's return to Judah, his tribal homeland, subtly **Foreshadows** his future kingship over Judah and eventually all Israel, indicating that God's plan is unfolding despite the current adversity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's meticulous and personal involvement in the lives of His chosen servants, even amidst their deepest trials and uncertainties. It underscores the principle that true security is found not in human-contrived strongholds or distant refuges, but in faithful obedience to God's specific guidance, even when that guidance leads to seemingly more dangerous or counter-intuitive paths. David's immediate departure signifies a profound trust in God's sovereign providence, believing that God's plan for him would unfold best within the very land from which he was fleeing, keeping him connected to his destiny and the covenant community. It teaches that God often calls His people out of their comfort zones to position them for His greater purposes, refining their faith and preparing them for future roles.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Psalm 32:8](/psalm/32-8 "Psalm 32:8 - God's Instruction and Guidance")
* [Hebrews 11:8](/hebrews/11-8 "Hebrews 11:8 - Abraham's Obedience of Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In our own lives, we often seek "holds"—places of perceived security, comfort zones, or familiar patterns—when faced with uncertainty or adversity. These might be financial stability, a particular relationship, a specific job, or even a way of thinking that we believe keeps us safe. However, just as God called David out of his physical stronghold, He may call us to depart from our own "holds" to step into a new, divinely appointed territory that seems less secure but is ultimately where His will can be fully realized. This verse challenges us to consider what "holds" we might be clinging to that God is asking us to release. David's immediate and unquestioning obedience serves as a powerful model. True security and progress in our spiritual journey often come not from clinging to our perceived safe places, but from faithfully following God's commands, even when they lead us into unfamiliar, uncomfortable, or seemingly illogical territory. Trusting God's leading, even when it seems illogical, is a key to experiencing His perfect plan unfold in our lives and growing in dependence on Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "holds" or perceived places of security might God be calling you to depart from in your life, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually?**
* **How do you discern God's specific guidance in times of uncertainty, and what steps can you take to be more attentive to His voice?**
* **What does David's immediate obedience teach us about trusting God's plan over our own understanding or comfort, especially when the path seems counter-intuitive?**

### FAQ
**Who was Gad, and why is he important here?**

Answer: Gad is introduced in this verse as "the prophet," a direct messenger from God to David. His appearance is significant because it marks a clear instance of divine intervention in David's life during a period of extreme vulnerability and uncertainty. While David was relying on human-contrived strongholds for safety, God sent Gad to provide specific, timely, and counter-intuitive guidance. Gad's role here highlights God's active and personal involvement in the lives of His chosen servants, ensuring they remain on His intended path. Gad later became known as "David's seer" and continued to counsel him during his reign, such as after David's census in [2 Samuel 24:11](/2_samuel/24-11 "2 Samuel 24:11 - Gad's Counsel After David's Census").

**What is the significance of David leaving the "hold" for the "land of Judah"?**

Answer: The "hold" (Hebrew: _metsudah_) represented a place of human-contrived safety, likely a remote cave or fortress where David and his men could hide from King Saul. God's command, delivered through Gad, to leave this perceived safe haven and return to "the land of Judah" was profoundly significant. From a human perspective, returning to Judah, the heartland of Israel and Saul's domain, seemed more dangerous. However, this divine directive served multiple purposes: it was a test of David's faith and obedience, demonstrating his willingness to trust God's leading over his own logic or desire for security. More importantly, it kept David within the covenant land and his tribal territory, positioning him for his future role as king. God was sovereignly orchestrating David's movements, preparing him for the throne and ensuring he remained connected to the people he was destined to rule, even as a fugitive. This move underscores God's providential care and His strategic guidance in fulfilling His promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's journey as a fugitive, guided by God's specific word through the prophet Gad, beautifully foreshadows the life and mission of Jesus Christ. Like David, who was God's anointed king but lived as an outcast, Jesus, though the rightful King of Kings, often had "nowhere to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")). He did not cling to earthly security or human-devised "holds" but consistently submitted to the Father's will, even when it led to suffering and death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Just as Gad directed David to a specific location in Judah, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness for temptation ([Matthew 4:1](/matthew/4-1 "Matthew 4:1 - Jesus Led by the Spirit into the Wilderness")) and later set His face resolutely toward Jerusalem, knowing the suffering that awaited Him there ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")). David's obedience to leave a place of safety for a divinely appointed, yet dangerous, path mirrors Christ's ultimate obedience in leaving the glory of heaven to enter a hostile world for our redemption. The ultimate "hold" that Christ departed was His heavenly glory, in order to "get thee into the land" of humanity, to fulfill God's redemptive plan, culminating in His sacrifice as the Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and His subsequent exaltation as the reigning King ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

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 Chronicles 21:9

And the LORD spake unto Gad, David's seer, saying,

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.

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,