1 Samuel 22:5

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.

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}.

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.

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

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

Context

This verse finds David as a fugitive, fleeing from the jealous wrath of King Saul, who sought to kill him. After a series of dramatic escapes and encounters, David had gathered his family and a growing band of distressed men in a "hold," likely referring to the cave of Adullam (1 Samuel 22:1) or Mizpeh of Moab, where he had sought refuge for his parents. David was in a precarious position, constantly on the move and seeking divine guidance in his wilderness journey. It is at this critical juncture that the prophet Gad appears, delivering a direct message from God.

Key Themes

  • Divine Guidance in Adversity: The appearance of the prophet Gad underscores God's active involvement in David's life, even during his most challenging period of exile and persecution. God does not abandon David but provides specific, timely direction. This highlights the importance of seeking and heeding divine wisdom and direction, especially when circumstances are uncertain.
  • Immediate Obedience: David's prompt departure from the "hold" and movement into the "land of Judah" demonstrates his unquestioning obedience to God's word, delivered through Gad. This act of faith contrasts sharply with King Saul's repeated acts of disobedience, which ultimately led to his rejection by God (1 Samuel 15:22). David's readiness to follow God's instruction, even when it meant leaving a place of perceived security, was a hallmark of his character.
  • 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 (leaving a fortified place for a forest) 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. God's providence was at work, subtly guiding David towards his destiny.

Linguistic Insights

The term "hold" (KJV) translates the Hebrew word metsudah (ΧžΦ°Χ¦Χ•ΦΌΧ“ΦΈΧ”), which means "fortress," "stronghold," or "mountain-hold." It denotes a place of defense or refuge, often in rugged terrain. David had sought such places for safety from Saul. The prophet Gad is introduced here for the first time in Scripture. He becomes a significant figure in David's life, later appearing to counsel him during his reign, such as after David's census (2 Samuel 24:11).

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us that God provides specific guidance for His people, even in times of great difficulty or uncertainty. We should be attentive to His voice, whether through Scripture, prayer, or godly counsel. Secondly, David's immediate obedience serves as a powerful example. True security and progress in life often come not from clinging to our perceived safe places, but from faithfully following God's commands, even when they lead us into unfamiliar territory. Trusting God's leading, even when it seems illogical, is a key to experiencing His perfect plan unfold in our lives.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 21:9 (3 votes)

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

  • 2 Chronicles 29:25 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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