1 Samuel 24:22

And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold.

And David {H1732} sware {H7650} unto Saul {H7586}. And Saul {H7586} went {H3212} home {H1004}; but David {H1732} and his men {H582} gat them up {H5927} unto the hold {H4686}.

David swore to Sha'ul, and Sha'ul went home, but David and his men went back up to the stronghold.

So David gave his oath to Saul. Then Saul returned home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.

And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the stronghold.

Commentary

Context

1 Samuel 24:22 concludes a pivotal episode where David, while hiding from King Saul in a cave, had the perfect opportunity to kill his persecutor but chose to spare his life instead. This act of mercy, detailed in 1 Samuel 24:4-7, deeply affected Saul. Saul recognized David's righteousness and acknowledged that David would indeed become king (1 Samuel 24:20). The verse describes the immediate aftermath: David swearing an oath to Saul as requested, Saul's return home, and David's strategic decision to remain in a stronghold.

Key Themes and Messages

  • David's Integrity and Faithfulness: David's refusal to harm Saul, even when provoked, demonstrates his profound respect for God's anointed and his trust in God's timing for kingship. His oath to Saul, to preserve Saul's lineage, further highlights his honorable character.
  • Saul's Temporary Repentance: Saul's emotional response and acknowledgment of David's righteousness indicate a moment of clarity and repentance. However, his subsequent actions in later chapters show this was not a permanent change of heart, underscoring the fleeting nature of ungrounded remorse.
  • Prudence and Caution: Despite Saul's apparent change of heart and departure, David does not immediately return to a settled life. His decision to retreat to "the hold" (a fortified place) shows wisdom and caution, recognizing the unpredictable nature of Saul and the ongoing threat, as seen again in 1 Samuel 26.
  • God's Protection and Providence: Throughout this narrative, God's hand is evident in protecting David and guiding him toward his destined role as king, even amidst intense persecution.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "gat them up unto the hold" uses the Old English verb "gat" (past tense of "get"), meaning "went" or "made their way." "The hold" (Hebrew: ΧžΦ°Χ¦Χ•ΦΌΧ“ΦΈΧ”, metzudah) refers to a fortress, stronghold, or fortified place. This word emphasizes David's need for security and strategic positioning, reflecting his continued state of vigilance despite the temporary truce with Saul.

Practical Application

This verse offers several lessons for believers today:

  • Maintaining Integrity Under Pressure: Like David, we are called to act with integrity and respect for authority, even when those in authority are unjust or persecute us. Our trust should be in God's ultimate justice and timing.
  • Discerning True Change: While we should always extend grace, David's continued caution reminds us to be discerning about the sincerity and permanence of others' repentance, especially when patterns of behavior are deeply entrenched.
  • Relying on God's Protection: David's retreat to a stronghold symbolizes seeking refuge and safety. For believers, this means finding our ultimate security and protection in God, even as we exercise practical wisdom in our circumstances. This echoes the sentiment found in many of David's psalms, such as Psalm 18:2, where the Lord is described as a "rock, and my fortress."
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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 23:29

    And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at Engedi.

  • Matthew 10:16

    ΒΆ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

  • Matthew 10:17

    But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

  • John 2:24

    But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all [men],

  • Proverbs 26:24

    ΒΆ He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;

  • Proverbs 26:25

    When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for [there are] seven abominations in his heart.
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