1 Samuel 24:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 24:22 marks the immediate aftermath of a profound encounter between David and King Saul in the cave of En Gedi. Following David's remarkable act of mercy in sparing Saul's life, the verse records David's solemn oath to Saul, Saul's subsequent return to his home, and David's prudent decision to withdraw with his men to a fortified stronghold. This moment encapsulates a temporary truce, highlighting David's unwavering integrity and continued strategic caution in the face of ongoing, unpredictable threats.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the dramatic narrative of 1 Samuel 24. The preceding verses detail how David, while hiding in a cave, had a clear opportunity to kill Saul, who was relentlessly pursuing him. Instead of revenge, David merely cut off a corner of Saul's robe, an act that deeply convicted Saul. Saul then acknowledged David's righteousness and future kingship, even requesting an oath from David that he would not destroy Saul's descendants or blot out his name ([1 Samuel 24:20-21](/1_samuel/24-20 "1 Samuel 24:20-21 - Saul Acknowledges David's Kingship")). Verse 22 serves as the resolution to this specific confrontation, depicting the parting of ways after this emotional and spiritually significant exchange. It sets the stage for the ongoing tension and Saul's eventual renewed pursuit of David, despite this moment of apparent reconciliation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, oaths were incredibly serious and binding commitments, often invoked with divine witness. For David to swear an oath to Saul, even as his persecutor, underscored his deep respect for God's anointed king and his commitment to covenant faithfulness. The concept of "the hold" (Hebrew: _metzudah_) points to the strategic importance of fortified natural strongholds in the Judean wilderness, which provided refuge and defensive positions for individuals or groups facing external threats. These were not merely hiding places but defensible locations, reflecting the precarious and often violent political landscape of the time, where loyalty was fluid and power struggles were common. David's continued use of such places indicates the constant danger he faced from Saul's relentless pursuit, a reality that permeated his life for many years.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Samuel. Firstly, it underscores **David's integrity and faithfulness**, demonstrating his unwavering trust in God's timing for his kingship, rather than resorting to human means or violence against God's anointed, as seen in his refusal to harm Saul ([1 Samuel 24:4-7](/1_samuel/24-4 "1 Samuel 24:4-7 - David Spares Saul's Life")). Secondly, it highlights the **fleeting nature of Saul's repentance**, as his emotional acknowledgment of David's righteousness and his temporary cessation of pursuit did not result in a lasting change of heart, evidenced by his renewed hostility in subsequent chapters ([1 Samuel 26](/1_samuel/26 "1 Samuel 26 - Saul's Renewed Pursuit")). Thirdly, David's retreat to "the hold" emphasizes **prudence and caution**, illustrating the wisdom of not fully trusting an apparent truce from an unpredictable adversary. Finally, the entire narrative, culminating in this verse, powerfully showcases **God's sovereign protection and providence** over David, guiding him through intense persecution toward his divinely appointed destiny.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sware (Hebrew, _shava'_):** This verb signifies the act of taking an oath, often accompanied by a solemn appeal to a divine being to witness and enforce the promise. In ancient Near Eastern culture, an oath was a profoundly serious and legally binding commitment, particularly when made between a king and a subject, or between two parties concerning a matter of succession or peace. David's oath to Saul, specifically concerning the preservation of Saul's lineage as requested in [1 Samuel 24:21](/1_samuel/24-21 "1 Samuel 24:21 - Saul's Request for an Oath"), demonstrated his deep respect for God's covenant and his commitment to righteousness, even towards his persecutor.
* **Gat (Old English, _gat'_):** In the King James Version, "gat" is an archaic form of "got," meaning "went," "made their way," or "ascended." It simply describes the movement of David and his men. The underlying Hebrew verb is עָלָה (_'alah_), which literally means "to go up" or "ascend," suggesting movement to a higher, elevated place, consistent with the nature of a stronghold.
* **Hold (Hebrew, _metzudah'_):** This term refers to a fortress, stronghold, or fortified place, often a natural rocky outcrop or cave system that could be easily defended. These "holds" were crucial for security in times of conflict, providing refuge and strategic advantage. For David, such a place was not just a hiding spot but a base of operations and a symbol of his continued vigilance and reliance on defensive measures, even after a temporary peace. The term is also used metaphorically in the Psalms to describe God as a refuge or fortress (e.g., [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord is my Rock and Fortress")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David sware unto Saul."**: This clause signifies the formal conclusion of the intense dialogue between David and Saul. David, despite being the wronged party, honored Saul's request for an oath, promising not to cut off Saul's descendants or blot out his name. This act underscores David's remarkable integrity, his respect for the sanctity of an oath, and his deference to God's anointing on Saul, even when Saul acted unjustly. It demonstrates David's commitment to righteousness above personal vengeance.
* **"And Saul went home;"**: This indicates Saul's departure from the cave and the immediate cessation of his pursuit of David. It suggests a temporary resolution to the conflict, brought about by Saul's emotional and temporary conviction. Saul's return "home" implies a return to his royal seat, leaving David in the wilderness. This moment provides a brief respite for David, though it ultimately proves to be short-lived in the broader narrative.
* **"but David and his men gat them up unto the hold."**: This contrasting clause highlights David's continued prudence and strategic wisdom. Despite Saul's emotional reconciliation and departure, David did not immediately return to a settled life or trust Saul's change of heart completely. Instead, he and his men ascended to a fortified place, a "hold," signifying their ongoing need for security and vigilance. This decision reflects David's discernment regarding Saul's unpredictable and volatile character, recognizing that the threat, though momentarily paused, had not truly dissipated.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is prominent, juxtaposing Saul's return "home" (implying a return to normalcy or royal comfort) with David's continued retreat to "the hold" (signifying ongoing danger and the need for vigilance). This highlights the differing realities and mindsets of the two men. There is also an element of **foreshadowing** in David's continued caution; his decision to remain in a stronghold implicitly warns the reader that Saul's "repentance" is not permanent, anticipating the renewed pursuit that will occur in later chapters (e.g., [1 Samuel 26](/1_samuel/26 "1 Samuel 26 - Saul's Renewed Pursuit")). Finally, "the hold" functions as a **symbol** of refuge and security, not only in a physical sense but also, for the discerning reader, as a metaphorical representation of God's protection over David, echoing the frequent use of "fortress" or "stronghold" for God in David's psalms.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 24:22 powerfully illustrates the tension between human reconciliation and the ongoing reality of sin's influence, alongside the unwavering wisdom of God's chosen servant. David's integrity in swearing an oath to Saul, despite Saul's malicious intent, underscores the biblical principle of respecting God-ordained authority and demonstrating mercy, even to those who persecute us. Yet, David's subsequent retreat to a stronghold reveals a profound spiritual discernment: true repentance is marked by lasting change, not fleeting emotion. This wisdom teaches us to be gracious but also prudent, recognizing that while we extend forgiveness, we must also protect ourselves from persistent patterns of harm. Ultimately, the verse affirms God's protective hand over David, guiding him through perilous circumstances and demonstrating that His plans will prevail, regardless of human opposition.

* [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "The Lord is my Rock and Fortress")
* [Romans 12:17-21](/romans/12-17 "Overcoming Evil with Good")
* [Proverbs 27:12](/proverbs/27-12 "The Prudent See Danger")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound lessons for believers navigating complex relationships and challenging circumstances. David's actions demonstrate the delicate balance between extending grace and exercising wisdom. We are called to embody Christ-like integrity, showing mercy and honoring commitments even when others act unjustly towards us, trusting God to be our ultimate vindicator. However, David's decision to retreat to a stronghold, despite Saul's apparent change of heart, reminds us that while we forgive, we must also exercise discernment. Not all expressions of remorse lead to genuine, lasting transformation, and prudence dictates that we protect ourselves from repeated patterns of harm. Our ultimate "hold" and security is found in God, yet He also grants us wisdom to navigate earthly dangers. This passage encourages us to live with integrity, discern with wisdom, and rely on God's protection in all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I balance the biblical call to extend grace and forgiveness with the need for personal prudence and protection in difficult relationships?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to take matters into my own hands rather than trusting God's timing and method for justice or deliverance?**
* **What does it mean for me to "gat up unto the hold" in a spiritual sense, finding my ultimate refuge and security in God amidst life's threats?**

### FAQ
**Why did David still retreat to a stronghold if Saul went home?**

Answer: David's decision to retreat to a stronghold, despite Saul's apparent change of heart and departure, demonstrates his profound wisdom and discernment. While Saul had an emotional moment of clarity and acknowledged David's righteousness, his repentance was not a deep, transformative change of heart. David had experienced Saul's erratic and murderous behavior firsthand and understood that Saul's pursuit was driven by a deep-seated jealousy and spiritual instability, not merely a misunderstanding. Therefore, David prudently recognized that the immediate threat had only temporarily subsided, not vanished. The "hold" offered strategic safety and a defensible position, reflecting David's continued need for vigilance against a king whose patterns of hostility were deeply entrenched, as evidenced by Saul's renewed pursuit of David later in [1 Samuel 26](/1_samuel/26 "1 Samuel 26 - Saul's Renewed Pursuit").

**What was the nature of the oath David swore to Saul?**

Answer: As detailed in [1 Samuel 24:21](/1_samuel/24-21 "1 Samuel 24:21 - Saul's Request for an Oath"), Saul asked David to swear that he would not "cut off my descendants after me, and that you will not destroy my name from my father’s house." This was a common and grave concern for kings in the ancient Near East, who often sought to eliminate potential rivals and their entire lineage to secure their own dynasty. David's oath was a promise to preserve Saul's family line and reputation, even though Saul was actively trying to kill him. This act highlights David's remarkable integrity, his respect for the sanctity of an oath, and his belief that God, not human violence, would establish his kingdom and deal with Saul's house.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 24:22, with David's integrity, mercy, and prudent retreat, profoundly foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. David, God's anointed, refused to harm Saul, God's anointed, even when he had the perfect opportunity, trusting God's timing for the kingdom. This mirrors Christ's ultimate non-retaliation and submission to the Father's will, even in the face of immense injustice and persecution. Jesus, the true King, did not seize power through force but humbly endured the cross, trusting God to exalt Him ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). David's act of mercy towards his persecutor points to Christ's unparalleled mercy, who, while we were still His enemies, died for us ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Sinners")). Furthermore, David's retreat to "the hold" symbolizes the ultimate refuge found in Christ. He is our true "stronghold," our fortress and deliverer, to whom we flee for safety and security in a world hostile to God and His people ([Psalm 91:2](/psalms/91-2 "Psalm 91:2 - God Our Refuge")). Just as David patiently waited for God to establish his kingdom, Jesus patiently awaits the full manifestation of His reign, having secured victory through His suffering and resurrection. His example teaches us to overcome evil with good, to trust in God's perfect timing, and to find our ultimate security in Him ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")).

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 Samuel 23:29

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

Matthew 10:16

¶ 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

¶ 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.