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.
1 SAMUEL 22:1KJVWhat does 1 Samuel 22:1 mean?
1 Samuel 22:1 describes how David left his previous location and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s family heard about David’s situation, they went down to join him there.
This verse takes place after David fled from Saul, who was seeking to kill him. David is now hiding in a cave called Adullam, and his family comes to be with him, likely out of concern for their own safety and to support David. The verse sets the stage for David gathering followers while he is on the run.
The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 22:1
- "Departed" (יָלַךְ, yalak): This word often means "to go" or "to walk." Here, it emphasizes David’s deliberate action in leaving his previous location for safety.
- "Escaped" (מָלַט, malat): This word means "to slip away" or "to escape," highlighting the danger David faced and his need to find refuge.
- "Cave" (מְעָרָה, me‘arah): The word refers to a natural underground chamber, which in this context shows that David is seeking a hidden, defensible place.
- "Adullam" (עֲדֻלָּם, ‘Adullam): This is the name of the cave and the area, identifying a specific location known for its caves, which were suitable for hiding.
Why 1 Samuel 22:1 matters
- This verse marks a turning point where David moves from being alone and hunted to becoming a leader with supporters, starting with his own family.
- The mention of David’s family joining him shows the real danger Saul posed not just to David, but to those connected to him.
- Understanding the setting helps explain how David’s band of followers began to grow, which becomes important in the chapters that follow.