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 22:1KJV
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1 Samuel 22:1 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“Adullam” Hebrew H5725 · used in 8 verses

  • Joshua 12:15 The king of Libnah, one; the king of Adullam, one;
  • 2 Samuel 23:13 And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim.
  • 2 Chronicles 11:7 And Bethzur, and Shoco, and Adullam,

“cave” Hebrew H4631 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 19:30 And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters.
  • Joshua 10:16 But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah.
  • 2 Samuel 23:13 And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim.

“escaped” Hebrew H4422 · used in 85 verses

  • Genesis 19:17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.
  • Esther 4:13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.
  • Isaiah 46:2 They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity.