Bible Strands
1 Samuel 22:1
So David left Gath and took refuge in the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator records David’s flight from Gath into the cave of Adullam during his flight from Saul. His brothers and his father’s household subsequently learn of his location and travel to join him.
The words — וַ/יִּמָּלֵ֖ט (va/i.yi.ma.Let) translates literally as "and he escaped," marking David’s flight from Philistine territory. מְעָרַ֣ת (me.'a.Rat) means "[the] cave of," specifying the geographical refuge he secures.
The thread — The location functions as a gathering point in 1 Samuel 22:2, is referenced in 1 Chronicles 11:15 regarding the rock at the cave of Adullam, and aligns with the setting noted in Psalm 57:1 where David fled from Saul into a cave.
Why it lands — The text records a factual relocation that establishes a physical base for David’s followers. Readers must note the historical movement from Gath to Adullam before drawing conclusions about leadership or divine protection.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Psalms 57:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed.
- 1 Chronicles 11:15 Three of the thirty chief men went down to David, to the rock at the cave of Adullam, while a company of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim.
- Psalms 34:1 Of David, when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, so that the king drove him away. I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.
- Psalms 142:1 A Maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A prayer. I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift my voice to the LORD for mercy.
- Joshua 12:15 the king of Libnah, one; the king of Adullam, one;
- Hebrews 11:38 The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and hid in caves and holes in the ground.
- 1 Samuel 21:10 That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath.
- 2 Samuel 23:13 At harvest time, three of the thirty chief men went down to David at the cave of Adullam, while a company of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim.
- Micah 1:3 For behold, the LORD comes forth from His dwelling place; He will come down and tread on the high places of the earth.
- Micah 1:15 I will again bring a conqueror against you, O dweller of Mareshah. The glory of Israel will come to Adullam.