← Back to 1 Samuel

1 Samuel 22

23 verses

TL;DR

David flees to Adullam, gathers supporters, visits Moab, and receives prophetic instruction, while Saul plots against him, leading to the massacre at Nob.

Summary

After fleeing Israel, David finds refuge in the cave of Adullam, where he gathers 400 men of distress and becomes their leader. He travels to Mizpeh in Moab, asking the king to host his parents while he awaits divine direction. The prophet Gad urges David to leave the hold and move into Judah, so David enters the forest of Hareth. Saul, learning of David’s escape, hides in Gibeah, and questions his servants about David’s loyalty. The priest Ahimelech, who aided David, is accused of conspiracies; Saul orders his execution. Doeg the Edomite fulfills Saul’s command, slaughtering the priests of Nob and destroying the city, while Abiathar escapes and aligns with David, who offers him protection.

Outline
  1. David’s escape to Adullam and gathering of supporters
  2. David’s sojourn in Moab and prophetic instruction
  3. Saul’s reaction and execution of priests at Nob
Themes
Loyalty versus betrayalDivine intervention and prophetic guidancePolitical and religious violence
Keywords
DavidSaulbetrayalpriesthoodMoabprophecyloyaltyviolence
People
DavidSaulGadDoeg the EdomiteAhimelech son of AhitubAbiatharking of Moab
Places
AdullamMizpeh (Moab)forest of HarethGibeahRamahNob
Things
cave of Adullamsword of Goliathlinen ephodpriesthood of the LORD
Key Verses
  • 1 Samuel 22:1: Marks David’s flight and the beginning of his refuge
  • 1 Samuel 22:6: Shows Saul’s precarious position and his questioning of David
  • 1 Samuel 22:13: Highlights Saul’s direct confrontation with Ahimelech
  • 1 Samuel 22:19: Describes the massacre of the priests at Nob
  • 1 Samuel 22:20: Introduces Abiathar’s escape and alliance with David
Questions
  • What motivates David’s choice of refuge and gathering of supporters?
  • How does the prophet Gad’s instruction influence David’s decisions?
  • In what ways does Saul’s political paranoia lead to religious violence?
  • What does the destruction of Nob reveal about the relationship between the monarchy and the priesthood?
  • How does David’s offer to Abiathar illustrate leadership and compassion?
Sentiment

mixed
contains elements of loyalty, divine guidance, but also betrayal, violence, and moral conflict