King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 22:5 Mean?
“And the prophet Gad said unto David, Abide not in the hold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hareth.”
1 Samuel 22:5 · KJV
Context
3
And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said unto the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, and be with you, till I know what God will do for me.
4
And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold.
5
And the prophet Gad said unto David, Abide not in the hold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hareth.
6
When Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men that were with him, (now Saul abode in Gibeah under a tree in Ramah, having his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him;) tree: or, grove in a high place
7
Then Saul said unto his servants that stood about him, Hear now, ye Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, and make you all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds;
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd the prophet Gad said unto David, Abide not in the hold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hareth.
The prophet Gad's appearance introduces prophetic guidance into David's wilderness experience. The Hebrew imperative 'al teshev' (do not stay/abide) conveys urgency. Gad would later serve as David's official seer (2 Samuel 24:11), but here he functions as divine messenger to the fugitive king. The command to return to Judah—Saul's territory—seems counterintuitive yet proved strategically wise. Remaining in Moab might have compromised David's claim to Israel's throne or entangled him in foreign alliances. The 'forest of Hareth' provided concealment in Judah's wilderness. This prophetic direction demonstrates that God guides His servants through human messengers, even in exile.
The prophet Gad's appearance introduces prophetic guidance into David's wilderness experience. The Hebrew imperative 'al teshev' (do not stay/abide) conveys urgency. Gad would later serve as David's official seer (2 Samuel 24:11), but here he functions as divine messenger to the fugitive king. The command to return to Judah—Saul's territory—seems counterintuitive yet proved strategically wise. Remaining in Moab might have compromised David's claim to Israel's throne or entangled him in foreign alliances. The 'forest of Hareth' provided concealment in Judah's wilderness. This prophetic direction demonstrates that God guides His servants through human messengers, even in exile.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Gad was one of several prophets active during the early monarchy. The 'forest of Hareth' was likely in the Judean hill country, possibly near Keilah. David's return to Judah maintained his connection to his tribal homeland and future power base.
Reflection Questions
- How do you discern prophetic guidance that seems to lead you toward rather than away from danger?
- What role do trusted spiritual advisors play in your major decisions?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 18 wordsלֹ֤א6 of 18
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תֵשֵׁב֙7 of 18
“Abide”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
לְּךָ֖11 of 18
H0יְהוּדָ֑ה13 of 18
“of Judah”
H3063jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
יַ֥עַר17 of 18
“into the forest”
H3293a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Samuel 22:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 1 Samuel 22:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge