1 Samuel 22:1
New International Version
David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there.

New Living Translation
So David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. Soon his brothers and all his other relatives joined him there.

English Standard Version
David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. And when his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
David therefore departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. So when his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him.

New American Standard Bible
So David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam; and when his brothers and all his father’s household heard about it, they went down there to him.

NASB 1995
So David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam; and when his brothers and all his father’s household heard of it, they went down there to him.

NASB 1977
So David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam; and when his brothers and all his father’s household heard of it, they went down there to him.

Legacy Standard Bible
So David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam; and his brothers and all his father’s household heard of it and went down there to him.

Amplified Bible
So David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam; and when his brothers and all his father’s house heard about it, they went down there to him.

Christian Standard Bible
So David left Gath and took refuge in the cave of Adullam. When David’s brothers and his father’s whole family heard, they went down and joined him there.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So David left Gath and took refuge in the cave of Adullam. When David’s brothers and his father’s whole family heard, they went down and joined him there.

American Standard Version
David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave of Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him.

Contemporary English Version
When David escaped from the town of Gath, he went to Adullam Cave. His brothers and the rest of his family found out where he was, and they followed him there.

English Revised Version
David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave of Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So David escaped from that place and fled to the cave at Adullam. When his brothers and all [the rest] of his family heard about it, they went to him.

Good News Translation
David fled from the city of Gath and went to a cave near the town of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of the family heard that he was there, they joined him.

International Standard Version
David left from there and escaped to the Cave of Adullam. His brothers and all his father's family heard about this and went down to him there.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
So David left there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father's family learned about it, they went down there to him.

New Heart English Bible
David therefore departed there, and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and his father's house heard it, they went down there to him.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
David therefore departed from there and escaped to Adullam’s cave. When his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And David goes from there, and escapes to the cave of Adullam, and his brothers hear, and all the house of his father, and they go down to him there;

Young's Literal Translation
And David goeth thence, and is escaped unto the cave of Adullam, and his brethren hear, and all the house of his father, and go down unto him thither;

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will go from thence and he will escape to the cave Adullam: and his brethren and all the house of his father will hear, and they will go down to him there.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
David therefore went from thence and fled to the cave of Odollam. And when his brethren, and all his father's house had heard of it, they went down to him thither;

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then David went away from there, and he fled to the cave of Adullam. And when his brothers and all of his father’s house had heard of it, they descended to him there.

New American Bible
David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his family heard about it, they came down to him there.

New Revised Standard Version
David left there and escaped to the cave of Adullam; when his brothers and all his father’s house heard of it, they went down there to him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
DAVID therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave of Arlam; and when his brothers and all his father's household heard it, they went down there to him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David went on from there and he escaped to the cave of Arlam, and his brothers heard and all the household of his father, and they went down to him there
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave of Adullam; and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David departed thence, and escaped; and he comes to the cave of Odollam, and his brethren hear, and the house of his father, and they go down to him there.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Flees to Adullam and Mizpeh
1So 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. 2And all who were distressed or indebted or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him.…

Cross References
Psalm 57:1-11
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. / I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me. / He reaches down from heaven and saves me; He rebukes those who trample me. Selah God sends forth His loving devotion and His truth. ...

Psalm 142:1-7
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. / I pour out my complaint before Him; I reveal my trouble to Him. / Although my spirit grows faint within me, You know my way. Along the path I travel they have hidden a snare for me. ...

2 Samuel 23:13-17
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. / At that time David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem. / David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” ...

Matthew 4:24-25
News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering acute pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and He healed them. / Large crowds followed Him, having come from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.

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 Chronicles 12:8-18
Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the wilderness. They were mighty men of valor, trained for battle, experts with the shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains: / Ezer the chief, Obadiah the second in command, Eliab the third, / Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth, ...

Psalm 34:1-22
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. / My soul boasts in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice. / Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together. ...

Matthew 12:15
Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Large crowds followed Him, and He healed them all,

Mark 3:7-8
So Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea, accompanied by a large crowd from Galilee, Judea, / Jerusalem, Idumea, the region beyond the Jordan, and the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon. The large crowd came to Him when they heard what great things He was doing.

Luke 6:17-19
Then Jesus came down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of His disciples was there, along with a great number of people from all over Judea, Jerusalem, and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon. / They had come to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases, and those troubled by unclean spirits were healed. / The entire crowd was trying to touch Him, because power was coming from Him and healing them all.

2 Samuel 2:1-3
Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” “Go up,” the LORD answered. Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” replied the LORD. / So David went there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. / David also took the men who were with him, each with his household, and they settled in the towns near Hebron.

Acts 22:17-21
Later, when I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance / and saw the Lord saying to me, ‘Hurry! Leave Jerusalem quickly, because the people here will not accept your testimony about Me.’ / ‘Lord,’ I answered, ‘they know very well that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in You. ...

2 Samuel 5:17-18
When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went down to the stronghold. / Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim.

John 7:1
After this, Jesus traveled throughout Galilee. He did not want to travel in Judea, because the Jews there were trying to kill Him.

2 Samuel 23:1-2
These are the last words of David: “The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man raised on high, the one anointed by the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel: / The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; His word was on my tongue.


Treasury of Scripture

David therefore departed there, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brothers and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him.

David

1 Samuel 21:10-15
And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath…

Psalm 34:1
A Psalm of David, when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed. I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Psalm 57:1
To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.

the cave

Joshua 12:15
The king of Libnah, one; the king of Adullam, one;

Joshua 15:35
Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah,

2 Samuel 23:13,14
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…

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1 Samuel 22
1. Companies resort unto David at Adullam
3. At Mizpeh he commends his parents unto the king of Moab
5. Admonished by Gad, he comes to Hareth,
6. Saul going to pursue him, complains of his servants' unfaithfulness
9. Doeg accuses Ahimelech
11. Saul commands to kill the priests
17. The footmen refusing, Doeg executes it
20. Abiathar escaping, brings David the news














So David left Gath
The phrase begins with David's departure from Gath, a Philistine city. Historically, Gath was one of the five major Philistine cities and home to Goliath, whom David had previously defeated. David's presence in Gath signifies a period of desperation and danger, as he sought refuge among his enemies. The Hebrew root for "left" (יָצָא, yatsa) implies a deliberate action of departure, highlighting David's need to escape a threatening situation. This moment marks a turning point, as David moves from a place of vulnerability to seeking God's guidance and protection.

and escaped to the cave of Adullam
The "cave of Adullam" becomes a significant location in David's journey. Adullam, located in the Judean lowlands, served as a natural fortress and a place of refuge. The Hebrew word for "escaped" (מָלַט, malat) conveys a sense of deliverance and finding safety. This cave symbolizes a place of transformation, where David, though in hiding, begins to gather his strength and followers. It is a reminder of God's provision and protection, even in the most desolate places.

When his brothers and his father’s household heard about it
This phrase indicates the familial support David receives during his time of need. The Hebrew word for "heard" (שָׁמַע, shama) suggests not just hearing, but understanding and responding. David's family, aware of his plight, chooses to join him, demonstrating loyalty and solidarity. This act of unity is significant, as it reflects the restoration of relationships and the importance of family support in times of adversity.

they went down to him there
The action of "went down" (יָרַד, yarad) in Hebrew often implies a physical descent, but it also carries a spiritual connotation of humility and submission. David's family humbles themselves to join him in his place of refuge. This movement towards David signifies a gathering of strength and the beginning of a community that would eventually support his rise to kingship. It is a testament to God's faithfulness in bringing people together for His purposes, even in the most unlikely circumstances.

(1) The cave Adullam.--The great valley of Elah forms the highway from Philistia to Hebron. In one especially of the tributary vales or ravines of the Elah valley are many natural caves, some of great extent, roomy and dry, which are still used by the shepherds as dwelling-places, and as refuges for their flocks and herds. David chose one of these natural fastnesses as the temporary home for himself and his followers. The traveller sees that there was ample room for the 400 refugees who gathered under David's skilled leadership. Stanley even speaks of this Adullam Cavern as "a subterranean palace, with vast columnar halls and arched chambers."

The name Adullam was probably given to the largest of these great caverns from its proximity to the old royal Canaanitish city of Adullam (Joshua 15:35), ruins of which on a rounded hill to the south of the cave are still visible.

His brethren and all his father's house.--They of course soon felt the weight of Saul's anger against the prominent hero of their race, and dreading the fate which often overwhelms whole families for the faults of one of the more distinguished members, fled from their homes, and joined David and his armed force of outlaws.

Verse 1. - The cave Adullam. According to Josephus this was situated near a city of the same name ('Ant.,' 6:12, 3), which formed one of a group of fifteen in the Shephelah (see on 1 Samuel 17:1), and its site has now been recovered by Mr. Conder (see 'Tent Work,' 2:156-160). "The great valley," he says, "of Elah, which forms the highway from Philistia to Hebron, runs down northwards past Keilah and Hareth, dividing the low hills of the Shephelah from the rocky mountains of Judah. Eight miles from the valley head stands Shochoh,... and two and a half miles south of this is a very large and ancient terebinth." This stands on "the west side of the vale, just where a small tributary ravine joins the main valley; and on the south of this ravine is a high rounded hill, almost isolated by valleys, and covered with ruins, a natural fortress," the site of the city Adullam. David's cave, he considers, would not be one of the larger caverns, as these are seldom used for habitations; but "the sides of the tributary valley are lined with rows of caves, and these we found inhabited, and full of flocks and herds; but still more interesting was the discovery of a separate cave on the hill itself, a low, smoke-blackened burrow, which was the home of a single family. We could not but suppose, as we entered this gloomy abode, that our feet were standing in the very footprints of the shepherd king, who here, encamped between the Philistines and the Jews, covered the line of advance on the cornfields of Keilah, and was but three miles distant from the thickets of Hareth." After describing the fine view from this hill, which is about 500 feet high, he adds, "There is ample room to have accommodated David's 400 men in the caves, and they are, as we have seen, still inhabited." Thus then David's cave was one of many in the Terebinth valley and the ravine opening into it, and was not far from Gath, though over the border. Here his brethren and all his father's house joined him through fear of Saul. Among these would be Joab, Abishai, and Asahel, his cousins; and we learn how great was the love and enthusiasm which David was able to inspire among them from the feat of the three heroes, of whom Abishai was one, who, while he was in the cave of Adullam, and a garrison of the Philistines at Bethlehem, broke through them to bring David water from the well there (2 Samuel 23:13-17). As Bethlehem was thus held by the Philistines, there was double reason for the flight of Jesse's family; and it is a proof how thoroughly Saul's government had broken down that, while Samuel could maintain a son at Beersheba as judge (1 Samuel 8:24 Saul was unable to defend places so much more distant from the Philistine border.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So David
דָּוִד֙ (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

left
וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

[Gath]
מִשָּׁ֔ם (miš·šām)
Preposition-m | Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

and took refuge
וַיִּמָּלֵ֖ט (way·yim·mā·lêṭ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4422: To be smooth, to escape, to release, rescue, to bring forth young, emit sparks

in
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the cave
מְעָרַ֣ת (mə·‘ā·raṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4631: A cavern

of Adullam.
עֲדֻלָּ֑ם (‘ă·ḏul·lām)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5725: Adullam -- a Canaanite city

When his brothers
אֶחָיו֙ (’e·ḥāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

and the rest of
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

his father's
אָבִ֔יו (’ā·ḇîw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

household
בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

heard about it,
וַיִּשְׁמְע֤וּ (way·yiš·mə·‘ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

they went down
וַיֵּרְד֥וּ (way·yê·rə·ḏū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

to him
אֵלָ֖יו (’ê·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

there.
שָֽׁמָּה׃ (šām·māh)
Adverb | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither


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OT History: 1 Samuel 22:1 David therefore departed there and escaped (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 21:15
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