1 Samuel 22:4
And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּנְחֵ֕ם
And he brought
H5148
וַיַּנְחֵ֕ם
And he brought
Strong's:
H5148
Word #:
1 of 12
to guide; by implication, to transport (into exile, or as colonists)
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
פְּנֵ֖י
them before
H6440
פְּנֵ֖י
them before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
3 of 12
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
מוֹאָ֑ב
of Moab
H4124
מוֹאָ֑ב
of Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
5 of 12
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
וַיֵּֽשְׁב֣וּ
and they dwelt
H3427
וַיֵּֽשְׁב֣וּ
and they dwelt
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עִמּ֔וֹ
H5973
עִמּ֔וֹ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
7 of 12
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יְמֵ֥י
with him all the while
H3117
יְמֵ֥י
with him all the while
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
9 of 12
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הֱיוֹת
H1961
הֱיוֹת
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
10 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Historical Context
The king of Moab's acceptance of David's parents may reflect anti-Saul sentiment, as Saul had fought against Moab (1 Samuel 14:47). Ancient Near Eastern hospitality customs protected those who sought refuge, especially those with kinship ties.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God provided protection for your loved ones through unexpected sources?
- What does this international cooperation teach about God's sovereignty over all nations?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold.
The successful arrangement for David's parents indicates divine favor extending beyond Israel's borders. The Hebrew 'matsud' (hold/stronghold) refers to David's various wilderness refuges. That Jesse and his wife 'dwelt' (yashab—settled) with the Moabite king suggests a semi-permanent arrangement during David's fugitive years. This international protection of David's parents while he led an outlaw band demonstrates God's comprehensive care. The absence of further mention of David's parents in Samuel may indicate they died in Moab. David later showed harshness toward Moab (2 Samuel 8:2), possibly connected to unknown events involving his family.