1 Samuel 22:5
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.
Original Language Analysis
גָּ֨ד
Gad
H1410
גָּ֨ד
Gad
Strong's:
H1410
Word #:
2 of 18
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
לֹ֤א
H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תֵשֵׁב֙
Abide
H3427
תֵשֵׁב֙
Abide
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
7 of 18
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
לֵ֥ךְ
H1980
לֵ֥ךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
9 of 18
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וַיָּבֹ֖א
and came
H935
וַיָּבֹ֖א
and came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
10 of 18
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אֶ֣רֶץ
thee into the land
H776
אֶ֣רֶץ
thee into the land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
12 of 18
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
יְהוּדָ֑ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֑ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
13 of 18
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
14 of 18
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וַיָּבֹ֖א
and came
H935
וַיָּבֹ֖א
and came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
16 of 18
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
Cross References
1 Chronicles 21:9And the LORD spake unto Gad, David's seer, saying,1 Chronicles 29:29Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer,2 Chronicles 29:25And he set the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, with psalteries, and with harps, according to the commandment of David, and of Gad the king's seer, and Nathan the prophet: for so was the commandment of the LORD by his prophets.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- 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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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.
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.