1 Samuel 22:1
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 15
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
מִשָּׁ֔ם
H8033
מִשָּׁ֔ם
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
3 of 15
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
וַיִּמָּלֵ֖ט
thence and escaped
H4422
וַיִּמָּלֵ֖ט
thence and escaped
Strong's:
H4422
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
וַיִּשְׁמְע֤וּ
heard
H8085
וַיִּשְׁמְע֤וּ
heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
8 of 15
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֶחָיו֙
and when his brethren
H251
אֶחָיו֙
and when his brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
9 of 15
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בֵּ֣ית
house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
11 of 15
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אָבִ֔יו
and all his father's
H1
אָבִ֔יו
and all his father's
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
12 of 15
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
Cross References
1 Chronicles 11:15Now three of the thirty captains went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the host of the Philistines encamped in the valley of Rephaim.Hebrews 11:38(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.Psalms 34:1I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.Joshua 12:15The king of Libnah, one; the king of Adullam, one;
Historical Context
Adullam was located in the Shephelah, the lowland foothills between the Judean highlands and the coastal plain. The region contained numerous limestone caves offering natural fortification. This area had strategic importance, controlling access routes between the coast and the hill country.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God used seasons of exile or difficulty to gather unexpected communities around you?
- What does David's family joining him in danger teach about family loyalty and shared risk?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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.
The cave of Adullam marks the beginning of David's wilderness community. The Hebrew 'me'arah' (cave) suggests a substantial cavern capable of housing many people—archaeological surveys identify several large caves in the region. David's family joining him indicates Saul's persecution extended to his relatives, a common practice in ancient royal conflicts. The phrase 'went down' (yarad) reflects the topographical descent from Bethlehem to the Shephelah lowlands. This gathering of family foreshadows the larger assembly that would follow, as David became a refuge for Israel's outcasts. Christ similarly drew society's marginalized to Himself, forming a new family of faith.