What does 1 Samuel 22:4 mean?
"And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold." - 1 Samuel 22:4

The verse 1 Samuel 22:4 in the King James Version (KJV) states, "And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold." This verse comes from the book of 1 Samuel in the Old Testament, which recounts the story of the rise of King David and the challenges he faced before ascending to the throne of Israel.
To fully understand the meaning and significance of this verse, it is essential to look at the broader context of the passage. In 1 Samuel 22, David is on the run from King Saul, who sees him as a threat to his own kingship. David, along with his family and a band of loyal followers, seeks refuge in the cave of Adullam. During this time, David's faith is tested as he grapples with the uncertainties and dangers of his predicament.
In verse 2, it is revealed that those who were in distress, in debt, or discontented had gathered around David in the cave, and he became their leader. This group of people, in many ways, represents the marginalized and those outcast from society. David's ability to provide leadership and protection for this community demonstrates his compassion and his qualities as a leader.
Verse 3 goes on to say that David's family also joined him in the cave, further emphasizing the gravity of the situation he found himself in. Despite the challenges and dangers they faced, David's family remained by his side, showcasing the strong bond of loyalty and love that united them.
The verse 4, which states, "And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold," highlights the desperation and the lengths to which David was willing to go to ensure the safety of his loved ones. David's actions demonstrate his resourcefulness and his willingness to seek help from unexpected places in dire circumstances.
Symbolically, the cave of Adullam can be seen as a place of refuge and transformation. It represents a sanctuary for those in need and serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is hope and a chance for renewal. Additionally, the decision to seek help from the king of Moab reflects the complexity of human relationships and the need to sometimes form alliances or seek assistance from unlikely sources.
Furthermore, this passage speaks to the theme of loyalty and resilience. David's unwavering determination to protect and care for his family, as well as his ability to lead and inspire his followers, showcases his strength of character and his unwavering faith in God's providence.
Overall, 1 Samuel 22:4 serves as a poignant reminder of the trials and tribulations that David faced on his journey to kingship. It highlights the depths of his love for his family, his resourcefulness in seeking solutions to his problems, and the importance of seeking refuge and support during times of adversity. The verse also underscores the enduring themes of faith, loyalty, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil in the face of overwhelming odds.
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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."
"And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold." - 1 Samuel 22:4
1 Samuel 4:22 - "And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken."
"And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken." - 1 Samuel 4:22
2 Samuel 24:22
2 Samuel 24:22
2 Samuel 24:22
1 Samuel 15:22
1 Samuel 15:22
1 Samuel 22:11-13
2 Samuel 22:4 - "I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies."
1 samuel 4:1
1 Samuel 4:12
1 Samuel 22:21 - "And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the LORD'S priests."
1 Samuel 3:4 - "That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I."
1 Samuel 8:22 - "And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city."
1 Samuel 9:22 (Brenton) 22 And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them to the inn, and set them there a place among the chief of those that were called, about seventy men.
1 Samuel 8:4 - "Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah,"
2 Chronicles 4:22
1 Samuel 9:22 (KJVA) 22 And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons.
1 Samuel 19:22 - "Then went he also to Ramah, and came to a great well that is in Sechu: and he asked and said, Where are Samuel and David? And one said, Behold, they be at Naioth in Ramah."
1 Samuel 9:22 - "And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons."
1 Samuel 22:20 - "ΒΆ And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David."
1 Samuel 4:1 - "And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside Eben-ezer: and the Philistines pitched in Aphek."
1 Samuel 5: 3-4
1 Samuel 15:22 - "And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."
1 Samuel 22:10 - "And he enquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine."
1 Samuel 22:16 - "And the king said, Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all thy father's house."
1 Samuel 22:12 - "And Saul said, Hear now, thou son of Ahitub. And he answered, Here I am, my lord."
1 Samuel 22:22 - "And David said unto Abiathar, I knew it that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned the death of all the persons of thy father's house."