MPV Commentary

David escaped to the cave Adullam, which is believed to be the site now known as Deir-Dubban. This location features a series of underground vaults and pits in the soft limestone rock, situated at the base of the Judean mountains near the Philistine plain. It's about six miles southwest of Bethlehem.

David's brothers and all his father's household joined him there to escape Saul's wrath, which had extended to David's entire family. The journey from Bethlehem to Deir-Dubban was a descent into the cave system.

2. Everyone who was in distress or difficult circumstances joined David at Adullam (see Judges 11:3).

3. From Adullam, David traveled to Mizpeh of Moab, which means "watchtower" or fort. The king of Moab was an enemy of Saul and a distant relative of David through his great-grandmother Ruth. This made it easier for David to seek refuge in the kingdom of Moab, as they had no reason to harbor ill will towards him.

5. The prophet Gad advised David not to stay in Mizpeh, suggesting that he should instead appear publicly among his own people, demonstrating his innocence and trust in God. This would also encourage his friends to support him after Saul's death.

The forest of Hareth is located southwest of Jerusalem.

6. Meanwhile, Saul was staying under a tree on a hill in Ramah, where Oriental princes often held court outdoors. A spear was the traditional symbol of royal authority.

7-8. When David returned with four hundred men to Judah, he addressed his fellow Benjamites, appealing to their sense of loyalty and warning them that he might transfer the kingdom to another tribe. This speech likely occurred after Jonathan's involvement in David's movement became known to Saul, who suspected a conspiracy against him.