Question 1

Why did David go to the cave of Adullam and who gathered around him?

Accepted Answer

David went to the cave of Adullam because he was fleeing from Saul and needed a safe place to hide. The cave was in his own region, so it was a natural refuge. When his family heard where he was, they went to him. Then others began to gather: people in distress, in debt, and unhappy with their situation. About four hundred men joined him, and he became their captain. This shows how God brought broken and troubled people around David and began forming a new kind of community around him.

Question 2

Why did David ask the king of Moab to care for his parents?

Accepted Answer

David knew his life was in danger from Saul and did not want his parents to suffer because of him. He asked the king of Moab to let his father and mother stay there until he knew what God would do for him. This shows both his care for his family and his trust in God’s plan. He did what he could to protect them, while still resting in God’s will for his own future and not forcing his own way to the throne.

Question 3

What is the role of the prophet Gad in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The prophet Gad comes to David while David is in the stronghold and tells him not to stay there, but to go into the land of Judah. David obeys and moves to the forest of Hareth. Gad’s word shows that God had not forgotten David but was actively guiding him. It also shows David’s heart: even while on the run, he listens to God’s direction through a prophet instead of deciding only by fear or strategy. His steps are shaped by God’s counsel, not just by danger around him.

Question 4

Why was Saul so angry with Ahimelech and the priests at Nob?

Accepted Answer

Saul heard from Doeg that Ahimelech had helped David by giving him bread, Goliath’s sword, and by inquiring of the Lord for him. In Saul’s mind this looked like a plot against his throne. Blinded by jealousy and fear, he treated normal priestly help as treason. Ahimelech calmly explained that David had always been loyal and that he knew nothing of any plot. Even so, Saul called it conspiracy and sentenced Ahimelech and his whole family to death, showing how far his heart had turned from justice and truth.

Question 5

Who was Doeg the Edomite and what did he do in this chapter?

Accepted Answer

Doeg the Edomite was one of Saul’s officials and was present when David earlier visited the priests at Nob. When Saul complained that no one told him about David, Doeg spoke up and reported David’s visit to Ahimelech. His words painted David and the priest in a bad light. Later, when Saul’s own servants refused to kill the priests, Saul ordered Doeg to do it. Doeg carried out the slaughter of eighty-five priests and then destroyed the whole city of Nob, showing a hard and self-serving spirit.

Question 6

What happened at Nob when Saul ordered the priests to be killed?

Accepted Answer

When Saul commanded his guards to kill the priests of the Lord, they refused, because they feared to strike God’s servants. Then Saul turned to Doeg and told him to carry out the order. Doeg killed eighty-five priests who wore a linen ephod, then went further and destroyed Nob itself: men, women, children, babies, and even animals. This awful scene shows how far Saul’s rule had sunk, where personal anger and jealousy led to the shedding of innocent blood and the ruin of an entire town of priests.

Question 7

Who is Abiathar, and what does he do after the massacre at Nob?

Accepted Answer

Abiathar was one of Ahimelech’s sons. He escaped the slaughter at Nob and fled to David. When he reached David, he told him that Saul had killed the Lord’s priests. David admitted that he had feared this would happen when he saw Doeg earlier and said he felt responsible for the deaths of Abiathar’s family. Then David invited Abiathar to stay with him and promised that the one who sought David’s life also sought Abiathar’s, but that with David he would be safe. Abiathar thus found refuge with God’s anointed king.

Question 8

What does this passage teach about leadership through David and Saul?

Accepted Answer

In this passage, David and Saul show two very different kinds of leadership. David is running for his life, yet he cares for his parents, gathers the distressed, listens to God’s prophet, and takes responsibility when others suffer because of events around him. Saul sits with his spear, complains that others do not feel sorry for him, suspects loyal people, listens to lies, and allows innocent priests to be killed. The story warns about leadership driven by jealousy and fear, and points to a better pattern that trusts God and protects the weak.

Question 9

How can believers today relate to the distressed people who gathered around David?

Accepted Answer

The people who came to David were not the strong and successful. They were in distress, in debt, and discontented. Yet David received them and became their captain. In a similar way, God often gathers people who feel worn out, troubled, or pushed aside and gives them a place and a leader who cares for them. Believers today who feel burdened can see in this passage that God does not turn away the broken. Instead, He can shape such people into a new community that finds hope and purpose in His care.

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.

David Flees to Adullam and Mizpeh

Saul Slays the Priests of Nob

David Flees to Adullam and Mizpeh

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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.

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David Flees to Adullam and Mizpeh

Saul Slays the Priests of Nob

David Flees to Adullam and Mizpeh

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