Before the king of Moab; into his presence, that he might see them, and give them leave to dwell in his dominion. In the hold; either,
1. In Mizpeh of Moab, which was a very strong hold. But it is apparent he speaks of some hold where his father and mother were exposed to fear and danger from Saul, which they were not in the king of Moab's royal city. Or,
2. In the cave of Adullam, mentioned above, 1 Samuel 22:1. Or,
3. In holes; the singular number being put for the plural, as is frequent; i.e. as long as David was forced to go from place to place, and from hold to hold, to secure himself; for it concerned David to secure his father, and he did doubtless secure him for all that time; and not only whilst he was in the hold of Mizpeh, or of Adullam, which was but a little while.