Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Samuel 22:5

"And the prophet Gad said unto David, Abide not in the stronghold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hereth." — 1 Samuel 22:5 (ASV)

The prophet Gad — Mentioned here for the first time. One may conjecture that Samuel had sent him privately from Naioth to tell David not to stay in the stronghold. Whether he stayed with David or returned to the College of the Prophets is not recorded. For later mentions of him, see the marginal references.

The location of the forest of Hareth is unknown.