1 Samuel 22:1-2 (NLT)
1 So David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. Soon his brothers and other relatives joined him there.2 Then others began coming — men who were in trouble or in debt or who were just discontented — until David was the leader of about four hundred men
Many of us have walked into our caves looking for shelter or attempting to hide from a situation or circumstance. Many of us have been in “trouble or in debt or just discontented,” and are looking for a cave to run into.
David escaped into the cave of Adullam and 400 men who were troubled, in debt, and discontented followed him there. David was running from a jealous Saul who was looking to kill him. David fled not because of fear, but because he did not want to kill God’s anointed.
The cave is a cold and narrow place. Now imagine David with 400 men who were considered the rejects (going into the cave); these men had no self-esteem, no money, and no courage. But God has a leader in that cave, David. The cave is also a place of discomfort. They were all jammed in that small cave.
What did David do to change the refugee mindset that these men had into a mindset of valiant warriors?
- David made it clear that the cave is a temporary place and NOT a permanent place of residence.
- The men had to make a decision to change their mindset from one of a refugee to one of a mighty warrior.
- There needs to be a leader that has God’s Kingdom at heart ONLY! A leader who cares about building you up into a might warrior for the Kingdom.
- In order to establish God’s Kingdom here on earth there needs to be a covenant, a commitment. There’s has to be a GREATER cause than our own cause. David made a covenant with these men that they will give their lives for one another.
These men went into the cave with a refugee mindset that said I am nothing, I am NOT successful, I can’t accomplish anything, I will not conquer,…ALL LIES OF THE ENEMY!
When these men came out of the cave, they were mighty warriors (2 Samuel 23:8-12).
David let these men know that he believed in them!
David armed these men with bows & arrows, swords, and slings for the stones. These men were able to use both hands at war. When they came out, they were the Ultimate Warriors.

