I Sa 22:2 KJV 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. 2 And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men.
I Sa 22:2 Message
1-2 So David got away and escaped to the Cave of Adullam. When his brothers and others associated with his family heard where he was, they came down and joined him. Not only that, but all who were down on their luck came around—losers and vagrants and misfits of all sorts. David became their leader. There were about four hundred in all.
Wow ... Here was David with problems of his own. He had a angry man who wanted him dead and several hired hit men after him (a whole new edition of the god father)!
Okay, back to the bible reading. David was clearly running from Saul and his men, who were searching for him to kill him. So David runs to the Cave of Adullam as a hiding place. But now, here comes his Family to move in with him. And since people talk ... others soon found their way to the cave as well, four hundred to be exact, all distressed, in debt, and discontent.
I can imagine this being the peaceful, happy house on the block! It's a good thing David played strings, at least it could be used to quite the folks temporarily. Amazing how music can quite the soul and encourage the spirit.
But once they were quite, David still had to be the captain (take the lead). He could not focus inward on only his own problems, others were at stake here. He could not just sit around and play music and imagine things were different.
David had to have a plan that would build the people. And He must have had one, since
II Samuel chapter twenty three declares these same broken down dilapidated men ... Mighty Men.
Let's look a little deeper. First lets look at the distressed folk.
Who were the Distressed? They were sick, diseased, feeble, disabled, aged folks.
- those in great pain, anxiety, or sorrow;
- those with acute physical or mental suffering; affliction; trouble.
- those in a state of extreme necessity or misfortune.
- those requiring immediate assistance.
- the aged or those who had appearance of age because of lifestyle.
- Those who owed something to others, such as money, goods, or services
- Those with an obligation or liability to pay or render something to someone else
- Those who had offenses ... requiring forgiveness or reparation; trespasses
- Those dissatisfied
- The restless desire always craving for something one does not have
- Those malcontent
- Those whom rebels against established systems
- Give up (surrendered to the enemy)
- Run from responsibility
- Stay and become just like the rest of the crew and all die together in the cave
- Lead
But one must stop and understand just to get a people out of debt, takes heart change cooperation, discipline and commitment to work.
And to get people out of distress and discontentment takes soul building. A change (transformation) of mindsets, self will and emotional instability.
David had his work cut out for him. But by choosing to led instead of surrender or run, not only did God give him a working plan, but used him to bring up a people to the place in life they were destine to be, and also raised David up to the leadership that was within him.
There are many modern day David's, running from the adversary, while God is desiring to get their attention as to turn them to running with purpose. There are also, many modern day cave dwellers that God longs to bring to a higher standard of living!
Are you one of these ... if so ... look unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of Faith who will enable you to be the leaders, and mighty men you are destined to be!
