Where destiny hides, the rejected gather; where Saul kills, David builds.
David’s journey echoes Christ’s suffering before glory. The first two verses of 1 Samuel 22 reveals the Cave of Adullam: 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. 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……” 1 Samuel 22:1–2
The cave of Adullam was not a palace, but it was a place of divine processing. God often raises leaders in isolation, not in comfort. Before David sits on the throne, he must learn kingship in caves.
Those who gathered were not mighty warriors yet but broken, burdened, and bitter souls. Yet under David, they would become mighty men of valour 2 Samuel 23. When God sends men to you, they will not look like the future, they will look like problems.
If you misread the season, you’ll abort the army.
Third to fifth verses 3: Honour and Obedience to Divine Instruction
“And the prophet Gad said unto David, Abide not in the hold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah…”
Judah means “praise.”
Even in danger, God tells David: return to praise. The voice of the prophet Gad represents divine alignment. You may be in a stronghold, but it does not mean it’s your assignment.
There is a difference between a hiding place and a destiny place. Not every cave is your next chapter. When the prophetic speaks, relocation becomes preservation.
Saul’s Paranoia and Doeg’s Betrayal in verses 6–10: Saul sits with his spear again a symbol of violent leadership gripped by insecurity. He suspects everyone. Doeg, who had no covenant with God, reports David’s visit to Ahimelech. When you’re anointed but not enthroned, envy becomes your shadow. Doeg represents the spirit of betrayal a mouth that speaks death while smiling. He is willing to shed innocent blood for favour.
Verses 11–19: The Massacre at Nob
Saul accuses Ahimelech and orders his execution. The soldiers refuse to kill priests because their conscience and covenant restrain them. But Doeg has no such restraint. He slaughters 85 priests, and destroys the city of Nob, including women and children.
This was not just a massacre; it was a satanic agenda to silence the priesthood, the intercessory voice of a nation. Whenever kings become insecure, they attack prophetic voices and priestly altars. Saul’s throne was already rejected in heaven now it’s rotting on earth. David is being hunted, but God is building him. Saul is on a throne, but God has left him.
In verses 20–23: Abiathar Escapes to David Refuge with the Anointed Abiathar, the only survivor, runs to David and tells him of the massacre.
David accepts responsibility and says: “Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard.” v.23 Even in exile, David sounds like a king. This verse is a foreshadowing of Christ as our refuge.
Like Abiathar, we escape the judgment of Saul and run into the arms of the rejected King, and we find safety.
Declaration
Oh Lord, make me a David in my generation. Though hunted, let me lead.
Though in caves, let me build in
Let broken men gather, and let kings be born in adversity
Leadership is forged in hardship, not in comfort.
Do not despise broken people some of the greatest armies are built from the ashes of rejection.
Beware of the Doegs in your life people with access but no loyalty.
Let your cave become your altar for you are not hiding, you are being prepared.
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