Adullam Cave

Adullam is located in the Elah Valley, in the Shephelah hill country of Judah, on the road from Gath to Bethlehem. The “Cave of Adullam” refers to the caves near the city of Adullam. The vicinity of Adullam has many limestone caves, which are easy to defend and difficult to attack, providing a temporary hiding place for David. It has been described as a deep, circular underground cavern with a low window at its entrance, positioned at a right angle to a cliff; its location allowed David to slip from one city to another if necessary. David’s entire family, fearing Saul’s malice, also fled there for refuge.

In human eyes, David, hiding in the Cave of Adullam, was at the end of his rope and desperately needed comfort. However, the Holy Spirit does not record David receiving comfort there. Instead, it records that David, who had been weak after passing through Gath, brought comfort to others in the Cave of Adullam: “Everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter in soul, gathered to him. And he became commander over them. And there were with him about four hundred men.” This comfort did not come from David himself, but rather from God’s provision and support flowing through David, as he had learned his lessons before God. Thus, he could sing, “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody!” (Psalm 57:7). At this point, David knew he could not rely on his own cleverness in anything, but had to wholeheartedly rely on God, who would accomplish all things for him (Psalm 57:2), relying on His steadfast love and faithfulness (Psalm 57:3). Therefore, through circumstances, God brought him from his enemies back to the land of Judah, where he was anointed king, continuing to elevate him.