After Saul murdered the Priests of God, The Message says in 1 Samuel 22:1-2, “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.”
Effective leaders use all their strength by recognizing, developing, and utilizing the people around them. They know how to develop healthy alliances (this week’s theme from the NIV Leadership Bible) with both those on their own team and those on other teams.
While fleeing from Saul, David certainly demonstrated that ability. Two miles from the city of Gath, there is a honeycomb of caves. One cave stood near the city of Adullam, and David found refuge there. While he and his family were hiding, David attracted others who were experiencing hardship. In fact, 400 men eventually allied themselves with David. The Bible tells us that he became their leader.
For more Biblical advice on building healthy alliances to lighten your load, click here
