It was not long before David's company was joined by others who desired to escape the exactions of the king. There were many who had lost confidence in the ruler of Israel, for they could see that he was no longer guided by the Spirit of the Lord. "And everyone that was in distress, and everyone that was in debt, and everyone that was discontented," resorted to David, "and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men." Here David had a little kingdom of his own, and in it order and discipline prevailed. But even in his retreat in the mountains he was far from feeling secure, for he received continual evidence that the king had not relinquished his murderous purpose.

Det varede ikke længe, før David blev opsøgt af andre mennesker, der også var flygtet for den grusomme konge. Der var mange, der havde mistet tilliden til Israels konge, for de kunne se, at Guds ånd ikke ledede ham længere. "Og alle slags mennesker, som var i nød, flokkede sig om ham, forgældede mennesker og folk, som var bitre i hu, og han blev deres høvding. Henved 400 mand sluttede sig til ham." Her havde David sit eget lille rige, hvor der rådede system og orden. Men selv ikke i denne bjerghule følte han sig sikker, for han så til stadighed beviser på, at kongen ikke havde opgivet sine mordplaner.