David’s Elite Fighting Force
“So David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam, and when his brothers and all his father’s household heard of it, they went down there to him. Everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented and bitter gathered to him, and he became captain over them. Now, there were about four hundred men with him.” (1 Samuel 22:1-2)
The above verses speak of the beginning of David’s preparation to be king over Israel and of the beginning of his elite fighting force, referred to in Scripture as David’s “mighty men” (2 Samuel 23:8; 1 Chronicles 11:10-11; 12:1; 28:1). Some historians consider this the most skilled group of fighting men in history. This is obviously subjective and in no way intended to be a slight to the great warriors who have existed throughout history. It is simply to point out what an incredible fighting force they were in their time.
It is important to know the context of these verses. David had recently been anointed as the next king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:12-13). At the time, He had no idea of the process that would occur to prepare him, a process that would take twenty years! This is true with most of us when we hear prophetic words about God’s future plans for us. We assume they will happen relatively quickly and indeed, some do. At times, however, God is announcing His plans for down the road…sometimes many roads.
The current king, Saul, had no intention of allowing David to take his position. To stop David, he turned against him, no doubt motivated by demonic spirits that controlled him. Saul was insanely jealous and eventually even became a murderer, killing priests of God (1 Samuel 22:16-19) and attempting to murder David. Due to these attacks, David had to flee. He landed in a cave named Adullam (18:11; 19:10; 22:1).
God used these years of David’s life as part of his preparation. In no way am I suggesting God was behind these attacks on David or the evil that overtook Saul. I’m merely pointing out that He used them as part of David’s preparation. David wrote several of the Psalms from this cave, learned to persevere and forgive, developed character and a high level of trust in God, grew in his ability to receive revelation, and matured in his wisdom.
David also became a leader.
It is not enough to be a slayer of bears, lions, and giants. Wielding a weapon is not as powerful as wielding wisdom. Fighting skills, though important for David, did not equate to wisdom, hearing from God, and leadership skills. The same is true for us. The ability to war spiritually against satan’s forces, though very important, does not qualify us for other responsibilities in God’s Kingdom. These will require different aspects of maturity.
David’s Mighty Men
Back to the context of these verses. Other outcasts joined themselves with David at the cave of Adullam. They were described as those:
In distress - the word also means “anguish, stress, disability, even confinement.”(1) Their difficulties were so severe as to be disabling; they were completely trapped and confined by their circumstances.
In debt - they were poverty-ridden.
Bitter - this is actually two words in Hebrew, meaning literally, “bitter of soul.”(2) Life had been cruel to them; they were down and out, in great anguish, trapped in poverty, and bitter at their plight.
The passage says David became the “captain” of these 400 “losers,” or so they seemed. Here is what I believe satan was likely saying to David: You think you are the new king over God’s people? Okay, here is your army. Let’s see how you enjoy leading these hopeless, helpless, decimated misfits. Satan excels in his mocking attempts to discourage us and defer our hope, until the discouragement becomes debilitating and robs us of faith.
God, however, was saying something else to David: Look through My eyes, David - this IS your army. Do with them what I had to do with you. You were the youngest, the smallest, and the least respected in your family, but I saw what no one else could see and chose you to be king over Israel. You cannot see it with your natural eyes, but I have sent you world-class warriors. Love and lead them, and I will help you train them into one of the greatest fighting forces the earth will ever see. And, by the way, you are not worthy of leading thousands in My Kingdom until you are willing to love and lead the 400 down-and-outers.
David passed the test.
And so did the 400! Some of these warriors killed hundreds of enemy soldiers in single battles (2 Samuel 23:8; 1 Chronicles 11:11); one fought until he could no longer control his fingers, so he held on to his sword with his heart and kept fighting (2 Samuel 23:10). When the battle was over, they had to pry his fingers loose from the sword. Another warrior jumped into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion (1 Chronicles 11:22).
“They were equipped with bows, using both the right hand and the left to sling stones and to shoot arrows from the bow…mighty men of valor, men trained for war, who could handle shield and spear, and whose faces were like the faces of lions, and they were as swift as the gazelles on the mountains” (1 Chronicles 12:2, 8).
Over time, and as their numbers grew, the mighty men also developed spiritual gifts and anointings. It was said of the soldiers from the tribe of Issachar that they had understanding and discernment of the times to know what Israel should do (v. 32). This was not stated in the context of the priesthood or government, but of David’s army! Talk about “intel”!
Holy Spirit has been speaking to me, through David’s “mighty men,” about the prayer army He has created today. Honestly, we were far from impressive thirty years ago when He began. Go back twenty more years, and this army didn’t even exist! Intercessors were VERY “few and far between.” The church looked more like David’s cave-dwellers: poor, distressed, and holding on ‘til the rapture.
But God saw something else - warriors at heart! And Jesus, the “Son of David,” went to work by His Spirit. He trained, restored gifts, equipped, seasoned, poured out revelation, and increased wisdom. Many in His body have become a true Ekklesia - authorized representatives of His Kingdom authority on earth. No longer cave-dwelling outcasts, they are mighty men and women of faith, equipped for the spiritual battle of our times.
These warriors have matured in His Word and ways, been filled with Holy Spirit, honed their gifts and discernment, learned to use their spiritual swords, and are ready to win the spiritual war now being waged. I say to this remnant of warriors: “Be strong in this hour! Our King is the true King over all the earth. He is Owner and Ruler of all, presiding over a Kingdom that will never cease, not only in its existence but also in its expansion (see Isaiah 9:6-7). And He is coming to reap the harvest of the ages, pouring out the former and latter rains for harvest (see Joel 2:23). You are ready for this! You have been trained and equipped! Now, be bold, strong, and fearless. Announce Christ’s victory and declare His harvest over the earth DAILY - over your families, cities, nations, and the earth! YOU ARE HIS VOICE!”
Pray with me:
Father, we ask for an infusion of new strength and determination for those praying to see America revived and transformed May we be found faithful as we serve Your purpose in our generation. We thank You for the incredible calling You have on our nation. Cause the fires of revival to burn in our nation as never before.
Again today, we pray for our government; it is out of control. Lies abound, injustice is rampant, unrighteous laws are enacted, and our government is now weaponized against its citizens. Bring down these evils. Expose them. Continue to awaken the American people to the corruption. We pray for those on the front lines of this battle against the giant of unrighteous government; give them great endurance and faith. Work miracle after miracle to turn the tables on the darkness ruling our land. We pray these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Our decree:
We decree that the army of God is ready and equipped for spiritual war, and will prevail in this hour.
Click on the link below to watch the full video.
“Strong’s Hebrew: 4689. מָצוֹק (matsoq) -- anguish, straits, stress, confinement.” Bible Hub, https://biblehub.com/hebrew/4689.htm. Accessed 7 August 2024.
“Strong’s Hebrew: 4751. מָר (mar or marah) -- bitter, weep bitterly, bitter of soul.” Bible Hub, https://biblehub.com/hebrew/4751.htm. Accessed 7 August 2024.
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