During the concluding years of Saul's reign, his enmity toward David had become increasingly bitter. Hence the son of Jesse fled into the wilderness, gathering around him at the cave of Adullam, near the borders of Philistia, a band of men who had been forced to live the life of outlaws. He soon appeared as undisputed leader of four hundred staunch supporters (see I Sam. 22:1, 2).
As his defiance of the reigning monarch put his family at Bethlehem in a dangerous position, he placed his parents under the protection of the king of Moab, a wise step and a logical one, in view of the fact that his great grandmother, Ruth, was a Moabitess (see verses 3, 4).
Various aspects of David's experiences in the wilderness throw light upon his character. Although Saul was making every effort to arrest him, David ignored his personal danger, going promptly and boldly to the aid of his friends at Keilah, a Judean town now facing a savage attack by the Philistines. David's courage and leadership of his men turned the tide of battle in favor of Keilah, and the Philistines were defeated (see 23:1-5).
