And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men.
And every one that was in distress ... gathered themselves unto him - (see the note at Judges 11:3.) While lurking in the caverns of those rocky fastnesses, they were on the confines of extensive pasture lands, over which were spread the vast flocks of the neighbouring proprietors. David rendered useful service in protecting these from the Bedouins of the desert, and in return received from the shepherds supplies of food, as well as seasonable intelligence of the movements of the roving government spies sent to search for them (see the note at 1 Samuel 25:8-9). It is evident from the respect which he inculcated upon his followers for the rights of property and for the person of Saul, that he meditated neither treason against the king nor rebellion against his government. Similar associations exist in the same localities at the present day-a motley crew of desperate men from all parts of the country: some wild and marauding outlaws, others tolerated by the governments, and empowered to keep the desert tribes in check (see Robinson's 'Biblical Researches,' 2:, p. 200; Drew's 'Scripture Lands,' p. 121; Rogers' 'Domestic Life,' p., 179; Wolff, 'Missionary Labours and Researches,' p. 507).