David pretended to be mad among the Philistines and escaped. As he came to the cave of Adullam, many people who were in distress, in debt, and in discontent gathered to David. (I Samuel 22:1-2) What should David do with them? He trained them to become a formidable army. There are some insights into the curriculum for the training. (Psalm 34: 11-22)
Children: David accepted them as his children. He loved, cared, protected, taught, and trained like a father.
Fear of God: To become a warrior and shape an army, David trained his men in the fear of God. He knew that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10)
Desire life: David taught them to seek the Lord, know God, and do what is right in the sight of God, which is obedience.
Words: The followers of David should not speak evil and should not use their lips to lie and deceive.
Good and Peace: David taught them to depart from evil and do good. Though he trained them to be warriors, he also taught them to think in terms of peace and pursue it.
Watchful eye: David trained to live under the watchful eye of the Lord. The eyes of the Lord watch over the righteous, his ears hear their prayers, and the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.
Contrite spirit and broken-hearted: Those who were in debt, distress, and discontent were obviously broken-hearted and contrite in spirit. They are objects of God’s favour and salvation.
Righteous suffer: David prepared his men to suffer for a righteous cause. There would be more afflictions and more deliverances, too. The Lord delivers them from all troubles.
Lord protects: God protects the Son meticulously. Not one bone was broken is a Messianic prophecy, as the Lord’s bones were not broken. (John 19:36)
Condemnation: Evil will slay the wicked, and so would be the end of those who hate the righteous. None who trusts the Lord will be condemned, which Paul affirms. (Romans 8:1)
Do I have this kind of training?