1 Samuel 22:2
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.
Cross-reference
1 Samuel 23:13 shows David's band has grown from 400 to 600 men, continuing the narrative of his followers.
In 1 Samuel 25:10, Nabal insults David's followers as runaway servants, reflecting the lowly origin of the men described in 22:2.
In 1 Samuel 25:15, Nabal's servants confirm that David's men, gathered in 22:2, treated them well — showing their loyalty and restraint.
In 1 Samuel 25:16, they add that David's men were a protective 'wall' — highlighting the transformation of outcasts into protectors.
In 1 Samuel 30:22-24, David's men argue over spoil, but David establishes equal share — showing his just rule over the same group.
In 1 Samuel 25:7, David references his men protecting Nabal's shepherds, showing the activity and conduct of the band from 22:2.
In 1 Samuel 30:6, David himself is 'greatly distressed' — same root word, but here it's the leader's distress, not the followers'.
In Judges 11:3, Jephthah similarly gathers 'worthless fellows' after being driven out — both leaders attract marginalized men.
In 1 Chronicles 11:15-19, David's mighty men (from the same group in 22:2) risk their lives to get water — showing their devotion.
2 Samuel 2:3 shows David's men from 22:2 settling in Hebron after his coronation, showing their lasting loyalty and transition to settled life.
In 2 Samuel 5:2, Israel recalls David's past leadership — the same David who gathered outcasts now becomes king over all.