I Samuel 22-23

"And everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented, gathered to him" (22:2). Though David himself had not plotted against King Saul and was legitimately running for his life, the men who gathered around him weren't all so innocent. These men probably admired David, but they also had reason to dislike King Saul. David needed warriors; he accepted them all. Then they confessed, "We are afraid here in Judah," (23:3) - how could they defeat anyone?

But David "inquired of the Lord" (v4). With God's help, this disreputable band of men became mighty warriors.