Some commentators argue that David’s actions against the Philistines would have preceded his conquest of Jerusalem since he would not have been able to press an offensive until they had been dealt with.1 As such, the stronghold in view is most likely Adullam,2 though it cannot be certain. There is, however, no real need to assume that the war with the Philistines preceded the Jerusalem conquest.3 The Valley of Rephaim was close to the city and there may have been another stronghold or fortified town nearby to which David went down. His conquest of Jerusalem would also explain the aggressive actions of the Philistines,4 but not their need to search for him.
17 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. But David heard of it and went down to the stronghold.