1 Samuel 24:2
Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats. Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.
The search for David and his men took place upon the rocks near Engedi. Saul chose three thousand chosen men out of all Israel to seek them, throwing his royal power and a large force into the pursuit. David had only six hundred men with him, so Saul's army greatly outnumbered him. The seeking belongs to Saul's continued pursuit of David set forth in 1 Samuel 23-27, coming after the slaughter of the priests and Abiathar's escape to David. In that pursuit a monarch determined to keep his power was set against a shepherd who trusted God's promise of the throne.