ADULLAM, a Canaanite city (Gen. xxxviii. 2), fortified by Rehoboam (2 Chron. xi. 7), and still a pldce of importance at the time of the Maccabees (2 Mac. xii. 38). Its chief interest lies in its connection with David who took refuge in its stronghold ("Cave" is a scribal error) on two occasions (I Sam. xxii. 1; 2 Sam. v. 17). A site on the eastern edge of the Shephelah in the neighbourhood of Socoh (Shuweikah) seems to be indicated. Conjectural identifications are (I) Khareitun, south-east of Bethlehem, which has a large cave but nothing else to commend it. (2) Deir ed-Dibban, some 6m. east of Shuweikah, where there are caves and (3) Aid el-Ma', south of Shuweikah and at no great distance from it. The last identification is the one most favoured. The name, which appears to represent an Arabic re construction of Adullam, the position and the physical character istics of the site support it. In modern political history the term "Cave of Adullam" was applied by John Bright to certain Liberals who seceded from their party to oppose the Reform Bill of 1866. But the expression had been used earlier by President Lincoln (1864). From the same usage is derived the shorter political term "Cave" for any body of men who secede from their party on some special subject.
See Clermont Gannean, Pal. Expl. Fund Quart. Statement, 177 (1875) ; G. A. Smith, Hist. Geography of the Holy Land, 229f (Iwo).