1 Chronicles 11:16

And David [was] then in the hold, and the Philistines' garrison [was] then at Bethlehem.

And David {H1732} was then in the hold {H4686}, and the Philistines {H6430}' garrison {H5333} was then at Bethlehem {H1035}.

At that time David was in the fortress, and the garrison of the P'lishtim was in Beit-Lechem.

At that time David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem.

And David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Beth-lehem.

Commentary

Context

1 Chronicles 11:16 sets the immediate scene for one of the most poignant acts of loyalty in King David's reign. This verse describes David's strategic position in a "hold" or stronghold, while the Philistine army had established a garrison in Bethlehem, David's hometown. This situation occurs after David has been anointed king over all Israel (1 Chronicles 11:3) and has established Jerusalem as his capital. The Philistines were a persistent and formidable enemy of Israel, and their occupation of Bethlehem underscored the ongoing conflict and the challenges David faced in securing his kingdom. This specific historical moment directly precedes the famous incident where David expresses a longing for water from the well of Bethlehem, prompting his mighty men to undertake a perilous mission (1 Chronicles 11:17-19), a narrative also paralleled in 2 Samuel 23:15-17.

Key Themes

  • Ongoing Conflict: The verse highlights the continuous struggle between Israel and the Philistines, even under David's leadership. Peace was not yet fully established, and strategic locations like Bethlehem remained contested.
  • David's Leadership in Adversity: Though king, David was actively engaged in military campaigns, taking tactical positions in "holds" to counter enemy threats. His presence in such a stronghold indicates his direct involvement in the nation's defense.
  • Setting for Heroism: This verse serves as the critical backdrop for the extraordinary loyalty and bravery of David's mighty men. The Philistine garrison in Bethlehem made access to the well extremely dangerous, emphasizing the immense risk taken by those who brought David water.
  • Strategic Importance of Bethlehem: The fact that the Philistines occupied Bethlehem underscores its strategic value, not just as David's birthplace (1 Samuel 16:13), but as a key point in the Judean landscape.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "hold" (Hebrew: metzudah, ืžึฐืฆื•ึผื“ึธื”), which refers to a fortified place, a stronghold, or a mountain retreat. This term emphasizes David's tactical position, often a defensible location from which he could direct operations or find refuge. The word "garrison" (Hebrew: netziv, ื ึฐืฆึดื™ื‘) denotes a military post or an appointed governor, signifying an established Philistine presence and control over Bethlehem at that time. These terms paint a clear picture of military occupation and strategic positioning.

Practical Application

1 Chronicles 11:16, while brief, is rich in its implications. It reminds us that even after significant victories or promotions, challenges and adversaries persist. David, now king, still faced formidable threats. For believers today, this can be a reminder that spiritual warfare is ongoing, and we must remain vigilant and strategically positioned, relying on God's strength. Furthermore, this verse, as the prelude to the account of the mighty men, powerfully illustrates the impact of a leader's character and the profound loyalty it can inspire. It speaks to the willingness of dedicated individuals to go to extreme lengths out of devotion, a principle that can be applied to commitment in various aspects of life, including service to God and community.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 10:5

    After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where [is] the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:

  • 1 Samuel 13:4

    And all Israel heard say [that] Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and [that] Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal.

  • 1 Samuel 13:23

    And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash.

  • Psalms 142:1

    ยถ Maschil of David; A Prayer when he was in the cave. I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication.

  • 1 Samuel 22:1

    ยถ David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard [it], they went down thither to him.

  • 1 Samuel 23:25

    Saul also and his men went to seek [him]. And they told David: wherefore he came down into a rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard [that], he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon.
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