2 Samuel 21:15

KJV

¶ Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover the Philistines {H6430} had yet war {H4421} again with Israel {H3478}; and David {H1732} went down {H3381}, and his servants {H5650} with him, and fought {H3898} against the Philistines {H6430}: and David {H1732} waxed faint {H5774}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Once again the P'lishtim made war on Isra'el. David went down with his servants and fought against the P'lishtim, but David began to get tired.

Berean Standard Bible

Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines; but David became exhausted.

American Standard Version

And the Philistines had war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines. And David waxed faint;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 21:15 introduces a pivotal moment in the latter part of King David's reign, marking a renewed conflict with the Philistines that unexpectedly reveals the aging monarch's physical vulnerability. This verse sets the stage for a series of encounters that highlight not only the persistent external threats to Israel but also the shifting dynamics of leadership, as David's reliance on his loyal "mighty men" becomes increasingly evident. It subtly underscores the human limitations even of God's chosen leaders, preparing the reader for a narrative where divine providence works through the faithfulness of David's community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a distinct literary unit (2 Samuel 21:15-22) that serves as an appendix to the main narrative of David's reign, following the detailed accounts of his triumphs, failures, and the succession struggles within his family. While chapters 9-20 focus on the internal turmoil and political intrigue, this section shifts back to external conflicts, specifically with the Philistines. It provides a series of vignettes detailing the exploits of David's mighty men, effectively showcasing their valor and loyalty, particularly in light of David's declining physical prowess. The placement of this appendix, after the resolution of Absalom's rebellion and before David's final words and the account of his mighty men in [2 Samuel 23](/2_samuel/23 "2 Samuel 23 - David's Last Words and Mighty Men"), subtly prepares the reader for the transition of power and the eventual end of David's reign. It underscores that even in his twilight years, the struggle for Israel's security remained, and David, though still leading, was no longer the invincible warrior of his youth, as seen in his early victory over [Goliath](/1_samuel/17-49 "1 Samuel 17:49 - David Slays Goliath").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a formidable "Sea Peoples" group who settled along the southwestern coast of Canaan (e.g., Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Gath, Ekron) around the 12th century BCE. They were technologically advanced, possessing iron weaponry, which gave them a significant military advantage over the Israelites, who were still largely in the Bronze Age. Their presence represented a constant threat to Israelite expansion and security, particularly in the fertile Shephelah region. Throughout the period of the Judges and the early monarchy, the Philistines were Israel's primary adversaries, often oppressing them and even capturing the Ark of the Covenant (as detailed in [1 Samuel 4](/1_samuel/4 "1 Samuel 4 - The Ark Captured")). David's reign saw significant victories against them, establishing Israel's dominance (e.g., [2 Samuel 5:17-25](/2_samuel/5-17 "2 Samuel 5:17-25 - David Defeats the Philistines")). However, this verse indicates that despite past victories, the Philistine threat was not entirely eradicated, necessitating ongoing vigilance. Culturally, kings were expected to lead their armies into battle, a role David consistently fulfilled, making his physical weakening in this context particularly poignant and a potential source of vulnerability for the nation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and reinforces several key themes within the broader narrative of 2 Samuel and the Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it highlights the **persistence of conflict** and the ongoing struggle for the Promised Land. Even under a divinely appointed king like David, peace was not absolute, and vigilance against external threats remained crucial. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates **David's aging and human vulnerability**. The mighty warrior, renowned for his strength and courage, is shown to be susceptible to the physical toll of age and warfare, challenging the idealized image of the heroic king. This theme subtly prepares the reader for the eventual need for succession and the transition of leadership. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the **importance of communal support and loyalty**. David's "servants" are present with him, foreshadowing their crucial role in protecting him, emphasizing that even the greatest leaders are reliant on the strength and faithfulness of their community. This reliance on others, rather than solely on individual might, points to God's work through His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **War (Hebrew, _milchāmāh'_):** This term signifies not just a single battle but often an ongoing state of armed conflict or campaigning. The repetition "had yet war again" (literally "there was again war") emphasizes the persistent, cyclical nature of the Philistine threat, suggesting that despite previous victories, the conflict was never fully resolved and continued to plague Israel. It underscores the reality that peace in the ancient Near East was often tenuous and hard-won.
* **Waxed faint (Hebrew, _ya'aph'_):** This verb conveys a profound sense of weariness, exhaustion, or being utterly spent. It's more than just being tired; it implies a deep physical fatigue that borders on collapse or fainting. This word choice is critical, as it starkly contrasts with David's earlier portrayals as a vigorous, indefatigable warrior (e.g., [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath")). It signals a significant shift in David's physical capabilities, highlighting the toll of age and years of relentless warfare, and setting the stage for his men to intervene.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel;":** This opening clause immediately re-establishes the long-standing enmity between Israel and the Philistines, signaling a renewed phase of conflict. The adverb "again" emphasizes the recurring nature of this threat, reminding the reader that despite David's past victories, the Philistines remained a formidable and persistent adversary, necessitating continued vigilance and military engagement.
* **"and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines:":** This describes David's continued leadership in battle, even in his later years. The phrase "went down" often implies descending from the central highlands of Israel to the lower plains where the Philistines resided. The inclusion of "his servants with him" is crucial, indicating that David was not alone but accompanied by his loyal retinue, foreshadowing their vital role in the ensuing events. This detail highlights both David's enduring commitment to his people's defense and his increasing reliance on his trusted companions.
* **"and David waxed faint.":** This is the climactic and most significant part of the verse. It reveals David's unexpected physical weakness in the midst of battle. The KJV's "waxed faint" vividly portrays a sudden and profound exhaustion, a near collapse. This detail is a stark departure from the invincible warrior image of David's youth and serves as a poignant reminder of human mortality and the physical toll of a life dedicated to warfare. It directly sets up the subsequent narrative where David's life is saved by one of his mighty men, underscoring his vulnerability and the critical need for his loyal support system.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the stark contrast between David's past reputation as an invincible warrior (e.g., his defeat of Goliath in [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath")) and his present moment of physical weakness. This creates a sense of **Realism**, portraying the aging process and the cumulative effects of a life of warfare, making David a more relatable and human figure. The phrase "David waxed faint" serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the subsequent events in [2 Samuel 21:16-17](/2_samuel/21-16 "2 Samuel 21:16-17 - Ishbi-Benob Attacks David"), where his life is endangered and he must be rescued, thereby emphasizing the growing importance of his "mighty men" and the eventual need for a successor. There is also a subtle **Irony** in the great king, who once single-handedly faced giants, now being overcome by mere exhaustion, highlighting the limits of even the most powerful human strength.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the theological truth that even the most divinely appointed and gifted leaders are ultimately human and subject to limitations. David, God's chosen king, experiences the debilitating effects of age and sustained conflict, reminding us that no human being, regardless of their past triumphs or anointing, is exempt from physical vulnerability. This vulnerability, however, is not a sign of God's abandonment but rather an opportunity for His faithfulness to be demonstrated through the community. It underscores the biblical theme of reliance, not on human strength alone, but on God's provision, often mediated through the support and loyalty of others. The persistent Philistine threat also speaks to the ongoing spiritual warfare faced by God's people, where victories are often followed by new challenges, necessitating continuous dependence on divine strength and communal solidarity.

* [Psalm 37:23-24](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23-24 - The Steps of a Good Man")
* [Isaiah 40:29-31](/isaiah/40-29 "Isaiah 40:29-31 - He Gives Power to the Faint")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Power in Weakness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Samuel 21:15 offers a profound lesson on the reality of human limitations, even for those whom God has mightily used. David, the legendary warrior, finds himself physically diminished, a poignant reminder that strength and vigor are temporal. This should encourage us to cultivate humility, recognizing that our own abilities and energy are finite. It calls us to acknowledge our vulnerabilities and to understand that true strength often lies not in self-sufficiency, but in a willingness to rely on God and to accept the support of our community. Just as David’s servants stepped in to protect him, we are called both to offer support to those who are weary and to graciously receive help when we ourselves "wax faint." In a world that often glorifies unceasing productivity and self-reliance, this verse provides a vital counter-narrative, affirming the value of rest, the necessity of interdependence, and the enduring presence of God even in our moments of weakness. It reminds us that our perseverance in the face of ongoing challenges is not solely dependent on our individual might, but on the collective strength of the body of Christ and the sustaining power of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently "waxing faint," and how might God be inviting you to acknowledge your limitations and seek support?**
* **How does David's vulnerability challenge your own perceptions of leadership and strength, both in yourself and in others?**
* **What practical steps can you take to better support those in your community who are experiencing weariness or weakness?**

### FAQ
**Why was David, an aging king, still leading in battle?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, it was customary and expected for kings to lead their armies into battle. This was a demonstration of their courage, their commitment to their people, and their divine anointing. David, throughout his reign, consistently fulfilled this role, from his early days as a warrior (e.g., [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath")) to his later years. Even as he aged, his sense of duty and his personal bravery compelled him to continue to fight for Israel's security. However, this verse marks a turning point, as his physical decline during this battle leads his men to insist that he no longer go out with them to war (as seen in [2 Samuel 21:17](/2_samuel/21-17 "2 Samuel 21:17 - David's Men Protect Him")), recognizing the risk to the kingdom if their king were to fall.

**Who were these Philistines, and why were they still a threat?**

Answer: The Philistines were a powerful, non-Semitic people who had settled along the southwestern coast of Canaan (modern-day Gaza Strip and surrounding areas) around the 12th century BCE. They were a formidable military power, known for their iron weaponry, which gave them an advantage over the Israelites. They had been Israel's primary adversaries since the time of the Judges (e.g., Samson in [Judges 16](/judges/16 "Judges 16 - Samson and Delilah")) and the early monarchy (e.g., Saul's death in [1 Samuel 31](/1_samuel/31 "1 Samuel 31 - The Death of Saul")). While David had achieved significant victories against them earlier in his reign, breaking their dominance (e.g., [2 Samuel 5:17-25](/2_samuel/5-17 "2 Samuel 5:17-25 - David Defeats the Philistines")), this verse indicates that the threat was not entirely eradicated. Pockets of Philistine resistance and ongoing border skirmishes continued, demonstrating that even after major military successes, securing the land of Israel required persistent vigilance and ongoing conflict.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's sudden weakness in battle, "waxing faint," serves as a poignant reminder of the ultimate limitations of even the greatest human king. While David was God's anointed, a man after God's own heart, his physical vulnerability underscores the need for a perfect, eternal King who would never grow weary or faint. This foreshadows Jesus Christ, the true Son of David, who is not merely a human warrior but the divine Son of God. Unlike David, who eventually succumbed to the effects of age and physical exhaustion, Jesus, though he experienced human weakness and fatigue (e.g., [John 4:6](/john/4-6 "John 4:6 - Jesus Weary at the Well")), ultimately conquered death and weakness through his resurrection. He is the King who went to battle against sin and death, not with a sword, but through self-sacrifice on the cross, triumphing definitively (as described in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). His strength is inexhaustible, and his reign is eternal, ensuring that his people will never be left vulnerable by a fading monarch. He is the one who "does not faint or grow weary" ([Isaiah 40:28](/isaiah/40-28 "Isaiah 40:28 - God Never Faints")), and through whom we, too, can find strength when we are weak ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 14:10

And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while [the children of] Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I [am] this day fourscore and five years old.

Joshua 14:11

As yet I [am as] strong this day as [I was] in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength [was] then, even so [is] my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.

1 Chronicles 20:4

¶ And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, [that was] of the children of the giant: and they were subdued.

2 Samuel 5:22

And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

Psalms 71:9

Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.

Ecclesiastes 12:3

In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened,

2 Samuel 5:25

And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.