2 Samuel 23:14

KJV

And David [was] then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines [was] then [in] Bethlehem.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} was then in an hold {H4686}, and the garrison {H4673} of the Philistines {H6430} was then in Bethlehem {H1035}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse succinctly sets the immediate military and geographical context for one of David's most poignant moments, detailing his strategic position in a fortified "hold" while his ancestral hometown of Bethlehem was under the oppressive control of a Philistine garrison. It establishes the tense backdrop of ongoing conflict, highlighting the precariousness of Israel's situation and foreshadowing the extraordinary act of loyalty and devotion by David's mighty men that immediately follows.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Samuel 23:14 is nestled within an appendix to the book of 2 Samuel, specifically within the list of David's "mighty men" (2 Samuel 23:8-39). This section follows David's "last words" (2 Samuel 23:1-7), which reflect on his reign and God's covenant with him. The detailed account of the mighty men serves to illustrate the character of those who served David and the deep loyalty he inspired. Verse 14 provides the crucial setting for the heroic deed recounted in the subsequent verses (2 Samuel 23:15-17), where three of these men risk their lives to bring David water from the well of Bethlehem. It transitions from a general listing of warriors to a specific, vivid narrative demonstrating their unparalleled devotion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of David's reign was characterized by persistent conflict with the Philistines, a formidable and technologically superior enemy who frequently encroached upon Israelite territory. The Philistines, originating from the Aegean region, had established a strong presence along the coastal plain and often sought to expand their control inland. Their occupation of Bethlehem, David's ancestral home (as noted in [1 Samuel 17:12](/1_samuel/17-12 "1 Samuel 17:12 - David's Family in Bethlehem")), underscored the extent of their threat and the strategic importance of various towns. David's presence "in an hold" (a fortified position or stronghold) was a common military necessity in an era of constant warfare, providing a defensive refuge or a base for operations against the enemy.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within the book of 2 Samuel and the broader Deuteronomistic History. It vividly portrays the theme of **military tension and occupation**, showcasing the ongoing struggle between Israel and its enemies, particularly the Philistines, who frequently challenged Israelite sovereignty. The mention of specific locations like David's "hold" and Bethlehem emphasizes the **strategic importance of geography** in ancient warfare, where control of key points was vital. Most significantly, this verse serves as a powerful **foreshadowing of loyalty and sacrifice**. It sets the stage for the remarkable act of devotion by David's mighty men, who, in response to David's casual longing for water, demonstrate an extraordinary willingness to risk their lives. This act, detailed in [2 Samuel 23:15-17](/2_samuel/23-15 "2 Samuel 23:15-17 - David's Mighty Men Fetch Water"), highlights the profound bonds of camaraderie and commitment forged in shared adversity, a recurring motif in narratives about David and his followers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hold (Hebrew, _mĕtsudāh'_):** This term refers to a fortress, stronghold, or fortified place. In the Old Testament, it often denotes a place of refuge and defense, frequently associated with David's periods of flight and gathering of forces, such as the [cave of Adullam](/1_samuel/22-1 "1 Samuel 22:1 - David's Refuge in Adullam"). Here, it signifies David's strategic, yet potentially isolated, military position, indicating a time of active engagement or defensive posture against the Philistines.
* **Garrison (Hebrew, _nĕtsîb'_):** This word denotes a military post, an appointed officer, or a permanent military presence. Its use in this context clearly indicates the Philistines' firm and oppressive control over Bethlehem. A "garrison" implies an established, occupying force, signifying not merely a temporary raid but a sustained presence that challenged Israelite sovereignty and freedom of movement.
* **Bethlehem (Hebrew, _bêṯ-leḥem'_):** Meaning "House of Bread," Bethlehem was David's ancestral hometown, the place where he was anointed king (as seen in [1 Samuel 16:1-13](/1_samuel/16-1 "1 Samuel 16:1-13 - Samuel Anoints David")). Its occupation by the Philistine garrison makes the situation particularly poignant for David, as his personal heritage is directly under enemy control, setting the emotional stage for his subsequent longing for water from its well.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David [was] then in an hold":** This clause establishes David's immediate location and strategic situation. He is not in his capital city, Jerusalem, but in a fortified military position, suggesting a time of active conflict, strategic withdrawal, or a base of operations against the Philistines. This highlights David's role as a warrior-king, personally involved in the ongoing struggle for Israel's freedom.
* **"and the garrison of the Philistines [was] then [in] Bethlehem":** This second clause provides the crucial counterpoint to David's position, revealing the enemy's presence in a highly significant location. The Philistine "garrison" signifies their firm, oppressive control over Bethlehem, a town deeply personal to David as his birthplace and ancestral home. This detail creates a vivid picture of the Philistine encroachment and the constant threat faced by Israel, directly setting up the narrative of David's longing for water from his occupied hometown.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and set the scene. The primary device is **Setting**, which immediately establishes the geographical and military context, placing David in a "hold" and the Philistines in Bethlehem. This stark contrast between David's strategic refuge and the enemy's occupation of his hometown creates a palpable sense of tension and conflict. Furthermore, the verse functions as crucial **Foreshadowing**, preparing the reader for the extraordinary act of loyalty and sacrifice that immediately follows (2 Samuel 23:15-17). The seemingly simple statement about locations becomes the essential exposition for a profound narrative of devotion. Finally, there is a clear **Juxtaposition** between David's position and the Philistine presence in Bethlehem, highlighting the precarious military situation and the personal cost of the conflict for the king. This contrast underscores the ongoing struggle for control of the land and the emotional weight of the enemy's presence in such a significant place.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 23:14, though brief, carries significant theological and thematic weight, illustrating the persistent reality of conflict in the life of God's people and the human responses it evokes. It underscores the theme of divine sovereignty operating amidst human struggle, as even in times of occupation and strategic disadvantage, God's purposes for David and Israel continued to unfold. The verse also implicitly highlights the cost of leadership, as David, the anointed king, is found not in comfort but in a military stronghold, bearing the burden of his nation's defense. Most profoundly, it sets the stage for a powerful demonstration of loyalty and self-sacrifice, reflecting the deep bonds that can form within a community united by a common cause, ultimately pointing to the greater loyalty owed to God.

* [1 Samuel 17:12](/1_samuel/17-12 "1 Samuel 17:12 - David's Family in Bethlehem")
* [1 Samuel 22:1-2](/1_samuel/22-1 "1 Samuel 22:1-2 - David Flees to Adullam")
* [2 Samuel 23:15-17](/2_samuel/23-15 "2 Samuel 23:15-17 - The Mighty Men's Deed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly simple verse offers profound insights for contemporary believers. David's position "in an hold" while his beloved Bethlehem is occupied by the enemy vividly portrays the reality of spiritual warfare. We, as believers, are often called to operate from a spiritual "stronghold"—our identity in Christ, the security of God's promises, and the fellowship of the church—while recognizing that "garrisons" of sin, worldly ideologies, or spiritual opposition may occupy areas of our lives, communities, or culture that are deeply significant to us. This verse challenges us to acknowledge the ongoing battle and to discern where the "enemy" has established a foothold. Just as David's longing for water from his occupied hometown prompted an extraordinary response from his loyal men, our own deep longings for spiritual freedom, justice, or revival in "occupied territories" can be catalysts for profound acts of faith, courage, and self-sacrificial service. It reminds us that even in precarious circumstances, God can use our desires and the loyalty of His people to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating that true faithfulness often shines brightest in the face of adversity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's strategic position in a "hold" resonate with the spiritual "strongholds" or places of refuge we might find ourselves in as believers?**
* **What "Bethlehems"—places of personal significance, spiritual heritage, or cultural importance—might feel "occupied" by opposing forces in your life or community today?**
* **What seemingly small longings or challenging circumstances might God be using to prompt acts of extraordinary loyalty and sacrifice from you or your spiritual community?**

### FAQ
**Why is Bethlehem specifically mentioned as being under Philistine control?**
Answer: Bethlehem is mentioned because it was David's ancestral hometown, the place where he was born and where his family resided. Its occupation by the Philistines made the situation deeply personal for David. This detail sets the emotional and narrative stage for the subsequent account in [2 Samuel 23:15](/2_samuel/23-15 "2 Samuel 23:15 - David's Thirst for Bethlehem's Water"), where David expresses a casual, yet profound, longing for water from the well of his youth, which was then behind enemy lines. This personal connection elevates the heroic act of his mighty men from a mere military feat to a powerful demonstration of loyalty born from understanding their leader's heart.

**What does David being "in an hold" signify about his situation?**
Answer: David being "in an hold" (a stronghold or fortified position) signifies that he was in a strategic military location, likely a defensive refuge or a base of operations during a period of active conflict with the Philistines. It indicates that he was not in the comfort of his palace but was actively engaged in the ongoing struggle for Israel's security and sovereignty. This highlights his role as a warrior-king, personally involved in the defense of his nation, and underscores the precariousness of the times.

**What was the broader significance of the Philistines' presence in Israelite territory?**
Answer: The Philistines' presence, particularly their garrisons in key Israelite towns like Bethlehem, represented a constant and formidable threat to Israelite sovereignty and freedom. They were a powerful, technologically advanced enemy who frequently challenged Israel's control over its own land. Their occupation symbolized the ongoing struggle for national identity and security, and their presence in Bethlehem, a town of immense spiritual and historical significance to Israel, underscored the depth of the challenge facing David's kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 23:14, with its depiction of David in a strategic "hold" and Bethlehem under Philistine occupation, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, and His mission. Just as David longed for water from his occupied hometown, so too does Christ long for humanity, His "hometown" in a spiritual sense, which has been occupied by the "garrison" of sin and spiritual darkness (as described in [Ephesians 2:1-3](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1-3 - Dead in Sins")). Jesus, the true Son of David, was born in Bethlehem (as prophesied in [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Bethlehem, Birthplace of the Ruler") and fulfilled in [Matthew 2:1-6](/matthew/2-1 "Matthew 2:1-6 - The Magi and Herod")), a town once under earthly occupation, now forever marked as the birthplace of the heavenly King. Unlike David, who was in an earthly "hold," Jesus came not from a place of military power but from humble origins, yet He is our ultimate refuge and spiritual stronghold ([Psalm 18:2](/psalm/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord My Rock and Fortress"), [Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Refuge in God's Promise")). His "thirst" on the cross ([John 19:28](/john/19-28 "John 19:28 - Jesus' Thirst on the Cross")) was not for physical water but for the redemption of humanity, a thirst fulfilled by His sacrifice, offering the "living water" ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus Offers Living Water"), [John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")) that eternally satisfies the soul and cleanses the "occupied territory" of our hearts. The extraordinary loyalty of David's mighty men, who risked their lives for a casual wish, pales in comparison to the ultimate devotion of Christ, who willingly laid down His life for His "friends" ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One")), conquering the spiritual "garrison" of sin and death and reclaiming humanity for God.

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

1 Samuel 22:4

And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold.

1 Samuel 22:5

And the prophet Gad said unto David, Abide not in the hold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hareth.

1 Samuel 13:23

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

1 Samuel 14:1

¶ Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that [is] on the other side. But he told not his father.

1 Samuel 22:1

¶ 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 24:22

And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold.

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.