TRV
Translation
King James Version
And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
David was then in the stronghold; and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Dauid was then in an holde, and the garison of ye Philistims was then in Beth-lehem.
Young's Literal Translation
and David is then in a fortress, and the station of the Philistines is then in Beth-Lehem,
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Study This Verse
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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Ambrose of MilanAD 397
On Jacob and the Blessed Life 1.1.4
Finally, whom among men shall we consider better and stronger than the holy David, who could not take for himself the water he desired from the Bethlehem lake, which was cut off by the enemy army, but could he mitigate it? For we cannot find that it was lacking for others. That is, with so great a number of soldiers, when he certainly could have had much less water shortage than the king from other sources; having endured a certain irrational desire, he desired that water which was surrounded by the enemy's fortification, from which it could not easily be brought without great danger. Therefore he said, 'Who will give me a drink from the well that is in Bethlehem at the gate?' And when the three men were found who had cut through the enemy's camp and brought the water that he had desired so eagerly, knowing that the same water had been obtained at the risk of others' lives, he poured it out to the Lord, so that it would not seem that he was drinking the blood of those who had brought it. This incident shows that desire indeed comes before reason, but reason resists desire. Therefore, David underwent suffering so that he might desire irrationally. But that is praiseworthy, which he wisely thwarted with a rational remedy. While I praise men who blushed at the desire for their king and preferred to bring an end to their own modesty or the danger to their own safety, I praise him even more who blushed at his own desire and purchased the blood of a dubious fate with a worthy price, as if he poured out water to the Lord with his victorious desire restrained, so as to show that he could restrain his desire with the comforting word.
John CassianAD 435
INSTITUTES 8.8
And certainly when we are disturbed at this very anger because it has stolen upon us against our brother, and we angrily cast out its deadly suggestions and do not permit it to maintain its noxious lair in the recesses of our heart. To be angry in this latter way is also taught us by that prophet who so eradicated this from his mind that he did not even want to take revenge on his own enemies, who had in fact been handed over to him by God, when he said, “Be angry and do not sin.” For when he wanted water from a well in Bethlehem and had been brought it by strong men from the midst of enemy troops, he at once poured it out on the ground and, angrily extinguishing his wanton and passionate desire in this way, he offered it as a libation to the Lord, rejecting his yearning and desire with the words “May the Lord be gracious to me, lest I do this. Shall I drink the blood of those men who went out and the danger of their souls?”
Leander of SevilleAD 601
THE TRAINING OF NUNS 13
A fish is caught by being enticed with a hook. A bird falls into a net while trying to get food. Animals that are tough by nature’s endowment fall into a pit from desire to eat, and what nature does not soften, food deceives. Therefore, learn temperance and parsimony from the prayer and the examples of ancients: from prayer, because the Lord says, “Lest your hearts be overburdened with self-indulgence and drunkenness”; from examples, because David was unwilling to drink the water he wanted, since he recognized the danger of being responsible for another’s blood; and because Daniel scorned the feasts of kings and lived on vegetables. What you possess in common with your companions should be acceptable to you and you should not cause others to be intemperate; also, do not become a cause for scandal to those to whom you wish to set an example by encouragement and by proof of a good life.
Gregory the DialogistAD 604
FORTY GOSPEL HOMILIES 34
Much later, David was sitting opposite the enemy lines and desired longingly to drink from the cistern. Chosen soldiers of his broke through the enemy troops and returned unharmed with the water the king had desired. But the man who had been taught by his chastisements immediately reproached himself for having endangered his soldiers by his desire for water. He poured it out, making a libation to the Lord, as it is written there: “He poured it out to the Lord.” The water he poured out was changed into a sacrifice to the Lord, because he slaughtered his sin of eager desire by the penance of self-censure. The man who had once been unafraid to lust after another man’s wife was later terrified at having desired water. Since he remembered he had committed something forbidden, he was strict with himself and refrained even from what was allowed.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
This verse precisely frames the immediate military and geographical context for one of David's most poignant and celebrated acts of leadership, detailing his strategic position within a fortified "hold" while his ancestral hometown of Bethlehem remained under the oppressive control of a Philistine garrison. It masterfully establishes the tense backdrop of ongoing conflict, highlighting the precariousness of Israel's situation and serving as a crucial prelude to the extraordinary demonstration of loyalty and devotion by David's mighty men that immediately follows.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: 2 Samuel 23:14 is strategically placed within an appendix to the book of 2 Samuel, specifically as part of the esteemed list of David's "mighty men" (2 Samuel 23:8-39). This section immediately follows David's "last words" (2 Samuel 23:1-7), which offer a profound reflection on his reign and the enduring nature of God's covenant with him. The detailed accounts of these elite warriors serve not merely as a roster but as vivid illustrations of the character, courage, and unwavering loyalty of those who served David, underscoring the deep devotion he inspired. Verse 14 provides the indispensable setting for the heroic deed recounted in the subsequent verses (2 Samuel 23:15-17), where three of these formidable men risk their lives to fulfill David's casual longing for water from the well of Bethlehem. It thus transitions from a general enumeration of warriors to a specific, compelling narrative that powerfully demonstrates their unparalleled commitment.
Historical & Cultural Context: The era of David's reign was perpetually marked by persistent and often brutal conflict with the Philistines, a formidable and technologically superior enemy who consistently encroached upon Israelite territory. Originating from the Aegean region, the Philistines had firmly established a robust presence along the coastal plain and frequently sought to expand their dominion inland. Their occupation of Bethlehem, David's ancestral home, as noted in the account of David's family in 1 Samuel 17:12, vividly underscored the pervasive extent of their threat and the critical strategic importance of various towns. David's presence "in an hold" (a fortified position or stronghold) was a common military necessity in an age defined by constant warfare, providing a vital defensive refuge or a crucial base for launching operations against the enemy. This context paints a picture of a nation perpetually on guard, with its king often leading from the front lines.
Key Themes: This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of 2 Samuel and the broader Deuteronomistic History. It vividly portrays the theme of military tension and occupation, showcasing the relentless struggle between Israel and its adversaries, particularly the Philistines, who continually challenged Israelite sovereignty and security. The explicit mention of specific locations like David's "hold" and Bethlehem underscores the strategic importance of geography in ancient warfare, where control of key topographical points was absolutely vital for defense and offense. Most profoundly, this verse functions as a powerful foreshadowing of loyalty and sacrifice. It meticulously sets the stage for the remarkable act of devotion by David's mighty men, who, in response to David's seemingly casual longing for water, demonstrate an extraordinary willingness to risk their very lives. This act, detailed in 2 Samuel 23:15-17, highlights the profound bonds of camaraderie and commitment forged in shared adversity, a recurring and powerful motif in narratives concerning David and his devoted followers.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its meaning with precision and to powerfully set the scene for the subsequent narrative. The primary device is Setting, which immediately establishes the crucial geographical and military context, placing David in a "hold" and the Philistines in Bethlehem. This stark juxtaposition between David's strategic refuge and the enemy's occupation of his hometown creates a palpable sense of tension and ongoing conflict. Furthermore, the verse functions as crucial Foreshadowing, meticulously preparing the reader for the extraordinary act of loyalty and self-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 and courage. Finally, there is a clear Juxtaposition between David's precarious position and the Philistine presence in Bethlehem, highlighting the dire military situation and the deep personal cost of the conflict for the king. This contrast underscores the relentless struggle for control of the land and the emotional weight of the enemy's presence in such a historically and personally significant place.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 23:14, though concise in its wording, carries significant theological and thematic weight, illustrating the persistent reality of conflict and occupation in the life of God's people and the profound human responses it evokes. It implicitly underscores the theme of divine sovereignty operating amidst human struggle, as even in times of strategic disadvantage and territorial occupation, God's overarching purposes for David and the nation of Israel continued to unfold. The verse also subtly highlights the inherent cost of leadership, as David, the anointed king, is found not in comfort or security but in a military stronghold, personally bearing the weighty burden of his nation's defense. Most profoundly, it serves as a crucial setup 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 and devotion owed to God.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly simple verse offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers. David's position "in an hold" while his beloved Bethlehem is occupied by the enemy vividly portrays the ongoing reality of spiritual warfare in our own lives. We, as believers, are often called to operate from a spiritual "stronghold"—our secure identity in Christ, the unwavering security of God's promises, and the strengthening fellowship of the church—while simultaneously recognizing that "garrisons" of sin, insidious worldly ideologies, or relentless spiritual opposition may occupy areas of our lives, our communities, or our culture that are deeply significant to us. This verse challenges us to acknowledge the ongoing spiritual battle and to prayerfully discern where the "enemy" has established a foothold. Just as David's longing for water from his occupied hometown prompted an extraordinary and self-sacrificial response from his loyal men, our own deep longings for spiritual freedom, for justice, or for revival in "occupied territories" can serve as catalysts for profound acts of faith, courage, and self-sacrificial service. It powerfully reminds us that even in the most precarious and challenging circumstances, God can use our heartfelt desires and the loyal commitment of His people to accomplish His sovereign purposes, demonstrating that true faithfulness and devotion often shine brightest in the face of adversity and opposition.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Bethlehem specifically mentioned as being under Philistine control?
Answer: Bethlehem is specifically mentioned because it was David's ancestral hometown, the very place where he was born and where his family resided. Its occupation by the Philistines made the situation deeply personal and emotionally resonant for David. This crucial detail sets the emotional and narrative stage for the subsequent account in 2 Samuel 23:15, 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 and heritage.
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 serving as a defensive refuge or a crucial base of operations during a period of active conflict with the Philistines. It indicates that he was not in the comfort and security 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 precarious and challenging nature of the times during his reign.
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, formidable, and deeply symbolic 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 entrenched presence in Bethlehem, a town of immense spiritual and historical significance to Israel and David's lineage, underscored the profound depth of the challenge facing David's nascent kingdom. It was a constant reminder of the unfinished business of fully possessing the promised land.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 23:14, with its poignant depiction of King David in a strategic "hold" and his beloved Bethlehem under Philistine occupation, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, and His redemptive 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 vividly described in Ephesians 2:1-3. Jesus, the true Son of David, was indeed born in Bethlehem, as prophesied in Micah 5:2 and meticulously fulfilled in Matthew 2:1-6. This town, once under earthly occupation, is now forever marked as the birthplace of the heavenly King. Unlike David, who was in an earthly "hold" of military defense, Jesus came not from a place of military power but from humble origins, yet He is our ultimate refuge and spiritual stronghold, as declared in Psalm 18:2 and affirmed in Hebrews 6:18. His "thirst" on the cross, recorded in John 19:28, was not merely for physical water but for the complete redemption of humanity—a profound spiritual thirst fulfilled by His sacrificial death. Through this ultimate act, He offers the "living water" found in John 4:10-14 and John 7:37-38, which eternally satisfies the soul and cleanses the "occupied territory" of our hearts from sin. 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," as He states in John 15:13, thereby conquering the spiritual "garrison" of sin and death and reclaiming humanity for God's eternal kingdom.