TRV
Translation
King James Version
And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.
KJV (with Strong's)
And the three H7969 mighty men H1368 brake through H1234 the host H4264 of the Philistines H6430, and drew H7579 water H4325 out of the well H953 of Bethlehem H1035, that was by the gate H8179, and took H5375 it, and brought H935 it to David H1732: nevertheless he would H14 not drink H8354 thereof, but poured it out H5258 unto the LORD H3068.
Complete Jewish Bible
The three warrior-heroes broke through the army of the P'lishtim, drew water from the well by the gate of Beit-Lechem, took it and brought it to David. But he wouldn't drink it. Instead, he poured it out to ADONAI
Berean Standard Bible
So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the LORD,
American Standard Version
And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Beth-lehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto Jehovah.
World English Bible Messianic
The three mighty men broke through the army of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but he would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The the three mightie brake into the host of the Philistims, and drew water out of the well of Beth-lehem that was by the gate, and tooke and brought it to Dauid, who woulde not drinke thereof, but powred it for an offring vnto ye Lord,
Young's Literal Translation
And the three mighty ones cleave through the camp of the Philistines, and draw water out of the well of Beth-Lehem, which is by the gate, and take it up, and bring in unto David; and he was not willing to drink it, and poureth it out to Jehovah,
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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, Homily 34
When long afterward David sat against the battle lines of enemies, he wished from desire to drink water from the cistern of Bethlehem. His chosen soldiers, breaking through the midst of the opposing forces, brought back unharmed the water the king had desired. But the man instructed by scourges immediately reproached himself for having desired water at the peril of his soldiers, and pouring it out, he offered it to the Lord, as it is written there: He poured it out to the Lord. For the water poured out was turned into a sacrifice to the Lord, because he slew the fault of concupiscence through the penance of his self-reproach. He therefore who once did not at all fear to covet another's wife, afterward was even afraid because he had coveted water. For since he remembered having perpetrated unlawful things, now stern against himself, he abstained even from lawful things. Thus, thus do we do penance, if we perfectly bewail what we have committed.
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
2 Samuel 23:16 profoundly illustrates the extraordinary loyalty of David's elite warriors and King David's deep reverence for life and for God. When David expressed a casual longing for water from the well of Bethlehem, three of his mighty men risked their lives to break through Philistine lines to retrieve it. Upon receiving the water, David, recognizing the immense cost and potential "blood" of his men embedded within it, refused to drink it. Instead, he poured it out as a solemn offering to the Lord, consecrating the costly sacrifice to God and demonstrating a leader's profound respect for his followers' lives and a worshiper's ultimate dedication to the Divine.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated within a significant appendix to the book of 2 Samuel, specifically following "The Last Words of David" in 2 Samuel 23:1-7. Immediately after this poetic and prophetic declaration, the narrative transitions to a list of David's "mighty men" and their heroic exploits, beginning in 2 Samuel 23:8. The account of the three mighty men retrieving water for David, spanning 2 Samuel 23:13-17, serves as a vivid illustration of the unparalleled valor and devotion characteristic of these elite warriors, setting the stage for the subsequent enumeration of thirty-seven of David's most distinguished soldiers. This specific incident highlights the personal bond between David and his men, demonstrating their loyalty not just in battle, but in response to his personal desires, thereby underscoring the exceptional nature of his leadership and the men's commitment.
Historical & Cultural Context: At the time of this event, David was likely in a fortified stronghold, possibly the cave of Adullam or another strategic location, during a period of intense conflict with the Philistines. His hometown of Bethlehem, a place of deep personal significance to David (being his birthplace and the site of his anointing as king in 1 Samuel 16:1-13), was under Philistine occupation or siege. Wells, especially those by city gates, were vital sources of water and often points of strategic control, making access highly dangerous during wartime. David's casual longing for water from this specific well would have been understood by his men as a deeply personal and nostalgic desire, rather than a military command. The act of pouring out a liquid as an offering, known as a libation or drink offering, was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern worship, including Israelite tradition, signifying consecration and devotion to a deity, as seen in passages like Numbers 15:5. This cultural practice informs David's profound response.
Key Themes: The narrative of 2 Samuel 23:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Extraordinary Loyalty and Devotion, showcasing the unwavering commitment of David's mighty men, who valued their king's comfort and desire above their own safety and even their lives. Their willingness to undertake such a perilous mission for a mere cup of water exemplifies a self-sacrificial love for their leader. Secondly, David's response introduces the profound theme of the Sacredness of Life, particularly the lives of those who serve and sacrifice. By refusing to drink the water, David implicitly equates it with the "blood" or life-force of his men, recognizing its immense cost and thus its sacred nature. This resonates deeply with the Old Testament understanding of blood as symbolic of life, as articulated in Leviticus 17:11, where the life of the creature is in its blood. Finally, David's ultimate act of pouring the water out "unto the LORD" highlights the theme of Reverence and Consecration to God. It demonstrates that the most precious and costly things, especially those obtained through great sacrifice, are ultimately to be dedicated and consecrated to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and the sanctity of all life.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Samuel 23:16 employs several powerful literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. Symbolism is paramount, as the water itself transcends its physical properties to become a potent symbol of life, sacrifice, and the "blood" of the mighty men. David's refusal to drink it signifies his profound understanding that to consume it would be to disrespect the life-force expended to obtain it. There is also an element of Irony, as David's casual, wistful longing for water leads to an act of extreme heroism and sacrifice, resulting in a response from David that is the antithesis of his original desire. The narrative uses Understatement in describing the men's action; "brake through" succinctly captures an undoubtedly fierce and dangerous encounter, hinting at the unstated valor involved. Finally, the act of pouring out the water is a powerful Metaphor for consecration and worship, transforming a simple liquid into a sacred offering, highlighting the profound spiritual understanding of David's leadership and devotion.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This singular act by David and his mighty men is rich with theological significance, speaking volumes about the nature of true devotion, leadership, and worship. It highlights that genuine loyalty is willing to pay the ultimate price, and that true leadership recognizes and honors such sacrifice, valuing the lives of followers above personal comfort. David's refusal to drink the water underscores the sanctity of life, particularly the lives of those who serve and sacrifice for others. His subsequent act of pouring it out to the Lord transforms a human act of devotion into a divine offering. It teaches that the most precious and costly things in our lives—our efforts, our sacrifices, even our very lives—are ultimately to be consecrated and offered back to God, acknowledging His supreme worthiness and His ownership of all life. This act serves as a powerful reminder that our "best" is always due to God, especially when it comes at a significant personal cost.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of David and the water from Bethlehem is a timeless narrative that challenges us to consider the depth of our own loyalty, the quality of our leadership, and the sincerity of our worship. It calls us to reflect on the unseen costs behind the blessings we enjoy, often borne by the sacrifices of others. Are we quick to consume without acknowledging the price paid, or do we, like David, pause to recognize the profound value of what has been given? For leaders, this passage is a powerful call to humility and selflessness, prioritizing the well-being and lives of those under their care above personal gain or comfort, understanding that true authority is exercised in service. For every individual, it serves as a profound reminder that the most precious aspects of our lives—our gifts, our time, our very being—are best consecrated to God. When we encounter something costly, whether in effort, resources, or personal sacrifice, David's example prompts us to consider if it is something we should consume for ourselves or offer back to the Lord, acknowledging His ultimate sovereignty and the sacredness of all life.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did David not drink the water, even though he longed for it?
Answer: David refused to drink the water because he recognized the immense and life-threatening cost involved in obtaining it. His mighty men had risked their lives, breaking through a Philistine garrison, to fulfill his casual wish. David viewed the water not as a mere thirst quencher but as something akin to the "blood" or life of his men. To drink it would have been to treat their profound sacrifice lightly, to consume something obtained at such a high, potentially fatal, price. His refusal was an act of profound respect, humility, and a recognition of the sacredness of human life, particularly the lives of those who served him with such devotion.
What is the significance of David pouring the water out "unto the LORD"?
Answer: Pouring the water out "unto the LORD" was a solemn act of worship, known as a libation or drink offering. In ancient Israelite worship, libations (often of wine or oil) accompanied other sacrifices as an act of consecration to God (e.g., Numbers 15:5). By pouring out the water, David consecrated it to God, declaring it too sacred for human consumption because of the life-threatening effort involved. It was an acknowledgment that such a costly and precious gift, representing the potential "blood" of his men, belonged ultimately to God, the giver of all life. This act transformed a moment of personal desire into a profound act of worship and dedication, demonstrating David's ultimate reverence for God's sovereignty and the sanctity of life.
Who were the "three mighty men" mentioned in this verse?
Answer: While 2 Samuel 23:16 doesn't name them, the preceding verses in 2 Samuel 23:8-12 identify the "three chief mighty men" as Jashobeam (or Josheb-Basshebeth), Eleazar, and Shammah. These were the most valiant and distinguished of David's warriors, known for their extraordinary feats of courage and strength in battle. Their willingness to undertake such a perilous mission for their king underscores their unparalleled loyalty and the deep bond they shared with David.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound act of David pouring out the costly water to the Lord finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's refusal to consume something that cost the potential "blood" of his men foreshadows the infinitely greater sacrifice of the Son of God. Jesus did not merely pour out water; He poured out His very life, His own precious blood, as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Just as David recognized the water as too sacred for his own consumption due to its cost, God the Father offered His Son, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, a sacrifice so costly that it could only be offered to God for the redemption of humanity. The self-emptying love of the mighty men for David, and David's recognition of their sacrifice, pales in comparison to Christ's divine self-giving. Philippians 2:5-8 beautifully describes how Christ, though in the form of God, emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. His blood, shed on Calvary, is the true "drink offering," the ultimate libation, poured out not to satisfy a king's thirst, but to atone for sin and grant eternal life. This costly, precious outpouring of life, as Hebrews 9:22 reminds us, is essential for the forgiveness of sins, fulfilling the Old Testament types and shadows of sacrifice. Jesus' act was not a symbolic gesture but a redemptive reality, a demonstration of the greatest love, as He laid down His life for His friends (John 15:13). Thus, David's reverent act points forward to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, where the truly sacred "blood" was poured out for our eternal benefit.