2 Samuel 23:16

KJV

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.

Commentary

### 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](/2_samuel/23-1 "2 Samuel 23:1-7 - David's Last Words"). 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](/2_samuel/23-8 "2 Samuel 23:8 - David's Mighty Men"). The account of the three mighty men retrieving water for David, spanning [2 Samuel 23:13-17](/2_samuel/23-13 "2 Samuel 23:13-17 - The Water from Bethlehem"), 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](/1_samuel/16-1 "1 Samuel 16:1-13 - David's Anointing")), 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](/numbers/15-5 "Numbers 15:5 - Drink Offerings"). 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](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Sanctity of Blood and Life"), 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
* **"brake through" (Hebrew, _bâqaʻ'_):** This verb (H1234) signifies "to cleave," "to rend," or "to break through," emphasizing a forceful and often violent act of overcoming an obstacle or making a breach. In this context, it vividly portrays the immense danger and audacious nature of the mighty men's mission, as they literally "breached" the Philistine lines, implying a direct and perilous confrontation, not merely a stealthy infiltration. Their action was a deliberate, aggressive penetration into enemy territory.
* **"poured it out" (Hebrew, _nâçak'_):** This verb (H5258) means "to pour out," specifically in the context of offering a libation. It is consistently used in the Old Testament for the act of pouring out liquid offerings (wine, oil, water) as an act of worship or consecration to God. David's action is not one of waste or contempt for the water, but a deliberate, formal, and sacred act of worship, transforming the water from a mere drink into a consecrated offering too holy for human consumption due to its immense cost.
* **"unto the LORD" (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This phrase (H3068) explicitly directs David's action towards Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, whose name signifies "the Self-Existent One" or "the Eternal." It signifies that David's act was not a personal quirk but a profound theological statement. By pouring the water out "unto the LORD," David recognized God as the ultimate recipient of such a costly offering, acknowledging His sovereignty over life and death, and consecrating the men's sacrifice and his own profound gratitude to the Divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines,"**: This clause immediately establishes the extraordinary courage and military prowess of David's elite warriors. "Brake through" (as discussed above) implies a direct, forceful, and dangerous penetration of enemy lines, highlighting the immense risk undertaken. The "host of the Philistines" refers to the Philistine military encampment or garrison that occupied Bethlehem, underscoring the formidable obstacle these men faced and the sheer audacity of their mission.
* **"and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that [was] by the gate,"**: This describes the specific objective of their perilous mission. The "well of Bethlehem" held deep sentimental value for David, being his hometown. Its location "by the gate" suggests it was a well-known, accessible, yet highly vulnerable, point within the Philistine-controlled city, making the act of drawing water even more audacious and exposed to enemy observation and attack.
* **"and took [it], and brought [it] to David:"**: This confirms the successful completion of their mission. Despite the danger, they not only drew the water but safely transported it back to David, emphasizing their determination, effectiveness, and singular focus on fulfilling their king's unspoken desire. This act highlights their unwavering loyalty and skill.
* **"nevertheless he would not drink thereof,"**: This marks the pivotal turning point of the narrative. David's refusal to drink the water, despite his initial longing, reveals his profound moral and spiritual insight. He recognized that the water was no longer merely water; it was imbued with the life-threatening effort and potential "blood" of his loyal men. To drink it would be to consume their sacrifice lightly, treating their lives as less valuable than his own momentary comfort.
* **"but poured it out unto the LORD."**: This final clause reveals David's ultimate response and the theological climax of the verse. Instead of personal gratification, David performs a solemn act of worship, consecrating the water as a libation to God. This act transforms the water into a sacred offering, acknowledging that such a costly gift, obtained through such immense sacrifice, belonged rightfully to God alone, demonstrating his deep reverence for life and his ultimate submission to divine sovereignty.

#### 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.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Sanctity of Blood and Life")
* [Numbers 15:5](/numbers/15-5 "Numbers 15:5 - Drink Offerings")
* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")

### 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
* **What "costly water" have others risked themselves to provide for you, and how have you honored their sacrifice?**
* **In what ways can you, as a leader or an individual, prioritize the well-being and sacrifices of others above your own desires?**
* **What precious "gifts" or "resources" in your life, obtained through significant effort or sacrifice, might God be calling you to consecrate to Him rather than consume for yourself?**
* **How does David's act of pouring out the water deepen your understanding of true worship and the sanctity of life?**

### 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](/numbers/15-5 "Numbers 15:5 - Drink Offerings")). 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](/2_samuel/23-8 "2 Samuel 23:8-12 - The Chief of David's Mighty Men") 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), 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](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience") 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](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood") 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](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love")). 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.

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

Genesis 35:14

And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, [even] a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon.

2 Corinthians 5:14

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

Lamentations 2:19

Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord: lift up thy hands toward him for the life of thy young children, that faint for hunger in the top of every street.

Romans 5:7

For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

1 Samuel 19:5

For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest [it], and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?

Acts 20:24

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Philippians 2:17

Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.