2 Samuel 23:17

KJV

And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: [is not this] the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Be it far {H2486} from me, O LORD {H3068}, that I should do {H6213} this: is not this the blood {H1818} of the men {H582} that went {H1980} in jeopardy of their lives {H5315}? therefore he would {H14} not drink {H8354} it. These things did {H6213} these three {H7969} mighty men {H1368}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and said, "ADONAI! Heaven forbid that I should do such a thing! Am I to drink the blood of men who went and put their lives in jeopardy?"- and he would not consent to drink it. These are the things the three warrior-heroes did.

Berean Standard Bible

saying, “Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this! Is this not the blood of the men who risked their lives?” So he refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.

American Standard Version

And he said, Be it far from me, O Jehovah, that I should do this: shall I drink the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did the three mighty men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 23:17 presents a profound moment in King David's reign, revealing his deep reverence for the lives of his loyal warriors. After three of his "mighty men" risked their lives to retrieve water from the well of Bethlehem, a casual longing expressed by David from his stronghold in Adullam, David refused to drink it. He recognized the immense personal cost and the near-fatal peril they endured, equating the water with their very "blood" or life-force. In a powerful act of spiritual integrity and exemplary leadership, he poured the water out as a sacred offering to the LORD, honoring their selfless sacrifice and demonstrating his profound valuing of human life above personal gratification.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a larger narrative block (2 Samuel 23:8-39) that meticulously catalogues David's elite warriors, known as his "mighty men," and their most remarkable deeds. This section immediately follows David's "last words" (2 Samuel 23:1-7), which provide a theological framework for his reign, emphasizing righteous rule and God's enduring covenant. The account of the water from Bethlehem (2 Samuel 23:13-17) serves as a poignant and vivid narrative interlude within the list of heroes, moving beyond mere enumeration to illustrate the extraordinary loyalty and valor of these men, as well as the exceptional character of David as a leader. It powerfully underscores the deep personal bond and mutual respect that characterized David's relationship with his most devoted followers, a recurring motif throughout the stories of his kingship, particularly evident in his escape from Saul and establishment of his kingdom (e.g., [1 Samuel 22:1-2](/1_samuel/22-1-2 "1 Samuel 22:1-2 - David at Adullam")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events depicted in 2 Samuel 23:13-17 occurred during a period of significant military conflict, likely when David was established in the stronghold of Adullam, a strategic cave system, while Bethlehem, his ancestral hometown, was under Philistine occupation. In the arid climate of ancient Israel, water was an invaluable and often scarce resource, making the act of retrieving it from enemy-held territory an undertaking of extreme danger and valor. The cultural and theological understanding of "blood" in the ancient Near East, deeply embedded in Israelite thought, was inextricably linked to "life" itself (as articulated in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood")). Therefore, David's equating the water with his men's "blood" was not a literal statement but a profound metaphorical declaration about the life-threatening cost of its acquisition. Furthermore, the practice of pouring out liquids as an offering or libation to God was a well-established form of worship and dedication in Israelite culture, signifying consecration, reverence, and gratitude, as exemplified in various biblical accounts such as Jacob's offering at Bethel in [Genesis 35:14](/genesis/35-14 "Genesis 35:14 - Jacob's Libation at Bethel").

* **Key Themes:** The passage profoundly articulates several key theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it highlights the **sanctity of life and the nature of costly sacrifice**, as David values the lives of his men above his personal comfort or desire, recognizing the water as symbolically equivalent to their "blood." This demonstrates a deep appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice they were willing to make. Secondly, it showcases **exemplary leadership and spiritual integrity** on David's part; rather than selfishly consuming what was obtained through such peril, he honors his men's devotion by pouring it out as an offering to the LORD, acknowledging the sacredness of their act and the divine source of all life. This reflects a leader who prioritizes the well-being and honor of his subordinates, mirroring the heart God seeks, as revealed in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart"). Finally, the verse powerfully illustrates the **unwavering loyalty and profound devotion** of David's mighty men, whose immediate and selfless response to their king's casual wish, even in the face of mortal danger, testifies to their extraordinary commitment and courage, a hallmark of David's trusted inner circle, as seen throughout his reign (e.g., [2 Samuel 15:21](/2_samuel/15-21 "2 Samuel 15:21 - Ittai's Loyalty to David")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dām'_):** From H1818, this term refers to blood as that which, when shed, causes death. In this context, "blood" is employed metaphorically to represent life itself, or the life-force, which was nearly expended in the act of retrieving the water. David is not suggesting the water literally contained blood, but that its acquisition was so intrinsically linked to the life-threatening effort of his men that to consume it would be to disrespect their very being and the immense cost involved. This aligns with the biblical understanding that "the life of the creature is in the blood" ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood")).
* **Jeopardy of their lives (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** From H5315, `nephesh` properly refers to a breathing creature or vitality, widely used for "life" or "soul." The phrase "in jeopardy of their lives" translates to "with their souls" or "with their lives," emphasizing the extreme risk and the putting of one's very existence on the line. It conveys that the men were willing to sacrifice their lives for David's casual desire, highlighting the depth of their devotion and the profound danger they faced in breaking through enemy lines.
* **Be it far from me (Hebrew, _châlîylâh'_):** From H2486, this interjection literally means "for a profaned thing" or "far be it!" It is a strong expression of abhorrence, often used in a religious context to express that something is unthinkable, impious, or utterly unacceptable in the sight of God. David's use of this phrase underscores his immediate and emphatic rejection of drinking the water, signifying his recognition of the sacred gravity of the situation and his conviction that consuming it would be a desecration of his men's sacrifice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this":** This opening clause captures David's immediate and emphatic exclamation of refusal. The phrase "Be it far from me, O LORD" (חָלִילָה לִּי יְהוָה, _ḥālîlâ lî YHWH_) is a powerful expression of moral and spiritual revulsion. David recognizes the sacred gravity of the situation and considers consuming the water not merely an act of personal indulgence, but a desecration of his men's sacrifice, an act unworthy of him and disrespectful to God, the giver of life.
* **"[is not this] the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives?":** This rhetorical question serves as the profound realization that undergirds David's refusal. He equates the water not merely with their physical effort, but with their very "blood" or life-force, which was put at extreme risk. This highlights his deep empathy and understanding of the immense personal cost incurred by his loyal warriors, elevating their deed from a simple act of service to a near-sacrificial offering.
* **"therefore he would not drink it.":** This clause states the direct and principled consequence of David's profound realization and spiritual conviction. His refusal is not a mere gesture but a deliberate act born from his reverence for life and his men's sacrifice. This action sets the stage for the subsequent, implied (but stated in the preceding verse [2 Samuel 23:16](/2_samuel/23-16 "2 Samuel 23:16 - David Pours Out the Water")), act of pouring it out as an offering to the LORD.
* **"These things did these three mighty men.":** This concluding statement serves as a powerful affirmation of the extraordinary valor, loyalty, and devotion of the three unnamed mighty men. It underscores the exceptional nature of their deed, setting it apart as a testament to their unwavering commitment and courage, a fitting summary within the broader catalog of David's most heroic warriors.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Metaphor** is central, as David equates the water with the "blood" of his men, a powerful symbolic representation of their lives and the immense, life-threatening cost of its acquisition. This **symbolism** extends to the act of pouring out the water, transforming a simple drink into a sacred **libation** or offering to the LORD, thereby elevating the human act of sacrifice into an act of worship. The rhetorical question, "[is not this] the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives?", serves as a moment of profound **anagnorisis** (recognition or discovery) for David, highlighting his sudden and deep understanding of the sacredness of the water and the cost of his casual desire. Furthermore, the entire incident functions as a vivid **narrative interlude** within the formal list of David's mighty men, providing a personal and concrete illustration of their character and devotion, making the abstract list of names come alive with a powerful example of heroism and selflessness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage resonates with deep theological truths, particularly regarding the sanctity of life, the nature of true sacrifice, and the character of righteous leadership. David's profound respect for the lives of his men, equating their near-fatal effort with their very "blood," echoes the biblical emphasis on the sacredness of human life as created in God's image. His act of pouring out the water as an offering to the LORD transforms a personal desire into an act of worship, recognizing that the ultimate cost of life belongs to God. This foreshadows the New Testament understanding that true spiritual worship involves offering our very lives as "living sacrifices" to God, in response to His ultimate sacrifice, acknowledging that all truly valuable things are ultimately consecrated to Him.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life is in the Blood") - "For the life of the flesh is in the blood..." This verse provides the foundational theological basis for David's understanding of the water as "blood," emphasizing the sacredness of life and its intrinsic connection to the life-force.
* [Philippians 2:17](/philippians/2-17 "Philippians 2:17 - Paul's Life as a Drink Offering") - "But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all." Paul's willingness to be "poured out" for the church mirrors David's act, highlighting the concept of costly, selfless service as a spiritual offering.
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice") - "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." This New Testament call to offer one's life as a spiritual sacrifice finds a powerful Old Testament parallel in David's recognition and consecration of his men's life-risking act to God.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's response to his mighty men's sacrifice offers a timeless paradigm for how we ought to value the contributions and sacrifices of others, whether in our personal relationships, communities, or professional spheres. It challenges us to look beyond the immediate benefit or convenience and to discern the true cost—the "blood" and "jeopardy"—that others might have endured for our sake. This calls us to cultivate a posture of profound gratitude, humility, and integrity, recognizing that some things are too sacred, too dearly bought, to be consumed for mere personal gratification. Instead, like David, we are called to consecrate such costly gifts, dedicating them to God as a testament to His ultimate sovereignty and the preciousness of human life and loyalty. This act of spiritual discernment transforms a moment of personal desire into an act of profound worship and leadership that honors both God and humanity, prompting us to consider what we might be "consuming" selfishly that ought to be offered in gratitude and reverence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I recognize and honor the "blood" (the sacrifices, efforts, and risks) that others have poured out for my benefit or for the common good?**
* **In what ways can I demonstrate selfless leadership, prioritizing the well-being and contributions of others above my own immediate desires or comfort?**
* **What "costly" gifts or opportunities in my life, obtained through the sacrifice of others, might I be consuming for myself rather than consecrating to God?**
* **How does David's act challenge my understanding of integrity and spiritual discernment in daily decisions, particularly when faced with personal desires versus the cost to others?**

### FAQ
**Why didn't David just drink the water, given his desire for it?**

Answer: David refused to drink the water because he recognized the immense and life-threatening cost at which it was obtained. He equated the water with the "blood" or life-force of his men, understanding that they had risked their very lives (their `nephesh`, H5315) to fulfill his casual longing. To consume it would have been to treat their profound sacrifice as trivial or profane. His refusal was an act of deep reverence for their lives and a demonstration of his integrity as a leader who valued his men above his own desires. Instead, he poured it out as a sacred offering to the [LORD](/genesis/15-7 "Genesis 15:7 - The Lord, God of Abram"), acknowledging that such a costly gift belonged to God.

**What does "blood of the men" literally mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "blood of the men" is not meant literally, as if the water contained actual blood. Instead, it is a powerful **metaphor** for the extreme danger and life-threatening effort the men undertook. In ancient Israelite thought, "blood" (Hebrew, `dām`, H1818) was synonymous with "life" ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life is in the Blood")). By equating the water with their "blood," David was emphasizing that its acquisition nearly cost his men their lives, making it too sacred to be used for ordinary consumption. It represented the ultimate sacrifice of their vitality.

**What happened to the water after David refused to drink it?**

Answer: Although not explicitly stated in 2 Samuel 23:17 itself, the preceding verse, [2 Samuel 23:16](/2_samuel/23-16 "2 Samuel 23:16 - David Pours Out the Water"), clarifies that David "poured it out unto the LORD." This act of pouring out the water was a form of **libation**, a common practice in ancient Israelite worship where liquids were offered to God as a sign of consecration, reverence, and gratitude. By pouring it out, David consecrated the water and the immense sacrifice it represented to God, acknowledging that only the Almighty was worthy of such a costly offering, thereby transforming a human act of devotion into an act of divine worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound narrative of David and the water from Bethlehem finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's refusal to drink the water, equating it with the "blood" of his men, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, actual shedding of blood by the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus, the true and greater Davidic King, did not merely risk His life for His followers; He willingly laid it down, pouring out His literal blood as the perfect and final sacrifice for humanity's redemption ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Blood and Eternal Redemption")). While David recognized the sacredness of his men's *potential* loss of life, Christ *actually* gave His life, enduring the ultimate "jeopardy" on the cross, not for a casual longing, but to quench the spiritual thirst of a lost humanity and offer the true "living water" that satisfies forever ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Living Water")). His leadership is not merely exemplary, but salvific; He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). In response to this incomparable, costly sacrifice, believers are called to offer their own lives as "living sacrifices" to God ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")), recognizing that our salvation was bought not with perishable things, but with the precious blood of Christ ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption by Christ's Blood")), an offering infinitely more valuable than water from any earthly well.

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

Leviticus 17:10

¶ And whatsoever man [there be] of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people.

2 Samuel 20:20

And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.

Judges 5:18

Zebulun and Naphtali [were] a people [that] jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field.

Genesis 44:17

And he said, God forbid that I should do so: [but] the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my servant; and as for you, get you up in peace unto your father.

1 Samuel 26:11

The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that [is] at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.

Genesis 9:4

But flesh with the life thereof, [which is] the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.

Matthew 26:28

For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.