1 Chronicles 11:18

And the three 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: but David would not drink [of] it, but poured it out to the LORD,

And the three {H7969} 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}: but David {H1732} would {H14} not drink {H8354} of it, but poured it out {H5258} to the LORD {H3068},

The three 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 David would not drink it; instead, he poured it out to ADONAI

So the Three broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well at the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the LORD,

And the three 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 David would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto Jehovah,

Commentary

1 Chronicles 11:18 recounts a remarkable act of devotion and David’s profound response to it. During a time when David was in the stronghold and Bethlehem was occupied by Philistine forces, David expressed a casual longing for water from the well of Bethlehem, his hometown. Three of his most valiant warriors, driven by extreme loyalty, risked their lives to fulfill this simple wish.

Context

This verse is part of a larger narrative in 1 Chronicles 11 that lists David’s mighty men and their heroic deeds. The specific incident described here has a parallel account in 2 Samuel 23:13-17, highlighting its significance. David and his men were at the cave of Adullam (or a similar stronghold), while a Philistine garrison held Bethlehem. David's casual remark, "Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, that is by the gate!" spurred his three chief mighty men to action. They bravely broke through the enemy lines, drew the water, and brought it back to David, demonstrating extraordinary courage and fidelity.

Key Themes

  • Extraordinary Loyalty and Devotion: The "three" (identified as the chief of David's mighty men in the preceding verses) displayed unparalleled loyalty by risking their lives for what was merely a wistful desire from their leader. Their actions underscore the deep bond and respect they had for David.
  • David's Reverence and Sacrifice: David’s refusal to drink the water is central to the verse. He recognized the immense cost—the potential loss of life—involved in obtaining it. He considered the water to be equivalent to the "blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives."
  • Consecration and Worship: By pouring the water out to the LORD, David performed an act of spiritual consecration. This act is akin to a drink offering (or libation), a ritual in ancient Israel where liquids were poured out as an act of worship and dedication to God. David transformed a costly personal gift into a sacred offering, acknowledging God as the ultimate recipient of such a profound sacrifice.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "poured it out to the LORD" is significant. It signifies a solemn act of dedication, transforming the water from a physical refreshment into a spiritual offering. In the Old Testament, pouring out a libation was a way of honoring God, expressing gratitude, or making a vow. David's action here reflects a deep spiritual sensitivity, valuing the lives of his men more than his own desire, and recognizing that such a costly gift could only truly be offered to God Himself.

Practical Application

This powerful story offers several lessons for believers today:

  • Valuing Others' Sacrifice: David's response teaches us to deeply appreciate and honor the sacrifices made by others for our benefit. It calls us to consider the true cost of what we receive.
  • True Worship and Consecration: David's act of pouring out the water to the Lord illustrates that genuine worship often involves giving up something precious, consecrating our most valuable possessions, efforts, or even desires to God. It's a reminder that all good things come from Him and are ultimately for His glory.
  • Leadership by Example: David’s humility, reverence for God, and respect for his men’s lives set a high standard for leadership. He demonstrated that true leaders are not self-serving but recognize the value of those they lead and prioritize spiritual principles above personal comfort.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 7:6 (2 votes)

    And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured [it] out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.

  • Song Of Solomon 8:6 (2 votes)

    Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love [is] strong as death; jealousy [is] cruel as the grave: the coals thereof [are] coals of fire, [which hath a] most vehement flame.

  • Acts 21:13 (2 votes)

    Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

  • 1 Samuel 19:5 (2 votes)

    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?

  • 2 Corinthians 5:14 (2 votes)

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

  • 2 Corinthians 5:15 (2 votes)

    And [that] he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

  • Acts 20:24 (2 votes)

    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.