1 Chronicles 11:19

And said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this thing: shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy? for with [the jeopardy of] their lives they brought it. Therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mightiest.

And said {H559}, My God {H430} forbid {H2486} it me, that I should do {H6213} this thing {H2063}: shall I drink {H8354} the blood {H1818} of these men {H582} that have put their lives in jeopardy {H5315}? for with the jeopardy of their lives {H5315} they brought {H935} it. Therefore he would {H14} not drink {H8354} it. These things did {H6213} these three {H7969} mightiest {H1368}.

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

saying, “Far be it from me, my God, to do this! How can I drink the blood of these men who risked their lives?” Because they had brought it at the risk of their lives, David refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.

and said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this: shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy? for with the jeopardy of their lives they brought it. Therefore he would not drink it. These things did the three mighty men.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 11:19 captures a pivotal moment demonstrating King David's character and leadership. After three of his mightiest warriors risked their lives to bring him water from the well of Bethlehem, which was occupied by Philistines, David refused to drink it. He considered their act of profound loyalty and sacrifice too sacred to be treated casually, equating the water with their very lives.

Context

This verse immediately follows the remarkable account of David's mighty men. David, while in the stronghold of Adullam, expressed a casual longing for water from the well of Bethlehem, his hometown, which was then under the control of a Philistine garrison. Without being commanded, three of his elite warriors – Jashobeam, Eleazar, and Shammah – bravely broke through the enemy lines at immense personal risk to retrieve the water. Their daring feat is detailed in the preceding verses, specifically 1 Chronicles 11:17-18. David's reaction in verse 19 reveals his deep respect for their sacrifice. A parallel narrative of this event can be found in 2 Samuel 23:15-17, highlighting its significance in the biblical record of David's life.

Key Themes

  • Profound Respect for Life and Sacrifice: David's declaration, "shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy?", reveals his conviction that the water was too costly. He valued their lives and daring act above his own desire, viewing the water as symbolically intertwined with their very existence.
  • Humility and Selfless Leadership: Despite his position as king, David did not take his men's sacrifice for granted. His refusal to drink demonstrates remarkable humility and a keen awareness of the price paid for his casual wish. This act sets an example of leadership that prioritizes the welfare and value of subordinates.
  • The Cost of Loyalty: The passage underscores that true loyalty and dedication often come with significant personal risk and sacrifice. David's response honors this cost, recognizing the immense danger his men faced to fulfill his longing.
  • Integrity of Character: David's immediate and heartfelt refusal to drink the water highlights his moral compass and empathetic nature, showcasing a leader who genuinely cared for his people.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's phrasing "shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy?" uses "blood" metaphorically. It signifies that the water was obtained at the extreme risk of their lives, as if their very lifeblood was poured out to get it. The bracketed phrase "[the jeopardy of]" in the KJV further emphasizes the literal danger and peril they faced, highlighting the high stakes and the profound act of courage involved.

Historical and Cultural Significance

In ancient Israel, water was a vital and often scarce resource, especially during military campaigns or when a city was under siege. Fetching water from a well located within enemy-occupied territory like Bethlehem was an incredibly perilous undertaking. David's reaction would have been understood as an extraordinary gesture of respect and honor for his warriors. This act of self-denial would have solidified the loyalty of his mighty men and further cemented his reputation as a just and compassionate leader, fostering strong bonds within his elite fighting force.

Practical Application

The account of David and the water from Bethlehem offers timeless lessons for all of us:

  • Value Others' Sacrifices: We are challenged to never take for granted the efforts, risks, or sacrifices that others make on our behalf, whether in our personal relationships, professional lives, or community interactions.
  • Ethical Leadership: For those in positions of leadership, this passage serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of humility, selflessness, and genuinely valuing the lives and contributions of those under their care. True leadership involves serving and appreciating, not just being served.
  • Gratitude and Honor: It encourages a spirit of profound gratitude and a willingness to honor those who go above and beyond, even if it means denying our own immediate desires. This aligns with the biblical principle of giving preference to one another in honor.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 23:17 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Psalms 72:14 (3 votes)

    He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.

  • Mark 14:24 (2 votes)

    And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.

  • Romans 6:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

  • Romans 6:2 (2 votes)

    God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

  • Judges 9:17 (2 votes)

    (For my father fought for you, and adventured his life far, and delivered you out of the hand of Midian:

  • Job 31:31 (2 votes)

    If the men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied.