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2 Samuel 23:16

2 Samuel 23:16 in Multiple Translations

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,

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: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.

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.

And the three men, forcing their way through the Philistine army, got water from the water-hole of Beth-lehem, by the doorway into the town, and took it back to David: but he would not take it, but, draining it out, made an offering of it to the Lord.

The Three leading warriors broke through the Philistine defenses, took some water from the well at Bethelehem's gate, and brought it back to David. But David refused to drink it, and poured it out as an offering to the Lord.

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,

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,

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.

And the three mighty men broke 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: nevertheless he would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD.

And the three valiant men broke through the camp of the Philistines, and drew water out of the cistern of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and brought it to David: but he would not drink, but offered it to the Lord,

So his three greatest warriors forced their way through the camp of Philistia soldiers and drew some water from the well, and brought it to David. But he would not drink it. Instead, he poured it out on the ground as an offering to Yahweh.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 23:16

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Samuel 23:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּבְקְעוּ֩ שְׁלֹ֨שֶׁת הַ/גִּבֹּרִ֜ים בְּ/מַחֲנֵ֣ה פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים וַ/יִּֽשְׁאֲבוּ מַ֨יִם֙ מִ/בֹּ֤אר בֵּֽית לֶ֨חֶם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּ/שַּׁ֔עַר וַ/יִּשְׂא֖וּ וַ/יָּבִ֣אוּ אֶל דָּוִ֑ד וְ/לֹ֤א אָבָה֙ לִ/שְׁתּוֹתָ֔/ם וַ/יַּסֵּ֥ךְ אֹתָ֖/ם לַֽ/יהוָֽה
וַ/יִּבְקְעוּ֩ bâqaʻ H1234 to break up/open Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
שְׁלֹ֨שֶׁת shâlôwsh H7969 three Adj
הַ/גִּבֹּרִ֜ים gibbôwr H1368 mighty man Art | Adj
בְּ/מַחֲנֵ֣ה machăneh H4264 camp Prep | N-cs
פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 Philistines Ngmpa
וַ/יִּֽשְׁאֲבוּ shâʼab H7579 to draw Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מַ֨יִם֙ mayim H4325 Water (Gate) N-mp
מִ/בֹּ֤אר bôʼr H877 cistern Prep | N-ms
בֵּֽית Bêyth Lechem H1035 Bethlehem N-proper
לֶ֨חֶם֙ Bêyth Lechem H1035 Bethlehem N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
בַּ/שַּׁ֔עַר shaʻar H8179 gate Prep | N-ms
וַ/יִּשְׂא֖וּ nâsâʼ H5375 to lift Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַ/יָּבִ֣אוּ bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
דָּוִ֑ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper
וְ/לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
אָבָה֙ ʼâbâh H14 be willing V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לִ/שְׁתּוֹתָ֔/ם shâthâh H8354 to drink Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
וַ/יַּסֵּ֥ךְ nâçak H5258 to pour Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֹתָ֖/ם ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
לַֽ/יהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 23:16

וַ/יִּבְקְעוּ֩ bâqaʻ H1234 "to break up/open" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to break or open something, like a door or a wall, and is used in the Bible to describe God breaking through to help his people, as seen in Psalm 107:16.
Definition: 1) to split, cleave, break open, divide, break through, rip up, break up, tear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cleave, cleave open 1a2) to break through, break into 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cleft, be rent open, be split open 1b2) to be broken into 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cleave, cut to pieces, rend open 1c2) to break through, break down 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be ripped open, be torn open 1d2) to be rent 1d3) to be broken into 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to break into 1e2) to break through 1f) (Hophal) to be broken into 1g) (Hithpael) to burst (themselves) open, cleave asunder
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: make a breach, break forth (into, out, in pieces, through, up), be ready to burst, cleave (asunder), cut out, divide, hatch, rend (asunder), rip up, tear, win. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 78:13; Psalms 74:15.
שְׁלֹ֨שֶׁת shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
הַ/גִּבֹּרִ֜ים gibbôwr H1368 "mighty man" Art | Adj
This word describes a strong or mighty man, like a warrior or champion, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:51 where David defeats Goliath. It can also imply a brave or valiant person.
Definition: adj 1) strong, mighty n m 2) strong man, brave man, mighty man
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: champion, chief, [idiom] excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man. See also: Genesis 6:4; 2 Chronicles 17:16; Psalms 19:6.
בְּ/מַחֲנֵ֣ה machăneh H4264 "camp" Prep | N-cs
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 "Philistines" Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
וַ/יִּֽשְׁאֲבוּ shâʼab H7579 "to draw" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To draw water from a well is what this Hebrew word means, and it is often used to describe the daily task of women in the Bible. In the book of Genesis, it describes the women of the town gathering at the well to draw water and socialize.
Definition: 1) to draw (water) 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw (water) 1a2) water-drawing women (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: (woman to) draw(-er, water). See also: Genesis 24:11; Joshua 9:23; Isaiah 12:3.
מַ֨יִם֙ mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
מִ/בֹּ֤אר bôʼr H877 "cistern" Prep | N-ms
A cistern is a pit or well, used to store water. This word is used in the Bible to describe a man-made water container.
Definition: cistern, pit, well
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: cistern. See also: 2 Samuel 23:15; 2 Samuel 23:16; Jeremiah 2:13.
בֵּֽית Bêyth Lechem H1035 "Bethlehem" N-proper
Beth-lehem means house of bread, a place in Zebulun. The name describes a location known for its food production, later becoming famous as Jesus' birthplace in the New Testament.
Definition: § Beth-lehem = "house of bread (food)" a place in Zebulun
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Bethlehem. See also: Genesis 35:19; 1 Samuel 17:15; Jeremiah 41:17.
לֶ֨חֶם֙ Bêyth Lechem H1035 "Bethlehem" N-proper
Beth-lehem means house of bread, a place in Zebulun. The name describes a location known for its food production, later becoming famous as Jesus' birthplace in the New Testament.
Definition: § Beth-lehem = "house of bread (food)" a place in Zebulun
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Bethlehem. See also: Genesis 35:19; 1 Samuel 17:15; Jeremiah 41:17.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בַּ/שַּׁ֔עַר shaʻar H8179 "gate" Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
וַ/יִּשְׂא֖וּ nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
וַ/יָּבִ֣אוּ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
דָּוִ֑ד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
וְ/לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אָבָה֙ ʼâbâh H14 "be willing" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To be willing or consent is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which involves being acquiescent or accepting. It is used in various contexts, including being willing to obey or follow.
Definition: 1) to be willing, consent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be willing 1a2) to consent, yield to, accept 1a3) to desire
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: consent, rest content will, be willing. See also: Genesis 24:5; 2 Samuel 14:29; Psalms 81:12.
לִ/שְׁתּוֹתָ֔/ם shâthâh H8354 "to drink" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
וַ/יַּסֵּ֥ךְ nâçak H5258 "to pour" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to pour out or install, often used for setting up a king or offering a sacrifice. It appears in Exodus and Numbers, describing rituals and ceremonies. The word is also used for melting metal.
Definition: 1) to pour out, pour, offer, cast 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour out 1a2) to cast metal images 1a3) to anoint (a king) 1b) (Niphal) to be anointed 1c) (Piel) to pour out (as a libation) 1d) (Hiphil) to pour out libations 1e) (Hophal) to be poured out Aramaic equivalent: ne.sakh (נְסַךְ "to pour" H5260)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: cover, melt, offer, (cause to) pour (out), set (up). See also: Genesis 35:14; Isaiah 30:1; Psalms 2:6.
אֹתָ֖/ם ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
לַֽ/יהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 23:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 35:14 So Jacob set up a pillar in the place where God had spoken with him—a stone marker—and he poured out a drink offering on it and anointed it with oil.
2 2 Corinthians 5:14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died.
3 Philippians 2:17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
4 Romans 5:7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.
5 1 Samuel 7:6 When they had gathered at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted, and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” And Samuel judged the Israelites at Mizpah.
6 Numbers 28:7 The drink offering accompanying each lamb shall be a quarter hin. Pour out the offering of fermented drink to the LORD in the sanctuary area.
7 Lamentations 2:19 Arise, cry out in the night from the first watch of the night. Pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to Him for the lives of your children who are fainting from hunger on the corner of every street.
8 2 Samuel 23:9 Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he went with David to taunt the Philistines who had gathered for battle at Pas-dammim. The men of Israel retreated,
9 1 Samuel 19:5 He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?”
10 Acts 20:24 But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

2 Samuel 23:16 Summary

[This verse tells us about a time when three of David's strongest soldiers risked their lives to get him a drink of water from a well in Bethlehem, as seen in 2 Samuel 23:15. When they brought the water back to David, he was so moved by their bravery that he refused to drink it and instead poured it out as an offering to God. This shows us that David valued the sacrifice and risk taken by his soldiers more than his own desire for water. It's like when we give up something precious for someone we love, and that act of sacrifice becomes a way of showing our love and appreciation for them, similar to the sacrifice described in John 15:13.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did David refuse to drink the water brought by the three mighty men?

David refused to drink the water because it was obtained at great personal risk to the three mighty men, and he considered it to be as precious as the blood of those men, as seen in 2 Samuel 23:17, where he says, 'Is this not the blood of the men who risked their lives?'

What does it mean when David poured out the water to the Lord?

When David poured out the water to the Lord, he was offering a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, acknowledging that the water was a gift from God, and that the bravery of the three mighty men was a testament to God's power and provision, similar to the sacrifices described in Leviticus 23:37

How does this verse relate to the concept of sacrifice in the Bible?

This verse illustrates the concept of sacrifice, where David recognizes the value of the water obtained at great risk and pours it out as an offering to God, demonstrating a willingness to surrender precious things to honor God, as seen in Romans 12:1, where believers are called to offer their bodies as living sacrifices

What can we learn from the actions of the three mighty men in this verse?

The actions of the three mighty men demonstrate bravery, loyalty, and selflessness, as they risked their lives to fulfill David's desire for water, and their example encourages us to put the needs of others before our own, as taught in Philippians 2:3-4

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can demonstrate selflessness and bravery in my own life, like the three mighty men?
  2. How can I cultivate a heart of gratitude and sacrifice, like David, when I receive blessings or gifts from others?
  3. What are some things in my life that I consider precious, and how can I surrender them to God as an act of worship?
  4. How can I apply the principle of putting others' needs before my own, as seen in the actions of the three mighty men, in my relationships with family, friends, and community?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 23:16

And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines,.... Which lay in the valley of Rephaim, between the hold in which David was and the well of Bethlehem; these three men hearing

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 23:16

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:16

The host of the Philistines was in the valley of Rephaim, , and in the way to Beth-lehem. He would not drink thereof; lest by gratifying himself upon such terms, he should seem either to set too high a price upon the satisfaction of his appetite, or too low a price upon the lives of his soldiers, or should encourage others to the like vain-glorious and foolish attempts. Poured it out unto the Lord, as a kind of drink-offering, and acknowledgment of God’ s goodness in preserving the lives of his captains in so dangerous an enterprise; and to show that he esteemed it as a sacred thing, which, considering all things, it was not fit for him to drink it.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:16

2 Samuel 23:16 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.Ver. 16. Nevertheless he would not drink thereof.] Accounting it too dear a draught for himself, he poured it out unto the Lord, out of a religious respect; and this put a difference betwixt this act of David’ s, and the like done by Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar. Finibus, non officiis, a vitiis discernuntur virtutes, saith Augustine, propter Te, Domine. Curt., lib. vii.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:16

(16) Poured it out unto the Lord.—The brave act of the three heroes shows strikingly the personal power of David over his followers and the enthusiasm with which he inspired them. Yet, on the other hand, David would not suffer his own longing to be gratified by the hazard of men’s lives. Taking the water, therefore, he “poured it out unto the Lord.” The word is the technical term for the sacrificial libation, and David assimilated his act to a sacrifice by a solemn consecration of this dangerously won water to the Lord.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:16

Verse 16. Poured it out unto the Lord.] To make libations, both of water and wine, was a frequent custom among the heathens. We have an almost similar account in Arrian's Life of Alexander: "When his army was greatly oppressed with heat and thirst, a soldier brought him a cup of water; he ordered it to be carried back, saying, I cannot bear to drink alone while so many are in want, and this cup is too small to be divided among the whole." Tunc poculo pleno sicut oblatum est reddito: Non solus, inquit, bibere sustineo, nec tam exiguum dividere omnibus possum. - ARRIAN, lib. vi. The example was noble in both cases, but David added piety to bravery; he poured it out unto the Lord.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 23:16

16. brake through the host of the Philistines] A striking proof of the enthusiasm which David inspired in his followers, and a noble instance of the true spirit of chivalry, which fears no danger and shrinks from no self-sacrifice, in order to do the smallest service for the object of its devotion; the spirit which is perfected in the highest example of love (John 15:13). poured it out unto the Lord] The sacrificial term for pouring out a drink-offering or libation (Genesis 35:14, &c.). “That which had been won by the lives of those three gallant chiefs was too sacred for him to drink, but it was on that very account deemed by him as worthy to be consecrated in sacrifice to God, as any of the prescribed offerings of the Levitical ritual. Pure Chivalry and pure Religion there formed an absolute union.” Stanley’s Lect. II. 54.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 23:16

Brake through the host - Their camp was pitched in the valley of Rephaim 2 Samuel 23:13; 1 Chronicles 11:15. It follows from this that the way from Adullam to Bethlehem lay through or across the valley of Rephaim.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:16

16. Poured it out unto the Lord — As a drink offering.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 23:16

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 35:14-29 by J. Vernon McGee J. Vernon McGee discusses the significance of Jacob's actions in Genesis 35:14-29, particularly the establishment of a drink offering and the naming of his son Benjamin. He highlig
Roy Hession Jacob - Gods Unchanging Grace - Genesis 25 - Sermon 5 of 5 by Roy Hession In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being willing to be overcome and conquered by God in order to receive His grace. He refers to a hymn by George Matheson th
Paris Reidhead Jacob by Paris Reidhead In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob from the Bible. Jacob recognizes that he is in the house of God and vows to worship Him. He makes a vow to God, stating t
Tim Keller A World of Idols by Tim Keller In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that religion is often seen as a superficial and temporary experience. However, the speaker argues that true faith in Christianity is meant t
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Alan Redpath (John) 08 - What He Takes He Breaks by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on God's power rather than human programs or gimmicks. He uses the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand as an
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