2 Samuel 23:14
New International Version
At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem.

New Living Translation
David was staying in the stronghold at the time, and a Philistine detachment had occupied the town of Bethlehem.

English Standard Version
David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem.

Berean Standard Bible
At that time David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem.

King James Bible
And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

New King James Version
David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

New American Standard Bible
David was then in the stronghold, while the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

NASB 1995
David was then in the stronghold, while the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

NASB 1977
And David was then in the stronghold, while the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

Legacy Standard Bible
And David was then in the fortress, while the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

Amplified Bible
David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

Christian Standard Bible
At that time David was in the stronghold, and a Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
At that time David was in the stronghold, and a Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem.

American Standard Version
And David was then in the stronghold; and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Beth-lehem.

Contemporary English Version
and had taken over Bethlehem. David was in his fortress,

English Revised Version
And David was then in the hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Beth-lehem.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
While David was in the fortified camp, Philistine troops were at Bethlehem.

Good News Translation
At that time David was on a fortified hill, and a group of Philistines had occupied Bethlehem.

International Standard Version
David was living in that stronghold at the time, while a Philistine garrison was then at Bethlehem.

Majority Standard Bible
At that time David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem.

NET Bible
David was in the stronghold at the time, while a Philistine garrison was in Bethlehem.

New Heart English Bible
David was then in the stronghold; and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

Webster's Bible Translation
And David was then in a hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Beth-lehem.

World English Bible
David was then in the stronghold; and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and David [is] then in a fortress, and the station of the Philistines [is] then in Beth-Lehem,

Young's Literal Translation
and David is then in a fortress, and the station of the Philistines is then in Beth-Lehem,

Smith's Literal Translation
And David then in the fortress, and the station of the rovers then in the House of Bread.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And David was then in a hold. and there was a garrison of the Philistines then in Bethlehem.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And David was in a stronghold. Moreover, there was a garrison of the Philistines at that time in Bethlehem.

New American Bible
David was then in the stronghold, and there was a garrison of Philistines in Bethlehem.

New Revised Standard Version
David was then in the stronghold; and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And David was then staying in the stronghold, and the princes of the Philistines were encamped in Bethlehem.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David was staying then in Metsruth, and the Princes of the Philistines were camping in Bayth Lekhem
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Beth-lehem.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David was then in the strong hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethleem.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Mighty Men
13At harvest time, three of the thirty chief men went down to David at the cave of Adullam, while a company of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 14At that time David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem. 15David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!”…

Cross References
1 Chronicles 11:16
At that time David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem.

1 Samuel 22:1-2
So David left Gath and took refuge in the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. / And all who were distressed or indebted or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him.

1 Samuel 17:1
Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war at Socoh in Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim.

1 Samuel 13:5
Now the Philistines assembled to fight against Israel with three thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven.

1 Samuel 14:11-15
So the two of them showed themselves to the outpost of the Philistines, who exclaimed, “Look, the Hebrews are coming out of the holes in which they were hiding!” / So the men of the outpost called out to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come on up, and we will teach you a lesson!” “Follow me,” Jonathan told his armor-bearer, “for the LORD has delivered them into the hand of Israel.” / So Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer behind him. And the Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer followed and finished them off. ...

1 Samuel 23:13-14
Then David and his men, about six hundred strong, set out and departed from Keilah, moving from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he declined to go forth. / And David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hill country of the Wilderness of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God would not deliver David into his hand.

1 Samuel 24:1-2
After Saul had returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.” / So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to look for David and his men in the region of the Rocks of the Wild Goats.

Judges 15:11
In response, three thousand men of Judah went to the cave at the rock of Etam, and they asked Samson, “Do you not realize that the Philistines rule over us? What have you done to us?” “I have done to them what they did to me,” he replied.

Judges 6:2
and the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of the Midianites, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in the mountains, caves, and strongholds.

Psalm 34:7
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.

Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 27:1-3
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread? / When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell. / Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust.

Psalm 144:1-2
Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. / He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer. He is my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.

Isaiah 37:33-35
So this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: ‘He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow into it. He will not come before it with a shield or build up a siege ramp against it. / He will go back the way he came, and he will not enter this city,’ declares the LORD. / ‘I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.’”

Matthew 4:1
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.


Treasury of Scripture

And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

an hod

1 Samuel 22:1,4,5
David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him…

1 Samuel 24:22
And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold.

1 Chronicles 12:16
And there came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the hold unto David.

garrison

1 Samuel 10:5
After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:

1 Samuel 13:4,23
And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal…

1 Samuel 14:1,6
Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father…

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Armed Bethlehem Beth-Lehem Cover David Force Fortress Garrison Hold Philistine Philistines Station Strong Stronghold Time
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Armed Bethlehem Beth-Lehem Cover David Force Fortress Garrison Hold Philistine Philistines Station Strong Stronghold Time
2 Samuel 23
1. David, in his last words, professes his faith in God's promises
6. The different state of the wicked
8. A catalogue of David's mighty men














At that time
This phrase sets the historical context for the events described. It refers to a period during David's life when he was engaged in ongoing conflict with the Philistines, a recurring theme throughout the books of Samuel. This time frame is likely during David's early reign or possibly even before he became king, as he was often in conflict with the Philistines.

David was in the stronghold
The "stronghold" likely refers to the cave of Adullam or another fortified location where David sought refuge. This was a common practice for David during his fugitive years, as he often had to hide from King Saul and later from his enemies. The stronghold symbolizes a place of safety and strategic advantage, reflecting David's reliance on God for protection and guidance.

and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem
Bethlehem, David's hometown, was under Philistine control at this time. This occupation by the Philistines highlights the ongoing threat they posed to Israel and the personal nature of the conflict for David. The presence of a Philistine garrison in Bethlehem underscores the strategic importance of the town and the severity of the Philistine threat. This situation also foreshadows the eventual liberation and establishment of David's kingdom, as Bethlehem would later become the birthplace of Jesus Christ, the "Son of David," fulfilling messianic prophecies.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The anointed king of Israel, known for his leadership, military prowess, and deep relationship with God. At this point, he is in a stronghold, a place of refuge and defense.

2. The Stronghold
A fortified place where David and his men were staying. It symbolizes a place of safety and strategic advantage during times of conflict.

3. Philistines
A perennial enemy of Israel, known for their military strength and opposition to God's people. They had established a garrison in Bethlehem, David's hometown.

4. Bethlehem
The birthplace of David, significant in biblical history as the future birthplace of Jesus Christ. It was under Philistine control at this time, representing a personal and national challenge for David.

5. Garrison
A military post or fortification. The presence of a Philistine garrison in Bethlehem indicates the strategic and oppressive control the Philistines had over the region.
Teaching Points
God as Our Stronghold
Just as David found refuge in a physical stronghold, believers are called to find their spiritual refuge in God. He is our ultimate protector and source of strength in times of trouble.

Facing Personal and Spiritual Battles
David's situation with the Philistines in Bethlehem reminds us that we often face battles in our own "Bethlehems"—areas of personal significance or vulnerability. We must rely on God's guidance and strength to overcome these challenges.

The Importance of Spiritual Heritage
Bethlehem's significance as David's hometown and the future birthplace of Christ underscores the importance of spiritual heritage. Believers are encouraged to honor and uphold their spiritual roots and identity in Christ.

Strategic Prayer and Action
David's strategic positioning in the stronghold teaches us the importance of being spiritually prepared and vigilant. Prayer and discernment are crucial in navigating life's battles.Verse 14. - An hold; Hebrew, the hold. The definite article here and in ch. 5:17, and the mention of the Philistines as being in the valley of Rephaim, seem to indicate that David had abandoned Jerusalem upon the invasion of the Philistines, and sought refuge at Adullam (see note on 2 Samuel 5:17). In its neighbourhood is an isolated hill, on which, probably, was a frontier fortress, in which David prepared to defend himself.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
At that time
אָ֣ז (’āz)
Adverb
Strong's 227: At that time, place, therefore

David
וְדָוִ֖ד (wə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

was in the stronghold,
בַּמְּצוּדָ֑ה (bam·mə·ṣū·ḏāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4686: A net, capture, a fastness

and the garrison
וּמַצַּ֣ב (ū·maṣ·ṣaḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4673: A fixed spot, an office, a military post

of the Philistines
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים (pə·liš·tîm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia

was at Bethlehem.
לָֽחֶם׃ (lā·ḥem)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1035: Bethlehem -- 'place of bread', a city in Judah, also a city in Zebulun


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OT History: 2 Samuel 23:14 David was then in the stronghold (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 23:13
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