How does David's response in 1 Chronicles 11:18 reflect his reverence for God? Setting the Scene 1 Chronicles 11:18: “Then the three broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem, and carried it back to David; but he would not drink it. Instead, he poured it out to the LORD.” David’s Instant Reaction • The water represents heroic devotion—his men risked their lives behind enemy lines. • David’s first thought is not self-gratification but honoring the One who preserved those lives. • By “pouring it out to the LORD,” he turns a personal gift into a sacred offering. Why Refuse the Drink? • He views the water as “the blood of these men who risked their lives” (2 Samuel 23:17). To consume it would treat their sacrifice casually. • Leviticus 17:11 declares that “the life of the flesh is in the blood.” David recognizes life belongs to God alone. • Reverence dictates that what cost life-risking loyalty must be devoted back to the Life-Giver. An Act of Worship • The verb “poured it out” echoes drink-offering language (Exodus 29:40-41). David instinctively crafts a mini-sacrifice. • He redirects glory: rather than receiving honor for inspiring brave men, he magnifies the LORD who moved their hearts. Reverence Expressed in Three Dimensions 1. Fear of the LORD – “How can I drink the blood of these men?” (2 Samuel 23:17). Holy fear restrains personal desire. 2. Recognition of God’s Sovereignty – “The earth is the LORD’s, and all it contains” (Psalm 24:1). Even precious water is ultimately His. 3. Humble Gratitude – “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this?” (1 Chronicles 29:14). David sees himself as steward, not owner. Lessons for Us Today • True reverence treats costly blessings as opportunities for worship, not indulgence. • Acts of devotion, however spontaneous, must exalt God above human heroics. • Recognizing every gift as sacred fosters humility, gratitude, and godly fear (James 1:17; Romans 12:1). |
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