saying, "Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this! Is this not the blood of the men who risked their lives?" So he refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men. Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this!This phrase reflects David's deep reverence and fear of the Lord. The Hebrew root for "Far be it" is "חָלִילָה" (chalilah), which conveys a strong sense of prohibition or abhorrence. David's exclamation underscores his recognition of the sacredness of the act and his unwillingness to dishonor God by consuming what he perceives as a sacred offering. This reflects a heart that prioritizes God's honor above personal desire, a theme consistent throughout David's life. Is this not the blood of the men
The term "blood" here is metaphorical, representing the life and sacrifice of the men. In Hebrew, "דָּם" (dam) often symbolizes life itself, as seen in Leviticus 17:11, where it states, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood." David acknowledges the risk and sacrifice of his men, equating their effort to a life-giving act. This highlights the value of human life and the respect owed to those who risk it for others. who risked their lives
The phrase "risked their lives" emphasizes the bravery and loyalty of David's men. The Hebrew word for "risked" is "נָפַשׁ" (naphash), which can mean to breathe or to refresh, but in this context, it implies putting one's life in jeopardy. This act of valor is a testament to the devotion and courage of the mighty men, who were willing to endanger themselves for their leader. It serves as an inspirational example of selflessness and dedication. to bring it to me?
This phrase highlights the personal nature of the sacrifice. The men undertook their perilous mission specifically for David, demonstrating their loyalty and love for him. It also reflects the relational dynamics between a leader and his followers, where mutual respect and devotion are paramount. David's refusal to drink the water shows his humility and recognition of the men's sacrifice as something too sacred for personal consumption. So he refused to drink it
David's refusal is an act of honor and respect. By not drinking the water, he acknowledges the extraordinary effort and risk taken by his men. This decision is rooted in a deep sense of integrity and reverence for the lives of his warriors. It serves as a powerful lesson in leadership, illustrating that true leaders value and honor the sacrifices of those they lead. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men
This concluding phrase celebrates the heroism of David's warriors. The term "exploits" in Hebrew is "גְּבוּרָה" (gevurah), meaning strength or mighty deeds. The narrative of the three mighty men is a testament to their extraordinary courage and loyalty. It serves as an inspirational reminder of the power of faith-driven action and the impact of courageous deeds in the service of God's anointed. This passage encapsulates the essence of biblical heroism, where faith, loyalty, and valor converge to achieve great things for God's glory. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, known for his deep relationship with God and his leadership. In this passage, he demonstrates reverence and respect for the sacrifices of his men. 2. The Three Mighty MenA group of David's elite warriors known for their bravery and loyalty. They risked their lives to bring David water from Bethlehem. 3. BethlehemThe birthplace of David and later Jesus Christ. It was under Philistine control at the time of this event. 4. The PhilistinesA recurring enemy of Israel, who occupied Bethlehem during this event. 5. The Well of BethlehemThe specific location where the mighty men drew water for David, symbolizing their devotion and courage. Teaching Points Reverence for SacrificeDavid's refusal to drink the water shows a deep respect for the lives and sacrifices of his men. We should honor and value the sacrifices others make for us. Leadership and IntegrityDavid demonstrates integrity by not taking advantage of his position. Leaders should act with humility and respect for those they lead. Symbolism of Water and BloodThe water represents the blood of the men, highlighting the sacredness of life. This can remind us of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, whose blood was shed for our salvation. Courage and LoyaltyThe actions of the mighty men exemplify courage and loyalty. We are called to be courageous and loyal in our faith and relationships. Godly DiscernmentDavid's decision reflects discernment and a heart aligned with God's values. We should seek God's wisdom in our decisions, especially when they affect others. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's response to the actions of the mighty men reflect his character and relationship with God? 2. In what ways can we show reverence and respect for the sacrifices others make in our lives today? 3. How does the concept of sacrifice in this passage connect to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the New Testament? 4. What qualities of leadership does David exhibit in this passage, and how can we apply these qualities in our own leadership roles? 5. How can we cultivate courage and loyalty in our faith journey, similar to the mighty men in this account? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Chronicles 11:15-19This passage parallels the account in 2 Samuel 23, providing additional context and details about the mighty men and their actions. Matthew 26:28Jesus speaks of His blood as the new covenant, drawing a parallel to the concept of sacrifice and the value of life. Philippians 2:17Paul speaks of being poured out as a drink offering, which can be related to the idea of sacrificial service seen in David's refusal to drink the water. People Abialbon, Abiel, Abiezer, Abishai, Adino, Agee, Ahasbai, Ahiam, Ahithophel, Anathoth, Ariel, Asahel, Azmaveth, Baanah, Bani, Benaiah, Benjamin, Benjaminites, David, Dodai, Dodo, Eleazar, Elhanan, Eliahba, Eliam, Elika, Eliphelet, Gareb, Heldai, Heleb, Helez, Hezrai, Hezro, Hiddai, Igal, Ikkesh, Ira, Ithai, Ittai, Jacob, Jashen, Jehoiada, Jesse, Joab, Jonathan, Maharai, Mebunnai, Naharai, Nahari, Nathan, Paarai, Ribai, Shammah, Sharar, Sibbecai, Uriah, Zalmon, Zelek, ZeruiahPlaces Adullam, Anathoth, Bahurim, Beeroth, Bethlehem, Carmel, Gaash, Gath, Gibeah, Gilo, Harod, Jerusalem, Kabzeel, Lehi, Maacah, Moab, Netophah, Pirathon, Tekoa, Valley of Rephaim, ZobahTopics Blood, Danger, David, Drink, Exploits, Isn't, Jeopardy, Life-blood, Mighty, O, Ones, Risk, War, WillingDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 23:8-21 5776 achievement 2 Samuel 23:8-23 1652 numbers, 3-5 2 Samuel 23:8-39 5544 soldiers 2 Samuel 23:13-17 5087 David, reign of 2 Samuel 23:15-17 5310 exploitation Library The Dying King's Last vision and Psalm
'Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, 2. The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and His word was in my tongue. 3. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. 4. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureA Libation to Jehovah
'And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Beth-lehem, which is by the gate! 16. 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. 17. 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 …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Royal Jubilee
[Footnote: Preached on the occasion of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.] '... He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. 4. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth, by clear shining after rain.'--2 SAMUEL xxiii. 3, 4. One of the Psalms ascribed to David sounds like the resolves of a new monarch on his accession. In it the Psalmist draws the ideal of a king, and says such …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture David's Dying Song
We shall notice first, that the Psalmist had sorrow in his house--" Although my house be not so with God." Secondly, he had confidence in the covenant--" yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant." And thirdly, he had satisfaction in his heart, for he says--" this is all my salvation, and all my desire. I. The Psalmist says he had sorrow in his house--"Although my house be not so with God." What man is there of all our race, who, if he had to write his history, would not need to use a great …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855 Covenanting Sanctioned by the Divine Example.
God's procedure when imitable forms a peculiar argument for duty. That is made known for many reasons; among which must stand this,--that it may be observed and followed as an example. That, being perfect, is a safe and necessary pattern to follow. The law of God proclaims what he wills men as well as angels to do. The purposes of God show what he has resolved to have accomplished. The constitutions of his moral subjects intimate that he has provided that his will shall be voluntarily accomplished …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Christian's Book
Scripture references 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:20,21; John 5:39; Romans 15:4; 2 Samuel 23:2; Luke 1:70; 24:32,45; John 2:22; 10:35; 19:36; Acts 1:16; Romans 1:1,2; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; James 2:8. WHAT IS THE BIBLE? What is the Bible? How shall we regard it? Where shall we place it? These and many questions like them at once come to the front when we begin to discuss the Bible as a book. It is only possible in this brief study, of a great subject, to indicate the line of some of the answers. …
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian Thoughts Upon the Appearance of Christ the Sun of Righteousness, or the Beatifick vision.
SO long as we are in the Body, we are apt to be governed wholly by its senses, seldom or never minding any thing but what comes to us through one or other of them. Though we are all able to abstract our Thoughts when we please from matter, and fix them upon things that are purely spiritual; there are but few that ever do it. But few, even among those also that have such things revealed to them by God himself, and so have infinitely more and firmer ground to believe them, than any one, or all their …
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life The Truth of God
The next attribute is God's truth. A God of truth and without iniquity; just and right is he.' Deut 32:4. For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.' Psa 57:10. Plenteous in truth.' Psa 86:15. I. God is the truth. He is true in a physical sense; true in his being: he has a real subsistence, and gives a being to others. He is true in a moral sense; he is true sine errore, without errors; et sine fallacia, without deceit. God is prima veritas, the pattern and prototype …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
Since every revealed purpose of God, implying that obedience to his law will be given, is a demand of that obedience, the announcement of his Covenant, as in his sovereignty decreed, claims, not less effectively than an explicit law, the fulfilment of its duties. A representation of a system of things pre-determined in order that the obligations of the Covenant might be discharged; various exhibitions of the Covenant as ordained; and a description of the children of the Covenant as predestinated …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Work of the Holy Spirit in Prophets and Apostles.
The work of the Holy Spirit in apostles and prophets is an entirely distinctive work. He imparts to apostles and prophets an especial gift for an especial purpose. We read in 1 Cor. xii. 4, 8-11, 28, 29, R. V., "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.... For to one is given through the Spirit wisdom; and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; to another faith, in the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, in the one Spirit; and to another workings …
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. )
Ver. 20. "And Noah began and became an husbandman, and planted vineyards."--This does not imply that Noah was the first who began to till the ground, and, more especially, to cultivate the vine; for Cain, too, was a tiller of the ground, Gen. iv. 2. The sense rather is, that Noah, after the flood, again took up this calling. Moreover, the remark has not an independent import; it serves only to prepare the way for the communication of the subsequent account of Noah's drunkenness. By this remark, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Deity of the Holy Spirit.
In the preceding chapter we have seen clearly that the Holy Spirit is a Person. But what sort of a Person is He? Is He a finite person or an infinite person? Is He God? This question also is plainly answered in the Bible. There are in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments five distinct and decisive lines of proof of the Deity of the Holy Spirit. I. Each of the four distinctively Divine attributes is ascribed to the Holy Spirit. What are the distinctively Divine attributes? Eternity, omnipresence, …
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit How is Christ, as the Life, to be Applied by a Soul that Misseth God's Favour and Countenance.
The sixth case, that we shall speak a little to, is a deadness, occasioned by the Lord's hiding of himself, who is their life, and "the fountain of life," Ps. xxxvi. 9, and "whose loving-kindness is better than life," Ps. lxiii. 3, and "in whose favour is their life," Ps. xxx. 5. A case, which the frequent complaints of the saints manifest to be rife enough, concerning which we shall, 1. Shew some of the consequences of the Lord's hiding his face, whereby the soul's case will appear. 2. Shew the …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Thoughts Upon the Mystery of the Trinity.
THOUGH there be many in the World that seem to be Religious, there are but few that are so: One great Reason whereof is, because there are so many Mistakes about Religion, that it is an hard matter to hit upon the true Notion of it: And therefore desiring nothing in this World, so much as to be an Instrument in God's Hand to direct Men unto true Religion, my great Care must, and, by the Blessing of God, shall be to instil into them right Conceptions of him, that is the only Object of all Religious …
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life The Covenant of Grace
Q-20: DID GOD LEAVE ALL MANKIND TO PERISH 1N THE ESTATE OF SIN AND MISERY? A: No! He entered into a covenant of grace to deliver the elect out of that state, and to bring them into a state of grace by a Redeemer. 'I will make an everlasting covenant with you.' Isa 55:5. Man being by his fall plunged into a labyrinth of misery, and having no way left to recover himself, God was pleased to enter into a new covenant with him, and to restore him to life by a Redeemer. The great proposition I shall go …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 23:17 NIV2 Samuel 23:17 NLT2 Samuel 23:17 ESV2 Samuel 23:17 NASB2 Samuel 23:17 KJV
2 Samuel 23:17 Commentaries
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