Water From Bethlehem

One day while he [David] was hidden in the cave of Adullam, his thoughts turning back to the untroubled freedom of his boyhood life, the fugitive exclaimed, ‘Oh that one would give me [a] drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!’ 2 Samuel 23:13-17. Bethlehem was at that time in the hands of the Philistines; but three mighty men of David’s band broke through the guard, and brought of the water of Bethlehem to their master.

David could not drink it.

‘Be it far from me,’ he cried; ‘is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives?’ And he reverently poured out the water as an offering to God.

David had been a man of war, much of his life had been spent amid scenes of violence; but of all who have passed through such an ordeal, few indeed have been so little affected by its hardening, demoralizing influence as was David.” This brave foray behind enemy lines is recounted in passing during a listing of the mighty men of valor who served in David’s army.

Three of those men were the ones who broke through the guard at the well of Bethlehem to secure for their commander the water he wished to taste once again.

David was so beloved he only had to suggest a desire, and his men responded with alacrity. We are not told how many Philistines were faced to accomplish this bold feat.

Silently slipping through the lines, passing the guards around the city, furtively drawing water from the community well, and returning undetected to their own men—this was a mission requiring stealth and courage. I imagine it was with a great deal of pride in their accomplishment that they presented the water to David. He poured it out on the ground as an offering to God! His men must have been shocked. It appeared their efforts were not appreciated.

This was the furthest thing from David’s mind. He valued their courage, their loyalty, and their love! He, therefore, thanked God for the brave men who stood beside him during these trying times. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).