Bible Strands
1 Chronicles 11:18
So the Three broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well at the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the LORD,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator records the three mighty men's action and David's response during a campaign against the Philistines. David, who had just voiced a longing for water from Bethlehem, receives the water but addresses his refusal directly to God rather than to the men.
The words — וַ/יִּבְקְע֨וּ (va/i.yiv.ke.'U) translates literally as "and they broke through," describing the violent penetration of the enemy camp. מִ/בּ֤וֹר (mi./Bor) means "from the well," pinpointing the exact location of the water David desired.
The thread — Pouring liquid before the LORD mirrors the ritual at Mizpah where Israel poured out water and fasted (1 Samuel 7:6). The theme of risking one's life for deliverance appears in David's earlier exploits (1 Samuel 19:5) and Paul's commitment to face danger in Jerusalem (Acts 21:13).
Why it lands — The text states David refused to drink the water and poured it out to the LORD. It requires readers to distinguish between human sacrifice and divine ownership, treating life-risking acts as sacred offerings rather than personal trophies.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And the three 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 David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the Lord,
Cross-references
- Acts 21:13 Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
- 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.
- 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?”
- Song of Solomon 8:6 Set me as a seal over your heart, as a seal upon your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy as unrelenting as Sheol. Its sparks are fiery flames, the fiercest blaze of all.
- 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 Corinthians 5:14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died.