1 Chronicles 11 15

1 Chronicles 11:15 kjv

Now three of the thirty captains went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the host of the Philistines encamped in the valley of Rephaim.

1 Chronicles 11:15 nkjv

Now three of the thirty chief men went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the army of the Philistines encamped in the Valley of Rephaim.

1 Chronicles 11:15 niv

Three of the thirty chiefs came down to David to the rock at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim.

1 Chronicles 11:15 esv

Three of the thirty chief men went down to the rock to David at the cave of Adullam, when the army of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim.

1 Chronicles 11:15 nlt

Once when David was at the rock near the cave of Adullam, the Philistine army was camped in the valley of Rephaim. The Three (who were among the Thirty ? an elite group among David's fighting men) went down to meet him there.

1 Chronicles 11 verses

1 Chronicles 11 15 Meaning

1 Chronicles 11:15 sets the stage for a remarkable act of valor by introducing David's elite warriors, specifically a core group of three, who were with him in his stronghold at the cave of Adullam. This scene unfolds under conditions of significant external threat, as the Philistine army was powerfully entrenched nearby in the strategically vital Valley of Rephaim. The verse portrays a moment of tension and danger, highlighting David's vulnerable position while emphasizing the presence and readiness of his exceptionally loyal and brave mighty men.

1 Chronicles 11 15 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 11 begins by recounting David's anointing as king over all Israel in Hebron, emphasizing the unity of the tribes under him. It then immediately shifts to highlight David's initial conquest of Jerusalem and establishing it as the City of David. Following this, the chapter devotes significant attention to listing David's mighty men and their heroic deeds, which demonstrated their unwavering loyalty and skill. Verse 15 is specifically found within this catalog of elite warriors and their extraordinary acts. It serves as an immediate backdrop, setting the physical and strategic scene for one of their most celebrated displays of devotion to David: the fetching of water from Bethlehem. Historically, this period reflects David's early reign, or even his time as an outlaw before becoming full king, during which he was constantly establishing his authority and confronting the ongoing military threat from the Philistines who continually challenged Israel's borders and nascent kingdom. The cave of Adullam marks a time of humility and gathering of his first followers, making their subsequent acts of loyalty even more profound.

1 Chronicles 11 15 Word analysis

• And (וְ – wĕ): A simple conjunctive, connecting this verse to the preceding narrative of David's mighty men and indicating the continuity of events and the flow of the historical account. It often introduces a significant new point or scene.

• three (שְׁלֹשָׁה – šəlošah): Specifies a distinct group, referencing "the Three" or "Three Mighty Ones," who were the preeminent members of David's special forces. Their number indicates their select status and unified purpose in performing this particular deed.

• of the thirty (מִשְּׁלֹשִׁים – miššəlošîm): This clarifies their position within the broader elite group. The "thirty" (or sometimes referred to as the "Thirty Captains" or "Thirty Chiefs") were a formidable and recognized band of warriors in David's army, implying these three were the most senior or courageous of that revered company.

• chief (הָרָאשִׁים – hārā’šîm): Literally "the heads" or "the chief ones." This term emphasizes their leadership, preeminence, and highest rank among the group of "thirty." It signifies their distinction and authority, marking them as the very best of David's elite.

• went down (יָרְדוּ – yārdū): Indicates movement from a higher elevation to a lower one, which is geographically accurate for travel from the hills or fortifications where Adullam lay, into a valley. This act also subtly highlights the danger inherent in their descent into enemy territory.

• to the rock (אֶל־הַצּוּר – ’el-haṣṣûr): Refers to a natural fortified position, possibly a specific rocky outcrop or elevated ground that served as David's defensive headquarters. It symbolizes security and refuge.

• to David (אֶל־דָּוִיד – ’el-Dāwîd): Explicitly states their loyalty and dedication were directed towards David himself, regardless of his current circumstances (being in a cave, essentially on the run or besieged). Their journey was for his sake.

• into the cave (אֶל־מְעָרַת – ’el-mə‘ārat): Refers to a specific underground chamber or series of caves. Caves were common hiding places in ancient Judah for those fleeing danger.

• of Adullam (עֲדֻלָּם – ‘Ăḏullām): A specific historical site located in the Shephelah, a significant refuge for David during his outlaw years (1 Sam 22:1). Its mention sets the particular geographical and historical context for David's precarious situation.

• and the host (וּמַחֲנֵה – ûmaḥănēh): The "host" or "camp" signifies a substantial armed force, typically referring to an organized army. This immediately juxtaposes David's smaller, more vulnerable group with a formidable opposing power.

• of the Philistines (פְלִשְׁתִּים – p̄əlištim): Identifies Israel's persistent and formidable enemy, known for their military prowess and continuous conflict with Israel. Their presence indicates a significant threat to David's kingdom.

• encamped (חֹנִים – ḥōním): Means to establish a fixed camp, indicating readiness for battle or prolonged occupation of an area. It implies an entrenched position of strength.

• in the valley (בְּעֵמֶק – bə‘ēmeq): Denotes a low, open area, often fertile and strategically important for movements of armies.

• of Rephaim (רְפָאִים – Rəp̄ā’îm): A specific valley just southwest of Jerusalem, frequently mentioned as a site of Philistine encampments and significant battles against David (2 Sam 5:18-25, 1 Chr 14:9-16). Its name can evoke associations with ancient giants, hinting at a place of historical battles and formidable opposition.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "And three of the thirty chief went down to the rock to David": This phrase immediately highlights extraordinary loyalty and daring. These are not ordinary soldiers, but the elite of the elite, undertaking a difficult and dangerous journey specifically to David, underscoring their personal devotion to him. Their descent suggests humility and risk for their leader.
  • "into the cave of Adullam": The mention of David's location—a cave, a place of refuge—contrasts sharply with the strength of the opposing army. It portrays David in a position of apparent vulnerability, underscoring the true devotion required from his men. Adullam was also the place where David gathered the distressed, indebted, and discontented (1 Sam 22:2), thus indicating that David’s leadership, even in humble settings, attracted such faithful individuals.
  • "and the host of the Philistines encamped in the valley of Rephaim": This clause sets up the intense military threat that made the "three" men's subsequent actions so perilous. The Philistines, the dominant regional power, establishing a camp in such a strategically vital valley, signifies a direct and serious challenge to David's safety and burgeoning rule. It highlights the vast odds David and his men faced, demonstrating the strength of God at work through seemingly impossible situations.

1 Chronicles 11 15 Bonus section

The positioning of the Philistines in the Valley of Rephaim frequently led to significant confrontations (e.g., 2 Sam 5:18, 1 Chr 14:9). This valley's name, "Rephaim," is connected to an ancient race of giants or powerful people mentioned in biblical history (e.g., Deut 2:11, Gen 14:5), perhaps symbolizing the overwhelming strength of the Philistines. The specific mention of Adullam also resonates with David's humble beginnings, a "school" where the distressed, indebted, and discontented gathered to him, eventually being forged into a disciplined army through divine guidance and David's leadership. This highlights how God often begins mighty works from small, unlikely origins, strengthening the weak and using the humble to achieve His purposes. The events sparked by this setting showcase that it was not military might alone, but divine favor and unwavering loyalty to God's chosen leader, that secured Israel's future.

1 Chronicles 11 15 Commentary

1 Chronicles 11:15 serves as a crucial contextual setting for one of the most poignant acts of devotion in David's narrative. It concisely describes the precarious position of David and his inner circle—sheltered in the modest cave of Adullam—while a powerful and hostile Philistine army firmly occupied the nearby, strategically significant Valley of Rephaim. This juxtaposition immediately establishes a scene of tension, danger, and immense vulnerability for David, contrasting sharply with the formidable presence of his long-standing enemies. The verse underscores the character of David's loyal followers, particularly singling out "three of the thirty chief." These men were not merely warriors; they were distinguished leaders within David's already elite band, chosen for their unparalleled bravery and faithfulness. Their presence with David in such a humble, yet dangerous, setting exemplifies a loyalty that transcended comfort or conventional military advantage. It hints at the deep personal bonds and commitment that underpinned David's emerging kingdom, suggesting that true leadership, even from a position of weakness, draws forth extraordinary fidelity and courage from devoted followers. The verse thus prefaces the following account of heroic sacrifice, rooted in the unique and challenging circumstances of God's anointed leader and his devoted warriors confronting overwhelming odds.