2 Samuel 21 15

2 Samuel 21:15 kjv

Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint.

2 Samuel 21:15 nkjv

When the Philistines were at war again with Israel, David and his servants with him went down and fought against the Philistines; and David grew faint.

2 Samuel 21:15 niv

Once again there was a battle between the Philistines and Israel. David went down with his men to fight against the Philistines, and he became exhausted.

2 Samuel 21:15 esv

There was war again between the Philistines and Israel, and David went down together with his servants, and they fought against the Philistines. And David grew weary.

2 Samuel 21:15 nlt

Once again the Philistines were at war with Israel. And when David and his men were in the thick of battle, David became weak and exhausted.

2 Samuel 21 verses

2 Samuel 21 15 Meaning

2 Samuel 21:15 describes the recommencement of military conflict between Israel and the Philistines, during which King David personally engaged in battle. The verse marks a significant point by noting David's physical weakening during the combat, signifying his aging and diminished vigor. This event highlights the vulnerability of even the most formidable human leaders and sets the stage for the valor of David's mighty men in protecting their king.

2 Samuel 21 15 Context

2 Samuel 21:15 introduces a section of the book (21:15-22) that records four specific encounters between David's men and Philistine giants. This section, along with 2 Samuel 23:8-39 (the list of David's mighty men) and the poem in 2 Samuel 22, appears to be a supplementary collection of events, likely placed out of strict chronological order. They highlight David's later reign, his continued reliance on God's protection, and the critical role of his valiant men. Specifically, this verse sets the stage for David's brush with death by Ishbi-Benob and his rescue by Abishai, leading to the men's decree that David should no longer go out to battle, indicating a transition in leadership emphasis due to David's declining physical state. Historically, Israel and the Philistines were perennial adversaries, representing a constant threat that required continuous vigilance and divine intervention.

2 Samuel 21 15 Word analysis

• Moreover (וַיְהִי עוֹד - wayĕhî ʿôd): This Hebrew phrase often translates to "it came to pass again" or "it happened in addition." It signals the continuation or resumption of an event, implying that conflict with the Philistines was not a new occurrence but a recurring feature.
• the Philistines (Pəlištîm): Descendants of the Caphtorim (Deut 2:23), these were Israel's most formidable and consistent adversaries throughout the early monarchical period. Their advanced iron technology and organized military posed a continuous threat to Israel's sovereignty and very existence, constantly challenging God's promise of the land.
• had war again (milḥāmâ - war): Emphasizes the repeated and relentless nature of the Philistine threat. Despite previous victories under David, the conflict had not ended definitively.
• with Israel: The target of the Philistine aggression was the entire nation, signifying a national conflict for survival and dominance in the land.
• and David went down (wayyered Dāwiḏ): "Went down" is a common biblical idiom for moving to a place, often one of lower elevation, typically associated with battlefields (e.g., valleys). It emphasizes David's direct participation in the conflict, embodying the traditional role of a king leading his armies.
• and his servants with him: Refers to David's personal retinue and, more specifically, his elite warriors, the "mighty men" (gibborim), whose valor is often highlighted. Their presence underscores the importance of loyal, capable companions, especially for a king in battle.
• and fought against the Philistines: Denotes David's active engagement and personal involvement in the fighting. He was not merely a strategic commander but a combatant.
• and David waxed faint (וַיָּעַף דָּוִד - wayyaʿap Dāwiḏ): The critical phrase. Wayyaʿap comes from the root yaʿaph (יעף), meaning "to be weary," "to faint," "to grow faint," "to be exhausted," or "to be worn out." This is a stark revelation about David, the legendary warrior; it shows his physical decline due to age or the sheer intensity of the battle, highlighting human limitations. It means he became weak, possibly lightheaded or on the verge of collapsing from fatigue or even injury.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Moreover the Philistines had war again with Israel": This phrase highlights the persistent enmity between the two nations and the ongoing divine purpose for their interaction, serving to reveal God's power through Israel's deliverers and His judgment upon their enemies. It establishes a cyclical pattern of conflict that constantly tested Israel's faith and leadership.
• "and David went down, and his servants with him": This demonstrates the monarch's commitment to lead from the front, yet also acknowledges the vital reliance on his close-knit fighting unit. It contrasts David's earlier independent valor with his later need for supportive companions.
• "and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint.": This marks a turning point in David's physical capacity. The great warrior who single-handedly defeated giants and armies now finds himself physically unable to sustain the rigors of combat. It sets the narrative for the emerging valor of his mighty men, who are now called upon to protect the king, thereby signifying a shift from the king's sole prowess to the collective strength of his leadership and the divine protection provided through others. It humanizes David, showing even a man after God's own heart has physical limits.

2 Samuel 21 15 Bonus section

• The passage where this verse resides (2 Sam 21:15-22) is often seen as a historical "appendix" to David's reign, focusing on particular episodes that highlight his later years, specifically the challenges with Philistine giants that link back to Goliath's family line, bringing a sense of full circle.
• The fact that David, the prototype king, experiences physical weakness subtly prepares the reader for the shift in focus towards future leadership and God's enduring covenant promises that extend beyond one individual's strength.
• This specific event emphasizes God's consistent protection of David, even in his vulnerability, not by supernaturally removing his faintness but by raising up instruments (Abishai) to ensure his safety and, by extension, the stability of the Davidic dynasty. It's a testament to the community of believers supporting their leader.
• The incident may also carry a subtle polemic against the idea that a king's strength is perpetual or divine in itself. It demonstrates that the power behind Israel's success is ultimately God's, manifest through His chosen vessels, whether strong or weak.

2 Samuel 21 15 Commentary

2 Samuel 21:15 is a concise yet pivotal verse. It paints a stark picture of the aging David, whose once indomitable physical strength had begun to wane. The resumption of war with the Philistines is a familiar theme, showcasing God's continued use of these adversaries to refine Israel and display His power. David's decision to personally engage, despite his likely advanced years, reveals his enduring sense of duty and his warrior spirit. However, the revelation that he "waxed faint" serves as a profound statement. It signifies the inevitable toll of age and continuous warfare, underscoring that even the greatest human leaders have physical limitations. This weakness providentially positions David's mighty men, particularly Abishai in the subsequent verses, to demonstrate their loyalty and valor in protecting God's anointed, transitioning the focus from David's individual prowess to the collective strength and God-given protection of his seasoned companions. This incident becomes a theological commentary on divine providence and protection, not necessarily through superhuman strength but often through the courageous actions of faithful servants.