2 Samuel 23 13

2 Samuel 23:13 kjv

And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim.

2 Samuel 23:13 nkjv

Then three of the thirty chief men went down at harvest time and came to David at the cave of Adullam. And the troop of Philistines encamped in the Valley of Rephaim.

2 Samuel 23:13 niv

During harvest time, three of the thirty chief warriors came down to David at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim.

2 Samuel 23:13 esv

And three of the thirty chief men went down and came about harvest time to David at the cave of Adullam, when a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim.

2 Samuel 23:13 nlt

Once during the harvest, when David was at 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.

2 Samuel 23 verses

2 Samuel 23 13 Meaning

This verse precisely sets the physical and chronological stage for a profound act of devotion by David's most elite warriors. It describes the perilous circumstances in which David and his loyal men were positioned at the cave of Adullam, indicating a Philistine military presence (a garrison) actively occupying the strategically vital Valley of Rephaim, especially near Bethlehem. This specific detailing provides the immediate context for David's wistful longing for water from his hometown's well and the subsequent extraordinary display of loyalty and bravery by three of his chief men.

2 Samuel 23 13 Context

This verse forms the transitional bridge within an appendix to 2 Samuel, specifically situated after the general listing of David's most elite warriors (2 Sam 23:8-12) and before the detailed narrative of their specific heroic act of bringing water to David (2 Sam 23:14-17). The preceding verses identify the individuals who comprise David's inner circle of military commanders and recount some of their individual great feats. This verse shifts from biographical highlights to a specific incident that dramatically illustrates the deep loyalty and incredible bravery characteristic of David's mighty men, and David's leadership.

Historically, this event likely took place during a critical phase of David's early kingship, possibly during ongoing campaigns to consolidate his control over all Israel or early in his reign after he was anointed king in Hebron but before firmly establishing Jerusalem. The Philistines, perennial adversaries, continually threatened Israel's nascent kingdom. Their entrenched presence in the strategically vital Valley of Rephaim near Bethlehem signified a direct threat to core Israelite territory and access routes. David's location in the "cave of Adullam" harks back to his days as an outlaw fleeing Saul, where he first gathered his initial band of loyal followers and established a base for operations. This specific historical setting of tension and Philistine occupation frames the heroic deed that follows, underscoring the risks involved.

2 Samuel 23 13 Word analysis

• And three: Hebrew: וּשְׁלֹשָׁה (u-shloshah). This specifically identifies the most exceptional and courageous individuals among David's warriors. These "three" are consistently distinguished in the text (e.g., vv. 16-17) for their extraordinary feats, even among the already elite "thirty." This highlights their preeminent status.
• of the thirty chief: Hebrew: מֵהַשְּׁלֹשִׁים (mei-ha-sheloshim). Literally, "of the thirty." This refers to David's corps of elite fighters, also known as the "thirty," who were renowned for their military prowess and unwavering loyalty to David. This designation signifies that the three individuals mentioned belong to and perhaps surpassed, this esteemed group.
• went down: Hebrew: יָרְדוּ (yar'du). Implies a movement, often geographical, from a higher to a lower elevation. From Adullam (a mountainous cave region) to the valley where the Philistines were. This movement also implies a deliberate and dangerous descent into enemy-occupied territory.
• and came to David: Signifies the specific intent and direction of their perilous journey. Their ultimate objective was to reach David, illustrating their unwavering personal devotion and focus on their leader, a hallmark of David's loyal followers.
• in the harvest time: Hebrew: קָצִיר (qatsiyr). Refers to the season of grain harvesting, typically late spring to early summer in ancient Israel (around May-June). This period often brought better weather conditions for military campaigns but could also make people outside fortified cities more vulnerable. The mention here adds a specific historical and temporal detail to the event.
• unto the cave of Adullam: Hebrew: אֶל-מְעָרַת עֲדֻלָּם (el m'arat Adullam). A strategically important cave complex in the Shephelah (foothills) of Judah, where David found refuge while fleeing Saul (1 Sam 22:1). It served as a natural fortress and a key rallying point for David and his early followers. Its location allowed for both defensiveness and accessibility for raids against enemies.
• and the troop of the Philistines: Hebrew: וּמַצָּב פְּלִשְׁתִּים (u-matstsâb P'lishtim). "Matstsâb" (מַצָּב) denotes a garrison, military outpost, or standing troop. This indicates a well-established Philistine military presence, signifying an occupation rather than just a passing force. It points to their strategic encroachment into Israelite territory. The Philistines were the dominant foreign threat to Israel at this time.
• pitched: Hebrew: חָנָה (chanah). To encamp, set up camp, or take up residence. This further emphasizes the settled nature of the Philistine military presence, not merely a temporary passage, making it a persistent and immediate threat.
• in the valley of Rephaim: Hebrew: בְּעֵמֶק רְפָאִים (b'emeq R'fa'im). A broad and fertile valley southwest of Jerusalem, between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. It was a key strategic area and a frequent battleground between Israel and the Philistines (e.g., 2 Sam 5:17-25). Its name, "Rephaim," might also subtly allude to an ancient race of giants (cf. Gen 14:5; Deut 2:11), perhaps suggesting the formidable nature of the Philistine enemy entrenched there.
• Words-group Analysis:
  • "And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David": This phrase highlights the intentional and challenging journey of a specific elite group among David's warriors. Their destination ("to David") underscores their unwavering personal allegiance. The act of "going down" from a secure stronghold implies significant risk and dedication.
  • "in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim": This forms the complete geographical and temporal setting. It juxtaposes David's secure, yet isolated, base (Adullam) with the hostile, active Philistine military occupation of a strategically vital and proximate area (Valley of Rephaim). "Harvest time" might imply increased vulnerability for the region, or merely provide a precise temporal marker for the historical account.

2 Samuel 23 13 Bonus section

• The selection of Adullam as David's location is significant. It's not just a random cave, but a place synonymous with David's initial gathering of disaffected and loyal individuals during his period of distress, signifying their foundational loyalty formed in hardship.
• The strategic importance of the Valley of Rephaim meant controlling the access routes to Bethlehem and possibly Jerusalem itself. The Philistine presence here was a direct affront to Israelite sovereignty and presented an imminent threat to Judah's heartland.
• This verse provides the context for the highly valued act of obtaining water from the well of Bethlehem, a seemingly simple desire by David, yet one that called forth such profound sacrifice from his men, elevating their loyalty to almost sacred status.

2 Samuel 23 13 Commentary

2 Samuel 23:13 serves as a masterfully concise exposition of the perilous setting surrounding King David and his devoted warriors. It immediately places the narrative in a critical period of constant conflict with the Philistines. By pinpointing the specific time ("harvest time") and locations ("cave of Adullam" for David, "Valley of Rephaim" for the Philistines), the verse not only anchors the ensuing narrative in historical reality but also creates a vivid scene of high stakes. The emphasis on "three of the thirty chief" strategically isolates these particular heroes, foreshadowing their unique, death-defying act described in later verses. The detailed presence of a "troop of the Philistines pitched" firmly in the Valley of Rephaim paints a clear picture of military occupation, highlighting the formidable challenge David faced and the extreme danger that had to be braved by his men. This strategic setup thus becomes the catalyst for one of the most remarkable demonstrations of loyalty, selflessness, and the extraordinary bond between a leader and his devoted followers in all of Scripture.