2 Samuel 23 14

2 Samuel 23:14 kjv

And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

2 Samuel 23:14 nkjv

David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

2 Samuel 23:14 niv

At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem.

2 Samuel 23:14 esv

David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem.

2 Samuel 23:14 nlt

David was staying in the stronghold at the time, and a Philistine detachment had occupied the town of Bethlehem.

2 Samuel 23 verses

2 Samuel 23 14 Meaning

This verse sets the stage for a heroic act of loyalty and sacrifice, revealing the challenging circumstances facing King David. It states that David was strategically positioned in a stronghold or fortress, indicating a defensive posture during a military campaign. Simultaneously, it highlights the Philistines' oppressive presence, with their military garrison occupying Bethlehem, David's ancestral hometown. This immediate geographical and military context underscores the personal longing that prompted David to desire water from his besieged birthplace, leading to the renowned act of his mighty men.

2 Samuel 23 14 Context

This verse is situated within a section (2 Sam 23:8-39) dedicated to chronicling the valiant exploits of David's mighty men, an elite group of warriors known for their extraordinary bravery and unwavering loyalty. Specifically, verse 14 provides the crucial setting for the narrative immediately following it, detailing how three of David's most celebrated warriors risked their lives to retrieve water from the well of Bethlehem for him. Historically, David's reign was marked by ongoing conflicts, especially with the Philistines, who persistently threatened Israel's security. The occupation of Bethlehem, David's hometown, by a Philistine garrison signifies the intensity of this struggle and highlights David's personal connection to the contested territory. This context reveals not only David's strategic military position in a stronghold but also the continuous struggle for Israel's complete liberation and the deep emotional connection a leader might have to his ancestral lands under enemy occupation.

2 Samuel 23 14 Word analysis

• And David: Connects this narrative segment to the preceding "last words of David" (2 Sam 23:1-7) and the introduction of his mighty men (2 Sam 23:8). It focuses the reader on David as the central figure of the desire that sparks the action.
• was then: The Hebrew does not have a distinct word for "then" but indicates sequential action and temporal relationship within the narrative, implying these events were contemporary.
• in the hold: Hebrew: ba-měṣuḏāh (בַּמְּצֻדָּה). Metsudah (מְצֻדָּה) refers to a fortress, stronghold, or mountain-fortress. This was a defensible location, possibly an ancient cave system or a rock-hewn fortress, a place David was familiar with from his time fleeing Saul (e.g., Adullam). It suggests a place of military encampment, defense, or temporary strategic base rather than a royal palace, underscoring a state of ongoing warfare or a specific campaign. It contrasts David's position with the comfortable regality of peacetime.
• and the garrison: Hebrew: ū-məṣab (וּמַצָּב). Matsab (מַצָּב) denotes a military post, station, or an occupying force. This word emphasizes the permanent, established military presence of the enemy. It is not merely a raiding party but a sustained occupation.
• of the Philistines: Hebrew: Pelištîm (פְּלִשְׁתִּים). The Philistines were the perennial arch-enemies of Israel throughout the period of the Judges and early monarchy. Their constant threat often dictated Israel's military readiness. Their presence in Bethlehem was a direct and significant challenge to Israelite sovereignty and security in the heartland.
• was then in Bethlehem: Hebrew: āz bě-Lēḥem (אָז בְּבֵית לֶחֶם). Bethlehem (בֵּית לֶחֶם), literally "house of bread," was highly significant as David's birthplace and ancestral home, where his family (Jesse's household) resided. Its occupation by the Philistines signifies both the humiliation and distress for David and Israel. It was a poignant reminder of the uncompleted task of driving out Israel's enemies and the cost of this struggle on a deeply personal level for David. It also sets up the narrative of David's profound personal longing.

• "David was then in the hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem": This juxtaposition highlights a tense military standoff. David, the King of Israel, is in a fortified, but potentially restrictive, defensive position, while his ancestral town is under the direct control of Israel's long-standing adversaries. This contrast immediately establishes the stakes and the poignant personal connection to the ensuing narrative, explaining David's yearning for water from the well of Bethlehem. It underlines the ongoing struggle for Israel's freedom and David's burden as leader.

2 Samuel 23 14 Bonus section

The "hold" (metsudah) is often interpreted by scholars as potentially the cave of Adullam or a similar strong defensive position from which David would launch operations or seek refuge during times of conflict. The narrative implies a direct confrontation or siege situation near Bethlehem, which would make fetching water from inside the occupied city an exceedingly dangerous and audacious act, elevating the heroism of the mighty men even further. David's subsequent refusal to drink the water, pouring it out as an offering to the Lord (2 Sam 23:17), underscores his deep respect for their selfless act, recognizing the preciousness of life itself that went into securing it. This event serves as a powerful testament to the bond between David and his loyal warriors, mirroring the ultimate self-sacrifice exemplified by Christ.

2 Samuel 23 14 Commentary

This verse is pivotal in setting the stage for one of the most remarkable acts of devotion and courage recorded in David's history. It concisely portrays the grim reality of David's kingdom at this moment: despite his victories, a significant Philistine garrison occupied Bethlehem, a place profoundly meaningful to him. David's presence "in the hold" signifies a state of strategic vigilance or military campaign, implying he was actively confronting the enemy, not merely residing peacefully. This military situation, with his own birthplace under enemy control, triggers a profound, perhaps subconscious, desire in David, ultimately leading to his mighty men's heroic self-sacrifice. It subtly reveals the leader's human vulnerability and personal longing amidst warfare, setting up a powerful display of loyalty and reverence from his most dedicated warriors. The scene underscores the cost of securing God's promised land and the personal and national yearning for its full restoration.