David’s humble refusal to drink exemplifies godly leadership by valuing human life and offering sacrificial devotion to the Lord.
“and he said, ‘Be it far from me, O Lord, that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives?’ Therefore he would not drink it. These things the three mighty men did.” (v.17)
In this verse King David, who reigned around 1010-970 BC, refuses to drink water brought to him by three of his most elite warriors, often called “the three mighty men.” Earlier in 2 Samuel 23, these three braved enemy lines near Bethlehem—a town located about six miles south of Jerusalem in the hill country of Judah—to retrieve water from a well for David. Their heroic act placed them in extreme danger, prompting David to compare the water to the very blood of these men. Out of reverence to God and respect for the sacrifice of his warriors, David poured the water out as an offering rather than consume something obtained at such a grave risk.
The phrase, “Shall I drink the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives?” (v.17) is David’s rhetorical way of emphasizing that the water itself symbolized the life-risking devotion the men displayed. David, who was anointed by God to lead Israel (1 Samuel 16:13), viewed his role not as one to exploit the bravery of those under him, but to honor both them and the Lord. By pouring the water out before God, he demonstrated humility and a realization that the devotion of these men was a sacred trust, not a commodity for personal pleasure.
Through this account, readers see a portrait of leadership that respects the well-being and sacrifices of its people. David’s action honors God above himself, pointing forward to a principle fulfilled perfectly in Jesus, the Son of David, who would later give His own life rather than demand the life of others (Mark 10:45). David’s piety in this instance sets an example of gratitude and worship, reminding believers that no cost is too high when it comes to honoring the life and faithfulness of God’s people.
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2 Samuel 23:17 meaning
“and he said, ‘Be it far from me, O Lord, that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives?’ Therefore he would not drink it. These things the three mighty men did.” (v.17)
In this verse King David, who reigned around 1010-970 BC, refuses to drink water brought to him by three of his most elite warriors, often called “the three mighty men.” Earlier in 2 Samuel 23, these three braved enemy lines near Bethlehem—a town located about six miles south of Jerusalem in the hill country of Judah—to retrieve water from a well for David. Their heroic act placed them in extreme danger, prompting David to compare the water to the very blood of these men. Out of reverence to God and respect for the sacrifice of his warriors, David poured the water out as an offering rather than consume something obtained at such a grave risk.
The phrase, “Shall I drink the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives?” (v.17) is David’s rhetorical way of emphasizing that the water itself symbolized the life-risking devotion the men displayed. David, who was anointed by God to lead Israel (1 Samuel 16:13), viewed his role not as one to exploit the bravery of those under him, but to honor both them and the Lord. By pouring the water out before God, he demonstrated humility and a realization that the devotion of these men was a sacred trust, not a commodity for personal pleasure.
Through this account, readers see a portrait of leadership that respects the well-being and sacrifices of its people. David’s action honors God above himself, pointing forward to a principle fulfilled perfectly in Jesus, the Son of David, who would later give His own life rather than demand the life of others (Mark 10:45). David’s piety in this instance sets an example of gratitude and worship, reminding believers that no cost is too high when it comes to honoring the life and faithfulness of God’s people.