David’s Mighty Men (2) - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2024

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. David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.
1 Chronicles 11:15-16 NKJV

David's Mighty Men (2)
How depressing it was that the Philistines had occupied Bethlehem, David's birthplace, and even made it their garrison. In this context "David said longingly, ‘Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!' Then the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and took it and brought it to David. But David would not drink it. He poured it out to the Lord" (1 Chr. 11:17-18 esv).

This touching account of commitment and love was recorded for our instruction and encouragement. The three mighty men heard David express his desire and acted speedily. Their great love of him led them to risk their own lives to draw water from Bethlehem's well and bring it to him. With such devotion, as true overcomers, they broke through the Philistines' occupation to fetch water from that well and bring it to David!

David honored the Lord by pouring the water out as a drink offering to Him. At the same time, he honored his three mighty men. The name of the Valley of Rephaim reminds us of the giants living there; now it was under the Philistines' control. However, David's mighty men were stronger than the mighty Philistines or the giants who lived there. Why? Because of their love of David.

Today, we are facing powers so much stronger than we are. Only true love for the Lord and for His people will make us victorious. And "in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Rom. 8:37).

-- Alfred E. Bouter