a23:13
b1 Sam 22:1
c2 Sam 5:17-25
d23:15-16
eNum 11:4
fPs 106:14
g23:17
hLev 17:10-13
iDeut 12:23-24

‏ 2 Samuel 23:13-17

23:13  a The cave of Adullam was a place of refuge for David from Saul (see 1 Sam 22:1  b).

• The valley of Rephaim was located between Bethlehem and Jerusalem (see 2 Sam 5:17-25  c).
Summary for 2Sam 23:15-16: 23:15-16  d remarked longingly: This Hebrew verb elsewhere carries the idea of excessive desire (see Num 11:4  e, “began to crave”; Ps 106:14  f, “desires ran wild”). It is unclear whether David’s craving for water was excessive, but it certainly led to dangerous exploits.

• well by the gate: David had memories from his younger days of growing up in Bethlehem. The location of the well is unknown.
23:17  g This water ... these men: When David poured the hard-won water on the ground, it did not signal ingratitude. Rather, he regarded the water as equivalent to the warriors’ blood; it represented life that only God was worthy to receive (Lev 17:10-13  h; Deut 12:23-24  i).
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