2 Samuel 23:9-17
23:10 a to collect the plunder: Cp. 1 Sam 30:9-10 b, 21-25 c.23:13 d The cave of Adullam was a place of refuge for David from Saul (see 1 Sam 22:1 e).
• The valley of Rephaim was located between Bethlehem and Jerusalem (see 2 Sam 5:17-25 f).
Summary for 2Sam 23:15-16: 23:15-16 g remarked longingly: This Hebrew verb elsewhere carries the idea of excessive desire (see Num 11:4 h, “began to crave”; Ps 106:14 i, “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 j 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 k; Deut 12:23-24 l).
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