2 Samuel 23:14

14 David was then in the stronghold; and the garrison of the Pelishtim was then in Beit-Lechem

2 Samuel 23:14 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 23:14

And David [was] then in an hold
In a strong hold; the strong hold of Zion, as Josephus ^F24, or one on a rock near the cave of Adullam, see ( 1 Chronicles 11:15 ) ;

and the garrison of the Philistines [was] then [in] Bethlehem;
which was about six miles from Jerusalem; the valley of Rephaim lay between that and Bethlehem; so far had they got into the land of Judea, and such footing in it, as to have a garrison so near its metropolis.

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FOOTNOTES:

F24 Antiqu. l. 7. c. 12. sect. 4.

2 Samuel 23:14 In-Context

12 But he stood in the midst of the plot, and defended it, and killed the Pelishtim; and the LORD worked a great victory.

13 Three of the thirty chief men went down, and came to David in the harvest time to the cave of `Adullam; and the troop of the Pelishtim was encamped in the valley of Refa'im.

14 David was then in the stronghold; and the garrison of the Pelishtim was then in Beit-Lechem

15 David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me water to drink of the well of Beit-Lechem, which is by the gate!

16 The three mighty men broke through the host of the Pelishtim, and drew water out of the well of Beit-Lechem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but he would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD.