1 chronicles 11:17 - David longed, and said, “Oh that one would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "1 chronicles 11:17" mean?
This verse from 1 Chronicles 11:17 tells us that David, while leading his men in battle (the context indicates this is a time of conflict with the Philistines), expresses a deep longing for water from a specific well in his hometown of Bethlehem. Let's break down the meaning:
"David longed..." This highlights the intensity of David's desire. It wasn't just a casual thirst; it was a strong, heartfelt yearning.
"...and said, “Oh that one would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!”" This is the key part.
"the well of Bethlehem..." The well itself had significance for David. It wasn't just any water. This was Bethlehem water, from his childhood home.
"...which is by the gate!" Specifying the location emphasizes his intimate knowledge of the town. It's a specific, evocative detail.
"Oh that one would give me..." He desires someone to go and retrieve it for him.
Here's what the verse could mean, considering the context and the historical background:
Nostalgia and a longing for home: David was likely in a difficult situation, perhaps facing danger and hardship. The desire for water from his hometown well could symbolize a deep longing for the comfort, security, and simpler times of his youth. It's a natural human response to stress and adversity. It represents a desire to return to his roots, to a place of safety and peace.
A desire for the familiar and comforting: The taste of that water, the memory of drawing it as a boy, would have been deeply comforting. It could be a symbol of connection to his identity, his past, and the people he loved.
A Test or Challenge (less likely, but possible): Some suggest David may have been unwittingly testing the loyalty and bravery of his men. By expressing this seemingly impossible desire, he might have been curious to see who would be willing to risk their lives to fulfill it. This is a less supported interpretation, but it's important to acknowledge it given the context of military leadership.
In Summary:
The verse is powerful because it reveals a glimpse into David's heart. He was a king and a warrior, but he was also a man with deep feelings and a strong connection to his past. The longing for water from the well of Bethlehem is a symbol of his desire for home, comfort, and connection to his roots in a time of hardship and possibly danger. It highlights his humanity and vulnerability despite his position of power. The subsequent actions of the three warriors in the verses following demonstrate their love and loyalty to David.
1 chronicles 11:17 - David longed, and said, “Oh that one would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!”
What does "1 chronicles 11:17" mean?
This verse from 1 Chronicles 11:17 tells us that David, while leading his men in battle (the context indicates this is a time of conflict with the Philistines), expresses a deep longing for water from a specific well in his hometown of Bethlehem. Let's break down the meaning:
"David longed..." This highlights the intensity of David's desire. It wasn't just a casual thirst; it was a strong, heartfelt yearning.
"...and said, “Oh that one would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!”" This is the key part.
"the well of Bethlehem..." The well itself had significance for David. It wasn't just any water. This was Bethlehem water, from his childhood home.
"...which is by the gate!" Specifying the location emphasizes his intimate knowledge of the town. It's a specific, evocative detail.
"Oh that one would give me..." He desires someone to go and retrieve it for him.
Here's what the verse could mean, considering the context and the historical background:
Nostalgia and a longing for home: David was likely in a difficult situation, perhaps facing danger and hardship. The desire for water from his hometown well could symbolize a deep longing for the comfort, security, and simpler times of his youth. It's a natural human response to stress and adversity. It represents a desire to return to his roots, to a place of safety and peace.
A desire for the familiar and comforting: The taste of that water, the memory of drawing it as a boy, would have been deeply comforting. It could be a symbol of connection to his identity, his past, and the people he loved.
A Test or Challenge (less likely, but possible): Some suggest David may have been unwittingly testing the loyalty and bravery of his men. By expressing this seemingly impossible desire, he might have been curious to see who would be willing to risk their lives to fulfill it. This is a less supported interpretation, but it's important to acknowledge it given the context of military leadership.
In Summary:
The verse is powerful because it reveals a glimpse into David's heart. He was a king and a warrior, but he was also a man with deep feelings and a strong connection to his past. The longing for water from the well of Bethlehem is a symbol of his desire for home, comfort, and connection to his roots in a time of hardship and possibly danger. It highlights his humanity and vulnerability despite his position of power. The subsequent actions of the three warriors in the verses following demonstrate their love and loyalty to David.