2 samuel 23:13 - 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 Philistines was encamped in the valley of Rephaim.

Generated Verse: 2 samuel 23:13

What does "2 samuel 23:13" mean?


This verse, 2 Samuel 23:13, sets the scene for an act of great loyalty and courage on the part of David's warriors. Here's a breakdown of what it means:

"Three of the thirty chief men went down..." This refers to three particularly valiant and respected warriors from David's elite fighting force known as the "Thirty." They are singling themselves out for some action.

"...and came to David in the harvest time to the cave of Adullam..." David was in hiding at the cave of Adullam. This suggests he was vulnerable or in a strategically weaker position, perhaps due to conflict with King Saul or other enemies. The timing is "harvest time," which implies food scarcity or a need to secure resources, adding to the tension.

"...and the troop of the Philistines was encamped in the valley of Rephaim." The Philistines, traditional enemies of Israel, were camped in the Valley of Rephaim, a fertile and strategically important area. This proximity to David's location indicates a threat to him and his men. The Philistines likely controlled access to resources in that area.

In essence, the verse paints a picture:

David is in hiding in the cave of Adullam.
Three of his most loyal and brave warriors seek him out there.
The Philistines, a significant enemy force, are nearby and positioned in a strategic valley, creating a dangerous situation for David.

Significance:

This verse acts as a prelude to the famous story of David's thirst for water from the well in Bethlehem (verses 14-17). Knowing the danger, these three warriors would bravely break through the Philistine lines to fetch water for David. This demonstrates extraordinary devotion, sacrifice, and loyalty from the three warriors for their leader and king. This action of these three warriors is a classic example of selfless service, risk-taking, and courage in the face of danger.

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