David’s Mighty Men (2)—Love’s Devotion - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2025

Now three of the thirty chief men went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the army of the Philistines encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.
1 Chronicles 11:15-16

David's Mighty Men (2)—Love's Devotion
How depressing for David! The town he was born in had been taken by the Philistines, who had made it their garrison. In this context we read, "David said with longing, ‘Oh, that someone would give me a drink of water from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!' So the three broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless David would not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord" (vv. 17-18).

This impressive story of commitment and love is recorded for our encouragement (Rom. 15:4). The three mighty men heard David express his desire and, because they greatly loved him, risked their lives to bring to him water from Bethlehem's well. As true overcomers, they broke through the occupation, fetched water from the desired place, and brought it to David.

David honored the Lord by pouring the water out as a drink offering to Him, and doing so, he also honored his three mighty men. The Valley of Rephaim reminds us of the giants living in an area the Philistines had taken over. However, David's mighty men were even stronger. Why? Because of their great love of David. This made them stouter than the mighty Philistines or those giants. Today, we are facing powers much stronger than we. Yet love for the Lord and His people will make us victorious: "in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Rom. 8:37). Let us honor our Beloved, the Lord Jesus, by being truly devoted to Him!

Alfred E. Bouter