Now three of the thirty captains went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the host of the Philistines encamped in the valley of Rephaim.

1 CHRONICLES 11:15KJV
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1 Chronicles 11:15 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 11:15 mean?

1 Chronicles 11:15 describes how three of David’s leading warriors went down to join him at the rock near the cave of Adullam, while the Philistine army was camped in the valley of Rephaim. This sets the scene for a moment when David and his men were facing a strong enemy presence nearby.

This verse is part of a historical account in the book of 1 Chronicles, which tells about David’s rise as king and the loyalty of his mighty men. The verse highlights a tense situation: David is hiding out with his men, the Philistines are close by, and three of his top warriors come to him at a time of danger. The cave of Adullam was a known refuge for David, and the valley of Rephaim was a strategic location often mentioned in battles with the Philistines.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 11:15

  • "Captains" (רָאשִׁים, ra’shím): This word is often translated as "heads" or "chiefs," pointing to the high status and leadership of these three men among David’s warriors.
  • "Rock" (צּוּר, tsur): The word used here can mean a large rock or rocky stronghold, emphasizing the defensive nature of David’s position near the cave.
  • "Cave" (מְעָרָה, me‘arah): This is a specific word for a cave or cavern, reminding the reader that David often used such places as hiding spots during times of threat.
  • "Host" (מַחֲנֶה, machaneh): This word means a camp or encampment, showing that the Philistines were not just passing through but had set up a military position in the valley.

Why 1 Chronicles 11:15 matters

  • This verse highlights the loyalty and bravery of David’s closest warriors, setting up stories that show their dedication to him even in dangerous situations.
  • The mention of the cave of Adullam and the valley of Rephaim connects this moment to other key events in David’s life, helping the reader see the ongoing conflict with the Philistines and the challenges David faced before becoming king.
  • Understanding the setting—David in hiding, the Philistines encamped nearby—adds depth to the following verses, where the actions of these three warriors become even more significant.

Where else these words appear

“Adullam” Hebrew H5725 · used in 8 verses

  • Joshua 12:15 The king of Libnah, one; the king of Adullam, one;
  • 1 Samuel 22:1 David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him.
  • 2 Chronicles 11:7 And Bethzur, and Shoco, and Adullam,

“Rephaim” Hebrew H7497 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 14:5 And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim,
  • Joshua 13:12 All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for these did Moses smite, and cast them out.
  • 2 Samuel 21:20 And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of great stature, that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant.

“cave” Hebrew H4631 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 19:30 And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters.
  • Joshua 10:16 But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah.
  • 1 Samuel 24:10 Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed.

“valley” Hebrew H6010 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:3 All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.
  • Judges 7:1 Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.
  • Job 39:21 He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men.