And David was then in the hold, and the Philistines' garrison was then at Bethlehem.

1 CHRONICLES 11:16KJV
Know the Bible

1 Chronicles 11:16 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 11:16 mean?

1 Chronicles 11:16 describes a moment when David was staying in a stronghold or fortress while the Philistines had a military outpost in Bethlehem. The verse sets the scene for a tense situation, with David and his men separated from his hometown, which was under enemy control.

This verse is part of a story about David before he became king over all Israel. David is not speaking here; the writer is narrating events during a time of conflict with the Philistines. The mention of Bethlehem being occupied by the Philistines highlights the danger and the significance of the events that follow, especially as Bethlehem was David’s birthplace.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 11:16

  • hold (מְצוּדָה, metsudah): This word means a stronghold, fortress, or secure place. It shows that David was in a place of safety, likely hiding from the Philistines, which adds to the tension of the story.
  • garrison (נְצִיב, netsiv): This word refers to a military post or stationed troops. The Philistines had established a presence in Bethlehem, making it a strategic and symbolic loss for David.
  • Bethlehem (בֵּית לֶחֶם, Beit Lechem): The name means "house of bread." Its mention here underlines the personal loss for David, since this was his hometown now under enemy occupation.

Why 1 Chronicles 11:16 matters

  • This verse helps the reader understand the seriousness of the situation David faced, with his own birthplace under enemy control.
  • It sets up the context for the following verses, where David’s longing for water from Bethlehem leads to an act of bravery by his men.
  • The details about the stronghold and the Philistine garrison show the real dangers and challenges David and his followers encountered during this period.

Where else these words appear

“garrison” Hebrew H5333 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 19:26 But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.
  • 1 Samuel 13:4 And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal.
  • 1 Kings 4:19 Geber the son of Uri was in the country of Gilead, in the country of Sihon king of the Amorites, and of Og king of Bashan; and he was the only officer which was in the land.

“hold” Hebrew H4686 · used in 22 verses

  • 1 Samuel 22:4 And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold.
  • 2 Samuel 23:14 And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.
  • Psalms 66:11 Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins.

“Bethlehem” Hebrew H1035 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 35:19 And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem.
  • Ruth 1:2 And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.
  • 2 Samuel 23:16 And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.