And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

2 SAMUEL 23:14KJV
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2 Samuel 23:14 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 23:14 mean?

2 Samuel 23:14 describes a moment when David was staying in a stronghold, while at the same time, the Philistines had stationed a military garrison in Bethlehem. This verse sets the scene for a tense situation where David and his men are separated from his hometown, which is under enemy control.

At this point in the story, David is not yet king over all Israel and is often on the run from his enemies. The "hold" refers to a fortified place where David and his followers are taking refuge. The Philistines, Israel’s long-standing enemies, have occupied Bethlehem, which is significant because it is David’s birthplace. This detail highlights the danger and the emotional weight of the situation for David and his men.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 23:14

  • hold (מְצוּדָה, metsudah): This word means a fortress or stronghold, a secure place often used for protection in times of danger. Here, it emphasizes David’s need for safety and the reality that he is not in control of his own land.
  • garrison (נְצִיב, netsiv): This term refers to a military outpost or a group of soldiers stationed to control a location. Its use shows that the Philistines have a firm grip on Bethlehem, not just passing through but occupying it.
  • Philistines (פְּלִשְׁתִּים, Pelishtim): Naming the Philistines underlines the ongoing conflict between them and Israel. Their presence in Bethlehem is a direct threat to David and his people.
  • Bethlehem (בֵּית לֶחֶם, Beit Lechem): Mentioning Bethlehem is significant because it is David’s hometown, adding a personal layer to the military situation.

Why 2 Samuel 23:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David was not always in control or secure, even in places deeply connected to his identity, such as Bethlehem.
  • The detail about the Philistines’ garrison in Bethlehem sets up the story that follows, where David longs for water from his hometown, highlighting both the danger and his deep connection to the place.
  • Understanding the setting helps explain the courage and loyalty of David’s men, who risk their lives to fulfill his wish in the next verses.

Where else these words appear

“garrison” Hebrew H4673 · used in 10 verses

  • Joshua 4:3 And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night.
  • 1 Samuel 14:1 Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father.
  • 1 Samuel 14:11 And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves.

“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.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:5 And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come hither. Nevertheless David took the castle of Zion, which is the city of David.
  • 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 23:24 Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,