King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 11:15 Mean?

1 Chronicles 11:15 in the King James Version says “Now three of the thirty captains went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the host of the Philistin... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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. three: or, three captains over the thirty

1 Chronicles 11:15 · KJV


Context

13

He was with David at Pasdammim, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where was a parcel of ground full of barley; and the people fled from before the Philistines. Pasdammim: also called, Ephesdammim I.Sam.17.1.

14

And they set themselves in the midst of that parcel, and delivered it, and slew the Philistines; and the LORD saved them by a great deliverance. set: or, stood deliverance: or, salvation

15

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. three: or, three captains over the thirty

16

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

17

And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, that is at the gate!


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on David established as king and mighty men. The Hebrew term בְּרִית (berit) - covenant is theologically significant here, pointing to God's sovereign choice of leadership. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about God's sovereign choice of leadership. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: David as type of Christ, the Messianic King.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of David established as king and mighty men occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on God's sovereign choice of leadership challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does David as type of Christ, the Messianic King teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיֵּֽרְד֡וּ1 of 17

went down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

שְֽׁלוֹשָׁה֩2 of 17

Now three

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

מִן3 of 17
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַשְּׁלוֹשִׁ֨ים4 of 17

of the thirty

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

רֹ֤אשׁ5 of 17

captains

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

עַל6 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַצֻּר֙7 of 17

to the rock

H6697

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

אֶל8 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִ֔יד9 of 17

to David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶל10 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מְעָרַ֖ת11 of 17

into the cave

H4631

a cavern (as dark)

עֲדֻלָּ֑ם12 of 17

of Adullam

H5725

adullam, a place in palestine

וּמַֽחֲנֵ֣ה13 of 17

and the host

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים14 of 17

of the Philistines

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

חֹנָ֖ה15 of 17

encamped

H2583

properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s

בְּעֵ֥מֶק16 of 17

in the valley

H6010

a vale (i.e., broad depression)

רְפָאִֽים׃17 of 17

of Rephaim

H7497

a giant


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 11:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 11:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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