King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 11:16 Mean?

1 Chronicles 11:16 in the King James Version says “And David was then in the hold, and the Philistines' garrison was then at Bethlehem.” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Chronicles 11:16 · KJV

Context

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!

18

And the three 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: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD,

Read 1 Chronicles 11 full chapter

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 · 8 words
וְדָוִ֖יד1 of 8

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָ֣ז2 of 8
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

בַּמְּצוּדָ֑ה3 of 8

“was then in the hold”

H4686

a fastness

וּנְצִ֣יב4 of 8

“garrison”

H5333

something stationary, i.e., a prefect, a military post, a statue

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים5 of 8

“and the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

אָ֖ז6 of 8
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

בְּבֵ֥ית7 of 8
H0
לָֽחֶם׃8 of 8

“was then at Bethlehem”

H1035

beth-lechem, a place in palestine

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 11:16 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 11:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 10:51 Samuel 13:231 Samuel 13:41 Samuel 22:1Psalms 142:11 Samuel 23:25

Places in This Verse

Bethlehem 1Settlement · Modern: Bethlehem · 31.70°N, 35.21°E52 verses across 14 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 11 →

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