King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 23:13 Mean?

2 Samuel 23:13 in the King James Version says “And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop o... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim. three: or, the three captains over the thirty

2 Samuel 23:13 · KJV


Context

11

And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines. into: or, for foraging

12

But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.

13

And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim. three: or, the three captains over the thirty

14

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

15

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extraordinary courage and devotion. The water-drawing incident reveals David's unwillingness to value his comfort above his soldiers' lives. Theological themes include the importance of final testimonies, the eternal nature of God's covenant, the value of faithful servants, and the necessity of sacrificial leadership.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 23 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding legacy, faithful servants provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of legacy, faithful servants?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיֵּֽרְד֨וּ1 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

שְׁלֹשָׁ֜ים2 of 17

And three

H7969

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

מֵֽהַשְּׁלֹשִׁ֣ים3 of 17

of the thirty

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

רֹ֗אשׁ4 of 17

chief

H7218

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

וַיָּבֹ֤אוּ5 of 17

and came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל6 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

קָצִיר֙7 of 17

in the harvest time

H7105

severed, a limb (of a tree, or simply foliage)

אֶל8 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִ֔ד9 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

unto the cave

H4631

a cavern (as dark)

עֲדֻלָּ֑ם12 of 17

of Adullam

H5725

adullam, a place in palestine

וְחַיַּ֣ת13 of 17

and the troop

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים14 of 17

of the Philistines

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

חֹנָ֖ה15 of 17

pitched

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 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 23:13 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 2 Samuel 23:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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