2 Samuel 23:14
2 Samuel 23:14 in Multiple Translations
At that time David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem.
And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Beth-lehem.
And David was then in the stronghold; and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Beth-lehem.
And at that time David had taken cover in the strong place, and an armed force of the Philistines was in Beth-lehem.
At the time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was in Bethlehem.
And Dauid was then in an holde, and the garison of ye Philistims was then in Beth-lehem.
and David [is] then in a fortress, and the station of the Philistines [is] then in Beth-Lehem,
David was then in the stronghold; and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.
And David was then in a hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Beth-lehem.
And David was then in a hold. and there was a garrison of the Philistines then in Bethlehem.
David and his soldiers were in the cave because it was safe there, and another group of Philistia soldiers was occupying Bethlehem.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 23:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 23:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/דָוִ֖ד
אָ֣ז
בַּ/מְּצוּדָ֑ה
וּ/מַצַּ֣ב
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
אָ֖ז
בֵּ֥ית
לָֽחֶם
וְ/דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
Conj | N-proper
אָ֣ז
ʼâz
H227
then
Adv
בַּ/מְּצוּדָ֑ה
mâtsûwd
H4686
net
Prep | N-cs
וּ/מַצַּ֣ב
matstsâb
H4673
station
Conj | N-ms
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
אָ֖ז
ʼâz
H227
then
Adv
בֵּ֥ית
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
Bethlehem
N-proper
לָֽחֶם
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
Bethlehem
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 23:14
וְ/דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
Conj | N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
אָ֣ז
ʼâz
H227
"then"
Adv
This Hebrew word refers to a past time or place, often used to describe something that happened earlier. It can also be used as a conjunction to show a cause-and-effect relationship. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) then, at that time 1a) temporal expressions 1a1) then (past) 1a2) then, if...then (future) 1a3) earlier 1b) logical expressions 1b1) in that case 1b2) that (being so)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: beginning, for, from, hitherto, now, of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet. See also: Genesis 4:26; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 2:5.
בַּ/מְּצוּדָ֑ה
mâtsûwd
H4686
"net"
Prep | N-cs
Matsud is a fortress or strong hold, like a castle or net, used for protection and capture, as mentioned in Psalm 31:4. It is a place of safety and security.
Definition: 1) net, prey, net prey 1a) net 1b) prey
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: castle, defense, fort(-ress), (strong) hold, be hunted, net, snare, strong place. See also: 1 Samuel 22:4; Job 39:28; Psalms 18:3.
וּ/מַצַּ֣ב
matstsâb
H4673
"station"
Conj | N-ms
A fixed spot or office, like a military post, where someone stands or serves, as seen in the Bible with garrisons and outposts.
Definition: 1) station, garrison, standing-place 1a) standing-place (of feet) 1b) station, office, position 1c) garrison, post, outpost
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: garrison, station, place where...stood. See also: Joshua 4:3; 1 Samuel 14:6; Isaiah 22:19.
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
אָ֖ז
ʼâz
H227
"then"
Adv
This Hebrew word refers to a past time or place, often used to describe something that happened earlier. It can also be used as a conjunction to show a cause-and-effect relationship. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) then, at that time 1a) temporal expressions 1a1) then (past) 1a2) then, if...then (future) 1a3) earlier 1b) logical expressions 1b1) in that case 1b2) that (being so)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: beginning, for, from, hitherto, now, of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet. See also: Genesis 4:26; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 2:5.
בֵּ֥ית
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
"Bethlehem"
N-proper
Beth-lehem means house of bread, a place in Zebulun. The name describes a location known for its food production, later becoming famous as Jesus' birthplace in the New Testament.
Definition: § Beth-lehem = "house of bread (food)" a place in Zebulun
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Bethlehem. See also: Genesis 35:19; 1 Samuel 17:15; Jeremiah 41:17.
לָֽחֶם
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
"Bethlehem"
N-proper
Beth-lehem means house of bread, a place in Zebulun. The name describes a location known for its food production, later becoming famous as Jesus' birthplace in the New Testament.
Definition: § Beth-lehem = "house of bread (food)" a place in Zebulun
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Bethlehem. See also: Genesis 35:19; 1 Samuel 17:15; Jeremiah 41:17.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 23:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 23:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 23:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 23:14
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:14
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 23:14
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 23:14
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:14
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 23:14
Context — David’s Mighty Men
12But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field, defended it, and struck down the Philistines. So the LORD brought about a great victory.
13At harvest time, three of the thirty chief men went down to David at the cave of Adullam, while a company of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim.
14At that time David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem.
15David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” 16So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the LORD,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 22:4–5 | So he left them in the care of the king of Moab, and they stayed with him the whole time David was in the stronghold. Then the prophet Gad said to David, “Do not stay in the stronghold. Depart and go into the land of Judah.” So David left and went to the forest of Hereth. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 13:4 | And all Israel heard the news: “Saul has attacked an outpost of the Philistines, and now Israel has become a stench to the Philistines!” Then the people were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 10:5 | After that you will come to Gibeah of God, where the Philistines have an outpost. As you approach the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place, preceded by harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres, and they will be prophesying. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 24:22 | So David gave his oath to Saul. Then Saul returned home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold. |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 12:16 | Other Benjamites and some men from Judah also came to David in his stronghold. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 14:6 | Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 13:23–1 | — |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 22:1 | So David left Gath and took refuge in the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. |
2 Samuel 23:14 Summary
In 2 Samuel 23:14, we see that David is in a safe place, called the stronghold, while the Philistines are in control of the city of Bethlehem. This shows that even when it seems like the enemy is in charge, God is still with us and can provide for us, just like He did for the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 17:1-7). We can learn from David's example to trust in God's care and provision, even when things seem difficult or uncertain (Psalm 23:4). By putting our faith in God, we can find the strength and courage to face any challenge that comes our way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 'stronghold' refer to in 2 Samuel 23:14?
The 'stronghold' in 2 Samuel 23:14 is likely the cave of Adullam, where David and his men were hiding, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 22:1 and 2 Samuel 23:13.
Why were the Philistines at Bethlehem?
The Philistines were at Bethlehem because they were trying to exert control over the region, and Bethlehem was an important city in the territory of Judah, as seen in 1 Samuel 10:5 and 2 Samuel 2:1-4.
What is the significance of David being in the stronghold?
David being in the stronghold shows that he was in a place of safety and refuge, but also a place of isolation and separation from the rest of the people, much like David's experience in 1 Samuel 23:14 and Psalm 57:1.
How does this verse set the stage for the events that follow?
This verse sets the stage for the events that follow by establishing the location and circumstances of David and his men, which leads to David's desire for water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem in 2 Samuel 23:15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can find refuge and safety in God, just like David did in the stronghold?
- How can I, like David, trust in God's provision and care even when I am in difficult or challenging circumstances?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my faith and trust in God, even when it's hard or uncomfortable?
- How can I, like the Philistines, be blinded to the presence and power of God in my life, and what can I do to avoid this?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 23:14
And David [was] then in an hold,.... In a strong hold; the strong hold of Zion, as Josephus (x), or one on a rock near the cave of Adullam, see 1 Chronicles 11:15; and the garrison of the Philistines
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 23:14
And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:14
2 Samuel 23:14 And David [was] then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines [was] then [in] Bethlehem.Ver. 14. In an hold.] In the cave of Adullam. And the garrison of the Philistines, &c.] This difficulty did but edge and whet on those heroic spirits to venture.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 23:14
14. in a hold] In the strong-hold, probably the same as that mentioned in ch. 2 Samuel 5:17, where see note. The ruins bearing the name Aid el Ma, which is supposed to be a corruption of Adullam, lie at the foot of a high rounded hill almost isolated by subordinate valleys. This forms a natural fortress, and may have been “the rock” which was the site of David’s stronghold; while numerous caves, still used for habitations, are found in the neighbouring valleys. the garrison of the Philistines] The same term is used of the military posts of the Philistines in Israelite territory in 1 Samuel 13:23; 1 Samuel 14:1 ff; and a similar word in 1 Samuel 10:5; 1 Samuel 13:3.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 23:14
In an hold - In “the hold” 1 Chronicles 11:16 close to the cave of Adullam (marginal reference note). It shows the power and daring of the Philistines that they should hold a post so far in the country as Bethlehem.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:14
14. David… in a hold — Rather, in the hold; that is, the cave of Adullam.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 23:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Trusting God Again Like a Child by Francis Chan | Francis Chan emphasizes the importance of trusting God with childlike faith, urging leaders to genuinely love their congregations and seek God's presence in their ministry. He refl |
|
(Through the Bible) 1 Samuel 11-16 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jonathan and his armor-bearer facing the Philistine army. Despite being vastly outnumbered and outgunned, Jonathan and his compan |
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Victory or Survival - Part 3 by Winkie Pratney | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and putting our faith into action. He uses the story of Jonathan and his armor bearer to illustrate this p |
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(1 Samuel) Blessings to a Bold Faith by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having bold trust in God and being willing to work hard for His purposes. He uses the story of Jonathan and his armor beare |
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Stepping Into Alignment With God's Will by Michael Howard | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of aligning oneself with God's will and purpose. They share their experience of building a school that was specifically instru |
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(1 Corinthians) the Gifts of the Spirit by Brian Brodersen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the gift of faith as mentioned in the Bible. He gives examples of individuals who demonstrated this gift, such as Peter and Jonathan. Peter ha |
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The Battle Is Not Yours - Nothing Restrains the Lord by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes that the battle we face is not ours but belongs to the Lord, reminding us that nothing can restrain God. He encourages believers to recognize that no hindr |