Today, we come closer to the end of David’s life. Listed in the middle of our reading are David’s mighty men, men of impressive valor. Notice what is recorded of three of these men.
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! And the three mighty men 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: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD. (2 Samuel 23:15–16, KJV)
David has a longing! He is thirsty! He longs for water from a particular well. But there is a big problem: the Philistines surround this well! David’s men learn of this longing and risk their lives to satisfy his desire. But what does David do? He pours the water on the ground!
In our culture, this seems wasteful, a dishonor even. But in David’s day, it wasn’t. David is pouring out a drink offering to the LORD. This water is as valuable as the blood of the men who risked their lives to obtain it. David knows he is unworthy, so he honors this heroic act with the highest honor—giving it to the LORD.
This reminds me of the Apostle Paul. In Philippians 2:17, Paul speaks of being ready to pour out his life like a drink offering. Later, in 2 Timothy 4:6, Paul is about to pour out the last few drops of his life as that drink offering. He has no regrets (2 Timothy 4:7–8)!
Life is precious! Here’s the picture. Have we learned of our Lord’s longing (Romans 12:1-2)? Though it may seem wasteful in our culture, there is no higher honor than to pour out our lives to God! He’s worthy!
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from 2 Samuel 22-23; Psalm 57.