Skip to main content

    2 Samuel 23 (KJV)

    Read 2 Samuel chapter 23 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    2 Samuel 23

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    2 Samuel 23:5

    "Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with …"

    Explore Topics Related to 2 Samuel 23

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Character

    Samuel in the Bible

    The Last Judge

    Devotional

    Matthew 20:26-28 — Meaning & Devotional

    Servant Leadership

    Commentary

    Mark 10:45 Commentary

    In-depth study • Servant Leadership and Ransom

    Q&A

    What Does the Bible Say About Servant Leadership?

    Daily Living

    Q&A

    What Does the Bible Say About Servant Leadership?

    Daily Living

    Devotional

    Psalm 84:10-11 — Meaning & Devotional

    Worship & Devotion

    2 Samuel 23 Summary

    2 Samuel 23 records David's 'last words' — a prophetic psalm about the ideal righteous ruler — followed by a catalog of his mighty men and their heroic exploits. The most famous story describes three warriors who broke through Philistine lines to bring David water from Bethlehem's well.

    David's response to the water was stunning: he poured it out as an offering to God, saying it was too costly — it represented these men's blood. This act reveals a leader who valued his followers' sacrifice above his own comfort.

    Key Themes

    David's Last WordsMighty WarriorsSacrificial DevotionServant Leadership

    Key Verses in 2 Samuel 23

    "And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives?"

    — 2 Samuel 23:17

    David poured out the water as a sacrifice — honoring his men's devotion by offering it to God rather than consuming it for himself.

    Life Application

    When people sacrifice for you, honor their gift. Don't take others' devotion for granted. Like David, recognize the cost behind the gifts you receive and respond with appropriate gratitude.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why did David pour out the water?

    The water represented his warriors' blood — their risked lives. David considered it too sacred to drink and offered it to God as a libation, honoring both God and his men.

    Who were David's mighty men?

    An elite group of warriors, particularly the 'Three' and the 'Thirty,' who performed extraordinary feats of courage and loyalty throughout David's reign.

    Read the full summary of 2 Samuel

    Free Bible widgets and more ways to read