Who Will Get Me a Drink From the Well in Bethlehem?

In 2 Samuel 23:8-13, we read an interesting account concerning David’s 3 mighty men. Their names were Adino, Eleazar, and Shammah. The Scriptures record their acts of bravery and might. In particular, there was something incredible that they did for their king. In 2 Samuel 23:15-17, we read that David was thirsty and desirous for a drink from the well at Bethlehem. Unfortunately, during that time, Bethlehem was in the hands of the Philistines. To fulfil David’s desire, his 3 mighty men broke through the Philistine ranks to retrieve the water for David. Even David himself understood the jeopardy that the men had gone through to obtain the water. Hence, he did not dare to drink it but poured it out to the Lord.

From this account, we see a great display of bravery, loyalty and dedication. The 3 mighty men certainty went the extra mile and risked their lives to fulfil their king’s desire. Why did God record this account for us? Could this be an example for us to follow? If we were to put ourselves in the shoes of David’s mighty men, would we do the same thing?

In my mind, I can already think of many reasons not to do what they did:

• The mission was pointless – all water tastes the same

• The mission was unreasonable – too much effort and risk to go

• The mission was optional – David did not give any command to go

Today, God does not call us to go to the well at Bethlehem to retrieve water. However, He has given us commands and duties to follow. God has commanded us to go into all the world to make disciples and save souls (Matthew 28:19-20). God has commanded us to assemble with the saints for worship and fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25). God has commanded us to teach and exhort one another (Hebrews 3:13; Colossians 3:16). God has commanded us to remember the poor and do good to all men (Galatians 2:10; 6:10).

Although we know God’s commands, do we make excuses not to do it?

• God’s command is pointless – my efforts will not make any difference

• God’s command is unreasonable – too much effort and risk on my part

• God's command is optional – others can do it, I don’t have to

1. God’s commands are not pointless

David’s men could have deemed the mission as pointless and futile. However, to them, the king’s desire deserved their time and effort. Do we appreciate God’s commands towards us? If we understand what God desires, will we make the necessary effort to fulfil it? For example, we know that it is God’s desire that all men be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). If we know God desires for lost souls to be saved, do we realize how important it is? Will we make the necessary effort to fulfil God’s mission of salvation?

Sometimes, God’s commands may seem pointless because we perceive our individual efforts as meaningless. After a year of evangelism, I may have only helped to save one soul. Was it worth the effort? Yes! A single soul is of more value than anything else in this world (Mark 8:36). Individually, our own effort may seem small, but the collective effort of every Christian in this world will make a big difference for the cause of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:6-9). At the end of the day, God will not judge us based on what we cannot do, but rather, on whether we have done our best with the talents we have (Matthew 25:14-30).

2. God’s commands are not unreasonable

David’s men could have accused him of being unreasonable and waved the mission aside. Instead, they risked their lives to complete the mission for their king. Are God’s commands unreasonable? On the contrary, God’s commands are “not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). God’s commands are not to our detriment, but rather, always for our benefit (Psalm 19:7-10). Our Lord Jesus is not like our earthly bosses who may be unreasonable and selfish. Jesus calls us to come to Him: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30).

The appropriate question therefore is: how far will we go for our Lord and King? If God commands us to do something, will we make the time and effort to do it? God has gone the second mile for us. Our Lord Jesus left His Heavenly glory to experience earthly suffering and die for us (Philippians 2:5-8). Therefore, it is fitting that we reciprocate the love that He has shown towards us (1 John 4:19). If we love Him, we will prove it by our obedience to His commands (John 14:15).

3. God’s commands are not optional

David did not command his men to go to Bethlehem. Nevertheless, they went of their own free will in order to fulfil the desire of their king. God has given all of us the free will to make our own choices (Joshua 24:15). In that sense, whether we obey God’s commands or not is an option for us. However, every choice comes with its own consequences. Our choice to serve Jesus has consequences that will last through eternity (Romans 6:23). What will we choose?

For those who have submitted themselves to become servants of Christ, we realize that obeying God’s commands is not optional (Romans 6:22). Can we call Jesus Lord and yet not do what He says (Luke 6:46)? Hopefully, we will make the choice to serve our Lord Jesus, not because we are forced to, but out of a voluntary and willing heart. As the psalmist wrote, “What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? (Psalm 116:12). When we realize how much good God has done for us, that ought to move us to put our best efforts into the service of the Lord.

Concluding remarks

We have read the account of David’s 3 mighty men. Their names were Adino, Eleazar, and Shammah. Their king longed for a drink from the well at Bethlehem. As incredible as this request was, more incredible was their dedication and bravery to fulfil David’s desire. May we imitate their bravery and dedication, so that we can be effective servants for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.