David longed for water and said “Oh that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gage of Bethlehem? So the three mighty warriors broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead he poured it out before the Lord. “Far be it from me, Lord to do this!” he said, “Is in not the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives?” And David would not drink it. (NIV)

David, at this point in his life, had been on the run and hiding in a cave, hunted by both Saul and the Philistines. A Philistine garrison held Bethlehem, where he grew up and not far from where he was hiding. Sitting and sweltering in his cave, he remembered the old days when he was a shepherd. We know from his poems that he was a person with deep feelings and longings. I can imagine him thinking back to his younger days when he would water his flock at the well by the gate of Bethlehem. I can picture David reminiscing with some of his most loyal warriors of simpler days.  

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These loyal warriors, wanting to serve David, saw his melancholy mood and his physical uncomfortableness. Having been hiking and out of water a few times in my life, I can relate. So, they sneak around this army garrison, risking their lives, to get David some refreshing and satisfying water. When he realized they had risked their lives just so he could have his thirst quenched, he was disappointed in himself that his wondering thoughts about a cool drink had led others to risk their lives to alleviate his mere longing for water. If he had drunk it, he would have communicated to God and the warriors that he was worthy of such actions. By emptying the water, David demonstrates his humility and owns his mistake.  

One very practical thing that jumps to my mind from this story is to be careful with what we say. Little off-the-cuff remarks can have immense effects on the lives of others. Think back to a little thing someone said to you: “you’re ugly,” “you’re stupid.” Or to a time when you knew you were excluded from some party or gathering. These are small words or acts, yet people may remember the hurt for the rest of their lives. David shows us that even great people can make these kinds of mistakes and that choosing our words wisely and with pre-thought is a wise way to live our lives.  

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Then, once he realizes the error of his ways, he immediately responds. He doesn’t just learn a lesson for next time but corrects his rash speaking as soon as he becomes aware of it. He corrects his error by pouring out the water. David shows he would deny himself even though he was truly extremely thirsty. This act tells his warriors, “Thanks for doing this, but your lives are more important to me than this.” This change in attitude and his action of dumping out the water shows remorse and concern for others. David believes there is greater good in showing that he values them and their lives more than he wants his thirst quenched.

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Finally, David honored God in this moment of realization. David realized that this very precious gift was obtained at the risk of these men’s lives and that he was not worthy of that kind of tradeoff. Jesus sacrificed his life for each of us, yet we are unworthy of such sacrifice. How do we respond to the extraordinary act of Jesus dying for us? David shows us our response should be a humble life of sacrificial living. Like David honored God and his warriors by not drinking the water, we honor God and others by living a life that is about him and others and not our desires.

Dear Lord, as I think of your sacrifice and how I should respond, may my life be an offering in the small things I say and do. May my longings be honorable to your will and keep me vigilant to always remember what you did for me. Amen.