And the Philistines made war again against Israel, and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines. And David growing faint,
וַתְּהִי־ע֧וֹד מִלְחָמָ֛ה לַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַיֵּ֨רֶד דָּוִ֜ד וַעֲבָדָ֥יו עִמּ֛וֹ וַיִּלָּחֲמ֥וּ אֶת־פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים וַיָּ֥עַף דָּוִֽד׃
2 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Subsequently, he always sought the Lord's guidance before engaging in any conflict, as noted in 2 Samuel 5:19. As a result, he triumphed in every battle, maintaining his vigor even into his later years. During the confrontation with the giants, he fought valiantly alongside his courageous warriors, driven by the desire for honor and showing little regard for his own safety, as reflected in 2 Kings 21:15 and 2 Samuel 21:15.
Question 43. Why did David experience weariness during the battle (2 Sam. 21:15)? Although David was advanced in age, he matched his physical limitations with fervor. Yet, as he labored mightily in combat, being at the forefront of his forces, the exertion took its toll, leaving him weakened. In a moment of peril where the enemy could have taken his life, he was unexpectedly delivered, for he was shielded by Absa, who defeated the formidable foe. This instance reveals that the towering men in those times were referred to as giants. The adversary slain by Absa was indeed a descendant of giants, as indicated by the author.
When news of the king's jeopardy reached the troops, they vowed never to let him engage in battle again, believing it both prudent and honorable for him to embrace his seniority and oversee the army from safety. The Deuteronomist also references other giants known for their immense strength and stature, rather than for wickedness or longevity, as some have claimed. After these battles, the anointed David composed a song of triumph to God, closely aligned with the seventeenth psalm, albeit with minor adjustments in phrasing. My interpretation of the seventeenth psalm alongside the other psalms has led me to conclude that an additional exegesis is unnecessary. Within this song lies a prophetic declaration regarding the Savior Christ, as it states, “He hath delivered Me from the people, He hath put Me in the light of the Gentiles; men, that lead them not, have worked Me, in the hearing of the ear have heard Me” (compare 2 Sam. 22:44, 45, and Ps. 17:45). The true light to the Gentiles is not David himself but rather the one who came from David according to the flesh, the Lord and Son of David. Although David may be seen as a light to the Gentiles, it is because he inspires those who believe in Christ with his uplifting songs; indeed, his spiritual melodies resonate throughout the churches across the globe, shining illumination upon the faithful. Yet, since the Jewish community refrains from acknowledging David as a prophet, despite his clear prophecies about our Savior and the Gentile faith, they should heed his own words: “Faithful is David the son of Jesse, and faithful is the man whom the Lord hath raised up in Christ the God of Jacob, and the psalms of Israel are excellent. And the Spirit of the Lord hath spoken in me, and his word is upon my tongue. The God of Jacob speaketh in me” (2 Kings 23:1-3). If the Spirit of the Lord indeed communicated through him, and the God of Jacob chose to speak through him, he is undoubtedly a prophet—and a significant one—revealing to him the hidden and profound truths of divine wisdom. The scripture illustrates how greatly God’s guidance benefited him. Having learned through experience that desire often leads to adversity, when he yearned for the cool waters of Bethlehem and recalled its sweetness, three valiant men from his ranks, who were known for their valor against the enemies near Bethlehem, undertook to fetch the water without the king's command. They ventured through the enemy encampment, fetched the water, and hastily returned, and none among the enemy dared to challenge them due to their extraordinary bravery. Yet, the king, distinguished in all ways, declined to indulge his longing, overcoming his desires with a noble thought, considering that this water symbolized the blood of those who risked their lives for his service. Thus, in a moment of selflessness, he offered the water as a drink offering to God, honoring the God who had preserved them. Such was the profound wisdom found in God's counsel!
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS