2 Kingdoms (2 Samuel) 23:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

I wish to illustrate how he was restored and transformed, becoming stronger than before. After enduring this suffering, was he not subsequently afflicted by another illness? This presented a new conflict, a fresh transgression, yet again a struggle, a new armament for battle as the passion once more besieged him; once more, a full-scale war, fierce fighting, and the host of battle gathered. There was a source in that location. Amidst the turmoil, David perceived it and experienced intense thirst: he was parched. Again, the passion arose, this time not proscribed; it was now a desire for bodily sustenance, specifically water. He was dry and exclaimed: I am consumed by thirst.

I do not fear impure food, but rather the filth of sinful desire. I am aware that Noah was allowed to consume any nourishment that would satisfy his hunger (See Gen. 9:3), and that Eli regained his strength through food (See 1 Kings 17:6). Additionally, John, known for his admirable self-control, maintained his purity even while subsisting on harsh sustenance (See Matt. 3:4). I also recall how Esau was misled into craving the dish of lentils (See Gen. 25:30-34), and how David lamented his thirst (See 2 Sam. 23:17). Our heavenly King faced temptation not with meat, but with bread (See Matt. 4:3). The true source of the Lord's displeasure, which caused Moses great regret, was not merely the people's craving for meat, but their murmuring against the Lord regarding that longing. Amidst these persistent temptations, I find myself grappling with desires for food and drink.

Who among us could be seen as more admirable and formidable than St. David? He longed for water from the well of Bethlehem, even while besieged by an opposing army. This desire was inescapable, yet he managed to control it. It is noteworthy that others did not seem to suffer from thirst, despite the large number of troops. The king's need for water was relatively minimal, given that other springs were nearby. However, he felt an intense yearning for the water located in the presence of his adversaries, a desire that could only be fulfilled at great risk. He exclaimed: Who will bring me water from the well of Bethlehem, situated by the gate?

The commandments given in the Old Testament explicitly prohibit the desire for another man's spouse (Exodus 20:17), and while a king may not command soldiers beyond their authority, there is no explicit prohibition against longing for water. However, we are all aware that David, overwhelmed by desire, both longed for and took another man's wife (2 Samuel 11:4). This transgression was met with rightful consequences, and he sought to atone for his wrongdoing through heartfelt repentance. After enduring a prolonged siege against the formidable forces of his foes, he yearned for a drink of water from the well of Bethlehem.

Bethlehem has unveiled a glimpse of Eden to us—let us come and witness; we have discovered joy in a concealed space—let us find bliss within the cave. The Root, untouched by water, has emerged, offering us forgiveness; the uncorrupted Treasure has revealed itself, the very source for which David yearned. Here, the Virgin who bore the Child has effortlessly satisfied the hunger of both Adam and David. So let us journey to this sacred site where the eternal God, the newborn Child, entered the world!