I was reading 1 Chronicles 11:15-19 (//2 Samuel 23:13-17) just now.  What degree of loyalty David commanded—or, better, inspired!  Three men break through the Philistine garrison, just because David expresses a longing for the water from the well in Bethlehem!  No doubt, they had to fight their way in, and then fight their way out.  And while they were at the well, one man drew the water, while the other two kept the Philistines at bay.

I can picture the scene: The land crawling with Philistines.  They even have a garrison in Bethlehem. Were they hoping that they may catch David trying to enter his hometown?  Was Bethlehem strategically important to the Philistines?

In any case, David was remembering . . . remembering when he was a boy . . . remembering coming in from the fields, worn out and thirsty . . . remembering how good the well water tasted after a long, dusty day chasing sheep.

He had thought that he had problems then.  Yeah!  His dad was demanding.  He was always getting into fights with his brothers.  (They always won.)

He had thought he had problems then.  He had thought . . . .  But now, he was between Saul and the Philistines.  He was a man on the run.  If only he could go back. If only life could be simple again.  If only . . .  If only . . .

He thought how nice it would be to taste water from the well in Bethlehem.  He didn’t realize that he had spoken his thought.  He didn’t think anyone was even listening.  He didn’t see three of his men quietly make eye contact, and just as quietly nod.  They gathered their weapons, tightened their belts and went out into the darkness.

Two of the Philistine guards died before they even realized they were under attack.  A few others resisted, calling for help.  However, the main body of the garrison were asleep, and when they heard that there was some minor fracas at the gate near the well, they didn’t think much about it.  Clearly, there was no major assault from the Israelites.  Of course, no one could believe that the Israelites were going to send a raiding party of three men against the Philistine position in Bethlehem.

It was such a stupid thing for the three to do!  So stupid!  Two of them held the Philistines at bay, while one of them calmly lowered the jug into the well, and just as calmly poured it into their water skin.  Then, they fought their way back out.  And now, some of the Philistines who had gathered around were laughing.  The Israelites had raided, for what?  Water!  How dumb can you be!

“Are you Israelite dogs running low on water, as well as food?” one of the Philistine soldiers shouted with a sneer.

“No,” shouted one of the three.  “Our commander wanted a drink from the well, and we figured that with only a few dozen of you sissies guarding it, it wouldn’t be too difficult.  We’ll come for the whole well soon!  Have a nice evening!”

And with that, they vanished into the night.

. . .

“What is this?” asked David with a laugh.  “You three have been holding out on the wine.  You shall be flogged for this!”

“Oh, no, not wine—something much better: water from the well in Bethlehem!  Drink and be whole again, beyond confusion!”

David looked at the water jug, which a grimy, bloody hand held out to him.  He looked into the faces of the three.

“You could have been killed.  It was foolish—brave, but foolish.  What were you thinking!  Do you think that I can afford to lose men like you?!”

“We were not thinking anything,” said one.  “We were obeying your desire.”

And now, there is this Greater Son of David, whom I say I serve.  He does not long for a drink from any well, but he does long to give the water of life to those who desperately need it.  And who doesn’t need it?

What have I done to break through to give that water to anyone?  Less than nothing.  My actions have caused some people to doubt that such water even exists.  Indeed, I’ve poisoned the well.

No!  No amount of human sin can poison this well.  The poison itself is neutralized by this lively water.

I’ve been afraid, afraid of the Philistines, afraid of my own self, afraid of my own shadow.  I also need this water.  This well exists for me, too.  And so, old man that I am, sinner that I am, I will gather my weapons, cut through the fear, reach the well, drink and be well, offer this water to others.  Along with a few friends, I will bring this water from the One, the Son of David, to the many.