2 Samuel 23:13-17 (ESV Strong's)
And three of the thirty chief men went down and came about harvest time to David at the cave of Adullam, when a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem. And David said longingly, “Oh, that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!” Then the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and carried and brought it to David. But he would not drink of it. He poured it out to the Lord and said, “Far be it from me, O Lord, that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of the men who went at the risk of their lives?” Therefore he would not drink it. These things the three mighty men did.
Subject: The definition of Loyalty
We live in a time that loyalty to anything is questionable. Marketers desire loyalty toward their products. Politicians desire loyalty toward their party. Sports teams desire loyalty to their teams. We desire loyalty. In the above passage you have the best example of being loyal. David's men were loyal to, him, the king. they were willing to risk their lives. He was so honored by their loyalty he was, in turn, loyal to the friendship and dedication and refused to drink water they had spent their lives for. This might seem as though he dishonored them, but David was saying he is not worthy of their sacrifice. This shows the humility of David and the reason it was so easy for them men to be loyal to him. Loyalty is a two-way street. David's humility and his honor toward them caused them to want to be loyal to him.
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