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Wasn’t it disrespectful for David to deny the water his men risked their lives for?


David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” So the Three 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 to the Lord. “God forbid that I should do this!” he said. “Should I drink the blood of these men who went at the risk of their lives?” Because they risked their lives to bring it back, David would not drink it. 1 Chronicles 11:17-19
            David did not give the men a command.  He merely stated a longing out loud, not expecting it to be fulfilled.  David had a humble heart and to think someone would die just so he could get a drink of water, hurt him.
            By pouring out the water he taught the men the difference between being a mighty warrior and a soldier of God.  While it may have offended the men who risked their lives, it taught them a greater lesson.  They were to not follow David’s commands first, but God’s.