1. David's drink of water (10-18a)

Strong and able men supported David's kingship and extended it over the whole land. Many of these had come to him during various periods of his fugitive life. They had been outcasts and had come with many problems. David was their shepherd. They loved him and were ready to die for him. One incident reveals this well. Once, while David was hiding out in a cave not far from his hometown, someone overheard him say how much he would like a drink of water from the well of Bethlehem. The town, however, was occupied by the Philistines. Three mighty men risked their lives to slip through enemy lines and bring him the water.

2. David pours it out before the Lord (18b-25)

David's shepherd heart came from his humility before God and his respect for men. He refused to drink the water, but poured it out before the Lord, because it represented the lifeblood of his men. David would not accept such devotion personally. He gave it to God. God honored him and blessed him because of his awesome respect for God and for men.

Application: Lord, teach me to honor you and respect your people.
One Word: Poured out before the Lord