Definition: And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, that [is] at the gate!

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Chronicles 11:17. It's a really important and sobering verse about David’s ambition and how it led to trouble for him. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: David was deeply frustrated and wishing for something – water – that wasn't available to him. He felt like he deserved this water more than anyone else, and he was really insistent about getting it. Let’s unpack it further: “David longed…” : This tells us David was feeling a strong desire. He wasn't just thinking about it; he wanted it badly. “…and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem…” : This is the key part. He’s essentially begging for water from Bethlehem. The well in Bethlehem was a common source of water in that region. It's a location known to be a bit distant and potentially difficult to reach. “…that [is] at the gate!” : This is where it gets significant. David was demanding this water at the gate . A gate signifies a place of entry, a point of contact. In this context, he was asking for something that wasn’t easily accessible or available. The Significance & What It Tells Us: This verse is considered one of the earliest examples of a "sin of ambition" – a desire to be in control and to have things that are not rightfully his. It highlights several important points: Pride & Ego: David's request shows a lack of humility. He was focused on himself and his own desires, rather than recognizing God’s sovereignty and the importance of serving Him. Dishonest Request: The request itself is dishonest. It implies he was trying to manipulate or gain an advantage through this demand. Potential for Disaster: The Bible warns that this desire led to a significant problem for David. He eventually disobeyed God’s command and went into battle against the Philistines, resulting in his own death. In short, it's a story about wanting things that aren't rightfully yours, driven by pride and a disregard for God's will. --- Do you want to explore any of these aspects further? For example: Would you like me to explain the context of this verse within the larger narrative of David's life? Are you interested in learning about the concept of "sin of ambition"?