2 Samuel 21:15
New International Version
Once again there was a battle between the Philistines and Israel. David went down with his men to fight against the Philistines, and he became exhausted.

New Living Translation
Once again the Philistines were at war with Israel. And when David and his men were in the thick of battle, David became weak and exhausted.

English Standard Version
There was war again between the Philistines and Israel, and David went down together with his servants, and they fought against the Philistines. And David grew weary.

Berean Standard Bible
Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines; but David became exhausted.

King James Bible
Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint.

New King James Version
When the Philistines were at war again with Israel, David and his servants with him went down and fought against the Philistines; and David grew faint.

New American Standard Bible
Now when the Philistines were at war with Israel again, David went down, and his servants with him; and when they fought against the Philistines, David became weary.

NASB 1995
Now when the Philistines were at war again with Israel, David went down and his servants with him; and as they fought against the Philistines, David became weary.

NASB 1977
Now when the Philistines were at war again with Israel, David went down and his servants with him; and as they fought against the Philistines, David became weary.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the Philistines were at war again with Israel, so David went down and his servants with him; and as they fought against the Philistines, David became weary.

Amplified Bible
Now the Philistines were at war again with Israel. David went down with his servants, and as they fought against the Philistines, David became weary.

Christian Standard Bible
The Philistines again waged war against Israel. David went down with his soldiers, and they fought the Philistines, but David became exhausted.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The Philistines again waged war against Israel. David went down with his soldiers, and they fought the Philistines, but David became exhausted.

American Standard Version
And the Philistines had war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines. And David waxed faint;

Contemporary English Version
One time David got very tired when he and his soldiers were fighting the Philistines.

English Revised Version
And the Philistines had war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Once again there was a battle between the Philistines and Israel. So David and his men went to fight the Philistines, but David became exhausted.

Good News Translation
There was another war between the Philistines and Israel, and David and his men went and fought the Philistines. During one of the battles David grew tired.

International Standard Version
Afterwards, war broke out between the Philistines and Israel, so David went down to fight the Philistines. David became weary,

Majority Standard Bible
Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines; but David became exhausted.

NET Bible
Another battle was fought between the Philistines and Israel. So David went down with his soldiers and fought the Philistines. David became exhausted.

New Heart English Bible
And there was war again between the Philistines and Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines. Now David became exhausted,

Webster's Bible Translation
Moreover, the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David became faint.

World English Bible
The Philistines had war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines. David grew faint;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And again the Philistines have war with Israel, and David goes down, and his servants with him, and they fight with the Philistines; and David is weary,

Young's Literal Translation
And again have the Philistines war with Israel, and David goeth down, and his servants with him, and they fight with the Philistines; and David is weary,

Smith's Literal Translation
And yet there will be war to the rovers with Israel; and David will go down, and his servants with him, and they will fight with the rovers: and David will be faint.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the Philistines made war again against Israel, and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines. And David growing faint,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then the Philistines again undertook a battle against Israel. And David descended, and his servants with him, and they fought against the Philistines. But when David grew faint,

New American Bible
There was another battle between the Philistines and Israel. David went down with his servants and fought the Philistines, but David grew tired.

New Revised Standard Version
The Philistines went to war again with Israel, and David went down together with his servants. They fought against the Philistines, and David grew weary.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Moreover the Philistines were again at war with Israel; and David went down and his servants with him to fight against the Philistines;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And there was again war for the Philistines with Israel, and David came down, and his Servants with him, to fight with the Philistines
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the Philistines had war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines; and David waxed faint.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And there was yet war between the Philistines and Israel: and David went down and his servants with him, and they fought with the Philistines, and David went.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Four Battles Against the Philistines
15Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines; but David became exhausted. 16Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David.…

Cross References
1 Chronicles 20:4
Some time later, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, a descendant of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were subdued.

1 Samuel 17:1-58
Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war at Socoh in Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim. / Saul and the men of Israel assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, arraying themselves for battle against the Philistines. / The Philistines stood on one hill and the Israelites stood on another, with the valley between them. ...

2 Samuel 5:18-25
Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. / So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.” / So David went to Baal-perazim, where he defeated the Philistines and said, “Like a bursting flood, the LORD has burst out against my enemies before me.” So he called that place Baal-perazim. ...

1 Chronicles 11:22-23
And Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a man of valor from Kabzeel, a man of many exploits. He struck down two champions of Moab, and on a snowy day he went down into a pit and killed a lion. / He also struck down an Egyptian, a huge man five cubits tall. Although the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver’s beam in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club, snatched the spear from his hand, and killed the Egyptian with his own spear.

1 Samuel 14:52
And the war with the Philistines was fierce for all the days of Saul. So whenever he noticed any strong or brave man, Saul would enlist him.

2 Samuel 23:9-12
Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he went with David to taunt the Philistines who had gathered for battle at Pas-dammim. The men of Israel retreated, / but Eleazar stood his ground and struck the Philistines until his hand grew weary and stuck to his sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. Then the troops returned to him, but only to plunder the dead. / And after him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines had banded together near a field full of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them. ...

1 Chronicles 11:12-14
Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men. / He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place with a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines. / But Eleazar and David stationed themselves in the middle of the field and defended it. They struck down the Philistines, and the LORD brought about a great victory.

1 Samuel 18:6-7
As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments. / And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”

2 Samuel 8:1-14
Some time later, David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Metheg-ammah from the hand of the Philistines. / David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute. / David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, who had marched out to restore his dominion along the Euphrates River. ...

1 Chronicles 18:1-13
Some time later, David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Gath and its villages from the hand of the Philistines. / David also defeated the Moabites, and they became subject to David and brought him tribute. / As far as Hamath, David also defeated King Hadadezer of Zobah, who had marched out to establish his dominion along the Euphrates River. ...

1 Samuel 23:1-5
Now it was reported to David, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and looting the threshing floors.” / So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” / But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” ...

2 Samuel 10:17-19
When this was reported to David, he gathered all Israel, crossed the Jordan, and went to Helam. Then the Arameans arrayed themselves against David and fought against him. / But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven hundred charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also struck down Shobach the commander of their army, who died there. / When all the kings who were subject to Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace with Israel and became subject to them. So the Arameans were afraid to help the Ammonites anymore.

1 Chronicles 19:17-19
When this was reported to David, he gathered all Israel, crossed the Jordan, advanced toward the Arameans, and arrayed for battle against them. When David lined up to engage them in battle, they fought against him. / But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven thousand of their charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also killed Shophach the commander of their army. / When Hadadezer’s subjects saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace with David and became subject to him. So the Arameans were unwilling to help the Ammonites anymore.

2 Samuel 22:1-51
And David sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. / He said: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. / My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation. My stronghold, my refuge, and my Savior, You save me from violence. ...

1 Chronicles 16:8-36
“Give thanks to the LORD; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the nations. / Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wonders. / Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. ...


Treasury of Scripture

Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint.

the Philistines

2 Samuel 5:17,22
But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the hold…

1 Chronicles 20:4
And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, that was of the children of the giant: and they were subdued.

and David waxed faint

Joshua 14:10,11
And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old…

Psalm 71:9,18
Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth…

Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

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Battle David Faint Fight Fought Gob Grew Israel Moreover Once Philistines Servants Together War Waxed Weary
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Battle David Faint Fight Fought Gob Grew Israel Moreover Once Philistines Servants Together War Waxed Weary
2 Samuel 21
1. The three year Gibeonite famine ceases, by hanging seven of Saul's sons.
10. Rizpah's kindness unto the dead
12. David buries the bones of Saul and Jonathan in his father's tomb
15. Four battles against the Philistines, wherein four men of David slay four giants.














Once again
This phrase indicates a recurring conflict between the Philistines and Israel. Historically, the Philistines were a persistent adversary of Israel, often challenging them for control of the land. The Hebrew root here suggests a cycle or repetition, emphasizing the ongoing struggle between these two nations. This reminds us of the spiritual battles we face repeatedly in our lives, calling for perseverance and reliance on God.

the Philistines
The Philistines were a significant force in the ancient Near East, often depicted as Israel's enemies in the Old Testament. Archaeological findings, such as those in the ancient city of Gath, provide insight into their culture and military prowess. The Philistines symbolize the worldly challenges and temptations that believers must confront with faith and courage.

waged war
This phrase reflects the active aggression of the Philistines. The Hebrew word used here conveys a sense of initiation and intensity in battle. Spiritually, it reminds us that we are in a constant spiritual warfare, as described in Ephesians 6:12, requiring us to put on the full armor of God.

against Israel
Israel, God's chosen people, often found themselves under attack from surrounding nations. This reflects the spiritual reality that those who follow God will face opposition. The historical context of Israel's battles serves as a metaphor for the spiritual battles faced by the Church today.

and David and his servants
David, the anointed king, and his loyal followers represent leadership and community in the face of adversity. The Hebrew term for "servants" can also mean "warriors" or "attendants," highlighting their dedication and support for David. This illustrates the importance of godly leadership and unity among believers in overcoming challenges.

went down
This phrase suggests a physical descent, possibly to a battlefield in a valley. It also symbolizes humility and readiness to engage in the fight. Spiritually, it calls believers to step down from pride and self-reliance, trusting in God's strength in times of conflict.

and fought against the Philistines
The act of fighting signifies active participation in the battle. The Hebrew root implies a struggle or contest, reminding us that spiritual victories require effort and faith. This encourages believers to actively engage in spiritual disciplines and warfare through prayer and obedience to God's Word.

and David grew faint
David's weariness highlights his humanity and vulnerability. Despite being a mighty warrior and king, he experienced physical and emotional exhaustion. This serves as a reminder that even the strongest among us need God's strength and the support of others. It encourages believers to find rest and renewal in God, acknowledging our limitations and dependence on Him.

(15) Had yet war again.--This, like the preceding narrative, bears no note of time except that it occurred after some other wars with the Philistines; but this is only to say that it was after David ascended the throne. From the latter part of 2Samuel 21:17 it is plain that it must have been after David had become king of all Israel, and probably after he had become somewhat advanced in years. In 1Chronicles 20:4-8 much the same paragraph is placed immediately after the war with Ammon; but this seems to be a mere juxta-position rather than designed as a chronological sequence.

Verse 15. - Moreover. A new narrative begins here, and the heroic acts related in it are taken probably from some record of the martial deeds of David and his mighties. We have already seen that the Book of Jasher (2 Samuel 1:18) was a national anthology, full of ballads and songs in praise of glorious exploits of Israel's worthies. The source of the narratives recorded here apparently was a history in prose, and commenced, perhaps, with David's own achievement in slaying Goliath - a deed which celled forth the heroism of the nation, and was emulated by other brave men. These extracts were probably given for their own sake, and are repeated in 1 Chronicles 20:4-8, where they are placed immediately after the capture of Rabbah; but they here form an appropriate introduction to the psalm of thanksgiving in ch. 22. It was usual in Hebrew, in making quotations, to leave them without any attempt at adapting them to their new place; and thus the "moreover" and "yet again," which referred to some previous narrative in the history, are left unchanged.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Once again
ע֧וֹד (‘ō·wḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more

the Philistines
לַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים (lap·pə·liš·tîm)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia

waged war
מִלְחָמָ֛ה (mil·ḥā·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war

against
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Preposition
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

and David
דָּוִ֜ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

and his servants
וַעֲבָדָ֥יו (wa·‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

went down
וַיֵּ֨רֶד (way·yê·reḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

and fought
וַיִּלָּחֲמ֥וּ (way·yil·lā·ḥă·mū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle

against
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Preposition
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

the Philistines;
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים (pə·liš·tîm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia

but David
דָּוִֽד׃ (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

became exhausted.
וַיָּ֥עַף (way·yā·‘ap̄)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5774: To fly, to faint


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OT History: 2 Samuel 21:15 The Philistines had war again with Israel (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 21:14
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