2 Samuel 23:16
And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Beth-lehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.
The three broke through the force of Philistines then holding Bethlehem to draw water from the well by the gate and bring it to David. He counted the water sacred, as the blood of men who had put their lives in peril to get it, and therefore would not drink it but poured it out to the Lord as a solemn offering, showing a sacred regard for human life and that life is not to be taken lightly. Even when faint and facing death he held fast to steadfast religious principle and refused to drink the water of Bethlehem that his valiant men had risked their lives to bring him.
His thirst for water from Bethlehem's well pictures a longing for spiritual drink, a thirst for a deeper knowledge of God and for divine instruction. That longing illustrates the need to call upon God for divine instruction. The precious draught thus offered to David pictures light and truth presented to be received and acted upon in the work God has appointed, so that to neglect to receive it and to take one's place robs the work of the benefit of that experience. The draught from the well pictures rich spiritual refreshment known when the presence of Jesus is felt and the Spirit comes. It also pictures rich spiritual refreshment and victory over the powers of darkness received through faith in God.