שמואל ב, פרק כ״ג, פסוק י״ז

A moment of profound loyalty and moral reflection unfolds on the battlefield when a leader must weigh the value of his men's lives against his own desires. Presented with water obtained through immense personal risk, David completely refuses to drink it, deeply recognizing the self-sacrifice of his warriors. He views the act of consuming this water as something profane and forbidden out of his reverence and fear of God [מצודת דוד]. When he invokes God in this moment, it is understood either as a declaration that this restraint is demanded by God, or as a direct, passionate appeal to Him [רד״ק, מצודת ציון].

Reacting with astonishment, David questions how he could possibly consume what equates to the blood of his men [רש״י]. He establishes a firm moral boundary, determining that it is entirely inappropriate to enjoy something procured at the risk of human life. To drink water brought by men who placed themselves in mortal danger would be exactly like drinking their actual blood [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Consequently, he absolutely refuses to accept or drink it [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The conclusion of this event serves as a powerful testimony to the three warriors. It highlights not only their extraordinary courage and bravery but also their profound dedication to David. They took it upon themselves to immediately fulfill his wish, willingly launching a highly dangerous breach into the very center of the enemy camp simply to serve their leader [ביאור שטיינזלץ].