The coronation of Da'vid as king over all the tribes of Is'ra-el and the capture of the fort of Je'bus served as the occasion for new invasions by the Phi-lis'tines. During Ish-bo'sheth's seven years of rule over the eleven tribes the Phi-lis'tines had set up garrisons in various cities of the land, and, when it appeared that Da'vid would lead a united nation against them, they immediately took the offensive. Not knowing whether it would be the wiser course for him to allow the Phi-lis'tines to attack the newly won fortress at Je-ru'sa-lem, or to go out and meet them in battle in some other part of the land, Da'vid turnt to the LORD for guidance. He obeyed the LORD'S command to meet them in open battle, and won two great victories. The Phi-lis'tines were driven from the land all the way from Gib'e-ah in Ben'ja-min to Ge'zer, which was at the extreme north of the Phi-lis'tine country.
It was probably during the first engagement with the Phi-lis'tines that three of Da'vid's valiant men crept through the enemy lines in order to bring their king water from the famous well of his home town. Grown weary with the strain of this new campaign, and filled with longing for the happy days when he was a shepherd lad among the hills of Beth'le-hem, Da'vid thought of the old well by the gate where he had often rested, listening to the stories of warriors and shepherds. In the stress and strain of the moment he sighed:
"Oh that one would give me a drink of the water of the well of Beth'le-hem!"
Three of his men cautiously made their way through the territory filled with the strong and cunning Phi-lis'tines and brought Da'vid the water for which he had longed. Touched more by the courage of his men than by having the water he had requested, Da'vid performed a symbolic act of worship by pouring the water on the ground and dedicating it to the LORD.
Looking upon the bottle of water for which he had so deeply yearned, Da'vid said, "Is not this the blood of men who went in jeopardy of their lives?" Stimulated by the loyalty and courage of his men, and regretting any selfishness he might have shown during his moments of homesickness, Da'vid took new courage for the battles against his enemies. The Phi-lis'tines were so completely routed that they left on the battlefield the image of their gods which they carried as a superstitious means of protection.
There followed a season of peace, with Da'vid growing in favor with the people as he established his rule in Je-ru'sa-lem. Other children were born in his family, and a royal palace was built for his home. Friendly relations were established with Hi'ram, King of Tyre, who sent valuable materials and skilled workmen to help in erecting government buildings in the capital.
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