2 Samuel 23:17
And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men. And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.
David longed with intense thirst for water from the well at Bethlehem, and three mighty men broke through to bring it to him at the risk of their lives. He regarded that water as sacred and too holy for ordinary use, as if it were the blood of the men because they had gone in jeopardy of their lives to obtain it, so that to drink it would be like drinking their blood. He therefore refused to drink it for himself.
Instead of using it to quench his own thirst, he poured it out as a sacred offering to God. In this he showed deep regard for human life and honor for their sacrifice, refusing to treat their lives lightly even while he himself faced death. His refusal under the fear of death illustrates firm religious principle that remains true under severe pressure.
His thirst became a longing he would not satisfy at the cost of their lives. That longing pictures the thirst for spiritual drink, for deeper knowledge of God. The draught from the well represents spiritual refreshment and blessing, including refreshment and victory in God after fierce spiritual conflict. It is also a precious gift of light and truth presented for God's work, to be received with reverence, and neglecting it forfeits blessing and the opportunity to serve in the place God has given.