And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

And David was then in the stronghold; and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Beth-lehem.

And David was then in the hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Beth-lehem.

and David is then in a fortress, and the station of the Philistines is then in Beth-Lehem,

And at that time David had taken cover in the strong place, and an armed force of the Philistines was in Beth-lehem.

And David was in a stronghold. Moreover, there was a garrison of the Philistines at that time in Bethlehem.

In an hold - In "the hold" 1-Chronicles 11:16 close to the cave of Adullam (marginal reference note). It shows the power and daring of the Philistines that they should hold a post so far in the country as Bethlehem.

And David was then in an hold,.... In a strong hold; the strong hold of Zion, as Josephus (x), or one on a rock near the cave of Adullam, see 1-Chronicles 11:15,
and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem; which was about six miles from Jerusalem; the valley of Rephaim lay between that and Bethlehem; so far had they got into the land of Judea, and such footing in it, as to have a garrison so near its metropolis.
(x) Antiqu. l. 7. c. 12. sect. 4.