Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version so David inquired of the LORD, and he answered, “Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the poplar trees. New Living Translation And again David asked the LORD what to do. “Do not attack them straight on,” the LORD replied. “Instead, circle around behind and attack them near the poplar trees. English Standard Version And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, “You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees. Berean Standard Bible So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. Berean Literal Bible And David inquired of YHWH, and He said, “You shall not go up. Circle around unto behind them and come upon them in front of the balsam trees. King James Bible And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. New King James Version Therefore David inquired of the LORD, and He said, “You shall not go up; circle around behind them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees. New American Standard Bible So David inquired of the LORD, but He said, “You shall not go directly up; circle around behind them and come at them in front of the baka-shrubs. NASB 1995 When David inquired of the LORD, He said, “You shall not go directly up; circle around behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees. NASB 1977 And when David inquired of the LORD, He said, “You shall not go directly up; circle around behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees. Legacy Standard Bible So David asked of Yahweh, and He said, “You shall not go directly up; circle around behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees. Amplified Bible When David inquired of the LORD, He said, “You shall not go up, but circle around behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees. Berean Annotated Bible So David (beloved) inquired of the LORD {YHWH}, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees (aspen trees). Christian Standard Bible So David inquired of the LORD, and he answered, “Do not attack directly, but circle around behind them and come at them opposite the balsam trees. Holman Christian Standard Bible So David inquired of the LORD, and He answered, “Do not make a frontal assault. Circle around behind them and attack them opposite the balsam trees. American Standard Version And when David inquired of Jehovah, he said, Thou shalt not go up: make a circuit behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry-trees. Contemporary English Version David asked the LORD what he should do, and the LORD answered: Don't attack them from the front. Circle around behind and attack from among the balsam trees. English Revised Version And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up: make a circuit behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. GOD'S WORD® Translation David asked the LORD, and he answered, "Don't attack now, but circle around behind them, and come at them in front of the balsam trees. Good News Translation Once more David consulted the LORD, who answered, "Don't attack them from here, but go around and get ready to attack them from the other side, near the balsam trees. International Standard Version When David asked the LORD about it, he said, "Don't attack them directly. Instead, go around to the rear and attack them opposite those balsam trees. NET Bible So David asked the LORD what he should do. This time the LORD said to him, "Don't march straight up. Instead, circle around behind them and come against them opposite the trees. New Heart English Bible And David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD said to him, "You shall not go up. Circle around behind them, and attack them opposite the poplar trees. Webster's Bible Translation And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up: but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry-trees. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. World English Bible When David inquired of Yahweh, he said, “You shall not go up. Circle around behind them, and attack them in front of the mulberry trees. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand David asks of YHWH, and He says, “You do not go up, turn around to their rear, and you have come to them from the front [[or in front]] of the mulberries, Berean Literal Bible And David inquired of YHWH, and He said, “You shall not go up. Circle around unto behind them and come upon them in front of the balsam trees. Young's Literal Translation and David asketh of Jehovah, and He saith, 'Thou dost not go up, turn round unto their rear, and thou hast come to them over-against the mulberries, Smith's Literal Translation And David will ask in God, and he will say, Thou shalt not go up: turn about behind them and thou shalt cover against them from before the weepings. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd David consulted the Lord: Shall I go up against the Philistines, and wilt thou deliver them into my hands? He answered: Go not up against them, but fetch a compass behind them, and thou shalt come upon them over against the pear trees. Catholic Public Domain Version Then David consulted the Lord, “Shall I ascend against the Philistines, and will you deliver them into my hands?” And he responded: “You shall not ascend against them; instead, circle behind their back. And you shall come to them from the side opposite the balsam trees. New American Bible and again David inquired of the LORD, who replied: Do not attack the front—circle behind them and come against them near the balsam trees. New Revised Standard Version When David inquired of the LORD, he said, “You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come upon them opposite the balsam trees. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when David inquired of the LORD, the LORD said to him, You shall not go up; but circle behind them, and come upon them opposite Bachim. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And David asked of LORD JEHOVAH and LORD JEHOVAH said to him: “Do not go up, but turn yourself from behind them and come upon them from opposite Bakim OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And when David inquired of the LORD, He said: 'Thou shalt not go up; make a circuit behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry-trees. Brenton Septuagint Translation And David enquired of the Lord: and the Lord said, Thou shalt not go up to meet them: turn from them, and thou shalt meet them near the place of weeping. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Two Victories over the Philistines…22Once again the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. 23So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. 24As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because this will mean that the LORD has marched out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.”… Cross References So David inquired of the LORD, 1 Samuel 23:2 So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” 1 Samuel 30:8 and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.” Judges 20:18 The Israelites set out, went up to Bethel, and inquired of God, “Who of us shall go up first to fight against the Benjamites?” “Judah will be first,” the LORD replied. who answered, 1 Samuel 23:4 Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: “Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” Judges 20:28 and Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, served before it.) The Israelites asked, “Should we again go out to battle against our brothers the Benjamites, or should we stop?” The LORD answered, “Fight, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.” Judges 20:23 They went up and wept before the LORD until evening, inquiring of Him, “Should we again draw near for battle against our brothers the Benjamites?” And the LORD answered, “Go up against them.” “Do not march straight up, 1 Chronicles 14:14 So David again inquired of God, who answered him, “Do not march up after them, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. Deuteronomy 1:42 But the LORD said to me, “Tell them not to go up and fight, for I am not with you to keep you from defeat by your enemies.” Numbers 14:42 Do not go up, lest you be struck down by your enemies, because the LORD is not among you. but circle around behind them Joshua 8:2 And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, except that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set up an ambush behind the city.” Joshua 8:4 with these orders: “Pay attention. You are to lie in ambush behind the city, not too far from it. All of you must be ready. Judges 20:29 So Israel set up an ambush around Gibeah. and attack them in front of the balsam trees. 1 Chronicles 14:15 As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move out to battle, because this will mean that God has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” Joshua 8:19 and as soon as he did so, the men in ambush rose quickly from their position. They rushed forward, entered the city, captured it, and immediately set it on fire. Judges 20:37 The men in ambush rushed suddenly against Gibeah; they advanced and put the whole city to the sword. Joshua 6:2-5 And the LORD said to Joshua, “Behold, I have delivered Jericho into your hand, along with its king and its mighty men of valor. / March around the city with all the men of war, circling the city one time. Do this for six days. / Have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark. Then on the seventh day, march around the city seven times, while the priests blow the horns. … Treasury of Scripture And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, You shall not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come on them over against the mulberry trees. enquired 2 Samuel 5:19 And David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand. fetch Joshua 8:2,7 And thou shalt do to Ai and her king as thou didst unto Jericho and her king: only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take for a prey unto yourselves: lay thee an ambush for the city behind it… 1 Chronicles 14:14 Therefore David inquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. Matthew 9:29,30 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you… the mulberry trees. 1 Chronicles 14:14,15 Therefore David inquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees… Jump to Previous Attack Balsam Circle Circuit Compass David Directions Directly Fetch Front Inquired Mulberries Mulberry Mulberry-Trees Opposite Over-Against Rear Round Spice-Trees Straight Trees TurnJump to Next Attack Balsam Circle Circuit Compass David Directions Directly Fetch Front Inquired Mulberries Mulberry Mulberry-Trees Opposite Over-Against Rear Round Spice-Trees Straight Trees Turn2 Samuel 5 1. The tribes come to Hebron and anoint David over Israel,4. David's age 6. Taking Zion from the Jebusites, he dwells in it 11. Hiram sends to David, 13. Eleven sons are born to him in Jerusalem 17. David, directed by God, smites the Philistines at Baal-perazim 22. And again at the mulberry trees So David inquired of the LORD David's practice of seeking God's guidance is a recurring theme in his life, demonstrating his dependence on divine wisdom rather than his own understanding. This inquiry reflects a pattern seen in 1 Samuel 23:2 and 1 Samuel 30:8, where David seeks God's direction before making strategic decisions. It underscores the importance of prayer and seeking God's will in all matters. who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, known for his heart after God and his military prowess. In this passage, he seeks God's guidance for battle. 2. The LORD The God of Israel, who provides guidance and direction to David, demonstrating His sovereignty and involvement in the affairs of His people. 3. Balsam Trees A specific location mentioned in God's strategy for David's battle, indicating a tactical maneuver that relies on divine wisdom rather than human understanding. 4. Philistines The enemy of Israel at this time, representing opposition to God's people and His plans. 5. Battle Strategy The event of God providing a unique strategy for victory, emphasizing reliance on divine guidance rather than conventional military tactics. Teaching Points Seeking Divine GuidanceDavid's inquiry of the Lord before battle teaches us the importance of seeking God's will in our decisions. We should prioritize prayer and discernment in our daily lives. Obedience to God's Instructions David's adherence to God's specific battle plan demonstrates the importance of obedience. We are called to follow God's guidance, even when it defies conventional wisdom. God's Sovereignty in Our Battles The passage reminds us that God is actively involved in our struggles and has a plan for victory. We can trust His sovereignty and timing in our personal battles. Strategic Wisdom from God God's strategy for David shows that divine wisdom often surpasses human logic. We should be open to God's unique solutions in our challenges. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 5:23?2. How does 2 Samuel 5:23 demonstrate the importance of seeking God's guidance? 3. What does God's specific instruction in 2 Samuel 5:23 teach about obedience? 4. How can we apply the strategy given in 2 Samuel 5:23 to spiritual battles? 5. How does 2 Samuel 5:23 connect with other instances of divine guidance in Scripture? 6. What does "do not march straight up" reveal about God's unique plans for us? 7. Why did God instruct David to circle around the Philistines in 2 Samuel 5:23? 8. How does 2 Samuel 5:23 demonstrate God's strategic guidance in battles? 9. What does 2 Samuel 5:23 reveal about God's communication with David? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 5? 11. Why does God prohibit David from building the temple in 2 Samuel 7 yet allow Solomon to do so, raising questions of consistency in divine commands? 12. 1 Chronicles 14:8–17 – How do we reconcile any discrepancies between this account of David’s battles with the Philistines and the parallel text in 2 Samuel 5? 13. Why does 2 Kings 23:25 suggest Josiah surpassed even David in devotion, seemingly contradicting other texts that exalt David's faithfulness? 14. In 2 Chronicles 2:11-12, why does Tyrian King Hiram express devotion to Israel's God when no independent Tyrian records verify such reverence? What Does 2 Samuel 5:23 Mean So David inquired of the LORD• David’s first instinct before battle is to seek God’s direction (1 Samuel 30:8; 2 Samuel 2:1). • His example reminds us that leadership under God is marked by dependence, not presumption (Proverbs 3:5-6). • God gladly responds to those who ask for wisdom (James 1:5). who answered • The Lord does not remain silent when His people look to Him (Jeremiah 33:3; Psalm 32:8). • Divine response confirms that the relationship is personal and interactive, not mechanical. • God’s answer comes in time for action, proving His care in practical details (Psalm 18:30). “Do not march straight up,” • A direct frontal assault seemed reasonable but was forbidden—God’s strategies often overturn human logic (Judges 7:2-7; Isaiah 55:8-9). • Obedience requires flexibility; sticking to “tried-and-true” methods can actually be disobedience when God says otherwise (Joshua 6:3-5). “but circle around behind them” • The Lord provides a specific, alternative tactic, highlighting His role as the true Commander (Exodus 14:2-4; 1 Chronicles 14:14). • Moving behind the enemy prevents reliance on sheer force and points to supernatural guidance (2 Corinthians 10:4). • God tailors instructions to each situation; yesterday’s plan is not automatically today’s (Matthew 6:11 for daily dependence). “and attack them in front of the balsam trees.” • God pinpoints the timing and location, even using natural landmarks (2 Samuel 5:24). • The balsam trees become a faith marker; when David hears marching in their tops, he knows the Lord has gone ahead (v. 24; Deuteronomy 20:4). • Victory is assured when God leads, yet His people must still act—faith and obedience work together (James 2:22). summary 2 Samuel 5:23 shows a praying king, a speaking God, and a battle plan that defies human calculation. David’s success hinges on seeking the Lord, listening carefully, and following detailed instructions—even when they redirect him from the obvious path. The verse invites every believer to practice the same pattern: inquire, wait for God’s answer, and obey the strategy He reveals, confident that His wisdom secures the victory. (23) Shall not go up.--The enemy, on the same battle-expound, would have prepared for attack from the same direction as before; consequently David is directed to go round them and attack them unexpectedly from the opposite quarter.Verse 23. - Thou shalt not go up. The attack in front is forbidden, and the answer shows that the priest with the ephod did more than give a mere affirmative or negative reply. For David receives full instructions. Taking advantage of the valleys, he is to creep round into the rear of the Philistines, and approach them under cover of a thicket of baca trees. Mulberry trees; Hebrew, baca trees. This suggests the idea that David's place of attack was the Baca valley (Psalm 84:6), and that there was such a valley, though this is not certain. For the Revised Version translates "valley of weeping," concluding that baca is not there a proper name. By baca trees the LXX. and Vulgate "pear trees," but as bacah means "to weep," it is probably some balsamic shrub, from which a resin exudes. The Revised Version puts here in the margin, "balsam trees." Dr. Tristram thinks it was a sort of aspen, but the authority of the Vulgate is great in such matters, as Jerome obtained his information in Palestine itself.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So Davidדָּוִד֙ (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse inquired וַיִּשְׁאַ֤ל (way·yiš·’al) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand of the LORD, בַּֽיהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel who answered, וַיֹּ֖אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Do not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no march straight up, תַעֲלֶ֑ה (ṯa·‘ă·leh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively but circle הָסֵב֙ (hā·sêḇ) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 5437: To turn about, go around, surround around אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to behind אַ֣חֲרֵיהֶ֔ם (’a·ḥă·rê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 310: The hind or following part them and attack וּבָ֥אתָ (ū·ḇā·ṯā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go them לָהֶ֖ם (lā·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's Hebrew in front מִמּ֥וּל (mim·mūl) Preposition-m Strong's 4136: Abrupt, a precipice, the front, opposite of the balsam trees. בְּכָאִֽים׃ (bə·ḵā·’îm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1057: The weeping tree Links 2 Samuel 5:23 NIV2 Samuel 5:23 NLT 2 Samuel 5:23 ESV 2 Samuel 5:23 NASB 2 Samuel 5:23 KJV 2 Samuel 5:23 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 5:23 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 5:23 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 5:23 French Bible 2 Samuel 5:23 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 5:23 When David inquired of Yahweh he said (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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