New International Versionso 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 TranslationAnd 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 VersionAnd 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 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.
King James BibleAnd 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 VersionTherefore 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 BibleSo 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 1995When 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 1977And 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 BibleSo 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 BibleWhen 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.
Christian Standard BibleSo 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 BibleSo 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 VersionAnd 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 VersionDavid 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 VersionAnd 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® TranslationDavid 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 TranslationOnce 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 VersionWhen 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 BibleSo 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 BibleAnd 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 TranslationAnd 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 BibleWhen 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,
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 TranslationAnd 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 VersionThen 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 Bibleand 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 VersionWhen 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 TranslatedAnd 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 TranslationAnd 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 Davidinquiredof the LORD,who answered,“Do notmarch straight up,but circlearoundbehind themand attackthemin frontof 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 1 Chronicles 14:14So 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.
Joshua 6:2-5And 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. ...
Judges 7:2-7Then the LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands, lest Israel glorify themselves over Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ / Now, therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the men: ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand of them turned back, but ten thousand remained. / Then the LORD said to Gideon, “There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will sift them for you there. If I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go. But if I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.” ...
1 Samuel 23:2-4So 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.” / But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” / 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.”
1 Samuel 30:8and 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.”
2 Samuel 2:1Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” “Go up,” the LORD answered. Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” replied the LORD.
2 Samuel 21:1During the reign of David there was a famine for three successive years, and David sought the face of the LORD. And the LORD said, “It is because of the blood shed by Saul and his family, because he killed the Gibeonites.”
1 Kings 22:5-6But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.” / So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, about four hundred men, and asked them, “Should I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.”
2 Kings 3:11-12But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Let us inquire of the LORD through him.” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.” / Jehoshaphat affirmed, “The word of the LORD is with him.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.
Isaiah 30:21And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”
Jeremiah 42:2-3Jeremiah the prophet and said, “May our petition come before you; pray to the LORD your God on behalf of this entire remnant. For few of us remain of the many, as you can see with your own eyes. / Pray that the LORD your God will tell us the way we should walk and the thing we should do.”
Matthew 7:7-8Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Matthew 10:19-20But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. / For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Luke 6:12-13In those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God. / When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles:
John 16:13However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.
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 AttackBalsamCircleCircuitCompassDavidDirectionsDirectlyFetchFrontInquiredMulberriesMulberryMulberry-TreesOppositeOver-AgainstRearRoundSpice-TreesStraightTreesTurnJump to Next AttackBalsamCircleCircuitCompassDavidDirectionsDirectlyFetchFrontInquiredMulberriesMulberryMulberry-TreesOppositeOver-AgainstRearRoundSpice-TreesStraightTreesTurn2 Samuel 5 1.The tribes come to Hebron and anoint David over Israel,4.David's age6.Taking Zion from the Jebusites, he dwells in it11.Hiram sends to David,13.Eleven sons are born to him in Jerusalem17.David, directed by God, smites the Philistines at Baal-perazim22.And again at the mulberry treesSo David inquired of the LORDDavid'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,
God's response to David's inquiry highlights the personal relationship between David and the LORD. It shows that God is actively involved in the affairs of His people and is willing to provide guidance. This interaction is reminiscent of God's communication with other leaders, such as Moses and Joshua, emphasizing His role as a guide and protector. “Do not march straight up,
The instruction not to attack directly suggests a strategic approach to warfare, emphasizing the importance of divine strategy over human tactics. This advice contrasts with typical military strategies of the time, which often involved direct confrontation. It reflects God's wisdom in providing unconventional solutions to challenges. but circle around behind them
This tactic of flanking the enemy demonstrates God's understanding of military strategy and His ability to provide innovative solutions. It also serves as a reminder that God's ways are not always predictable or conventional, as seen in other biblical battles, such as the fall of Jericho inJoshua 6. and attack them in front of the balsam trees.
The mention of balsam trees provides a geographical marker, indicating a specific location for the ambush. Balsam trees, known for their fragrant resin, were common in the region and may have been used as a landmark. This detail underscores the precision of God's instructions and His intimate knowledge of the land. The strategic use of natural features in battle is a recurring theme in biblical narratives, highlighting God's sovereignty over creation. 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 LORDThe God of Israel, who provides guidance and direction to David, demonstrating His sovereignty and involvement in the affairs of His people. 3. Balsam TreesA 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. PhilistinesThe enemy of Israel at this time, representing opposition to God's people and His plans. 5. Battle StrategyThe 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 InstructionsDavid'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 BattlesThe 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 GodGod'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).
summary2 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 Jesseinquiredוַיִּשְׁאַ֤ל(way·yiš·’al)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7592:To inquire, to request, to demandof the LORD,בַּֽיהוָ֔ה(Yah·weh)Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelwho answered,וַיֹּ֖אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“Do notלֹ֣א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nomarch straight up,תַעֲלֶ֑ה(ṯa·‘ă·leh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5927:To ascend, in, activelybut circleהָסֵב֙(hā·sêḇ)Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 5437:To turn about, go around, surroundaroundאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tobehindאַ֣חֲרֵיהֶ֔ם(’a·ḥă·rê·hem)Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 310:The hind or following partthem and attackוּבָ֥אתָ(ū·ḇā·ṯā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gothemלָהֶ֖ם(lā·hem)Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrewin frontמִמּ֥וּל(mim·mūl)Preposition-m
Strong's 4136:Abrupt, a precipice, the front, oppositeof the balsam trees.בְּכָאִֽים׃(bə·ḵā·’îm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1057:The weeping tree
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OT History: 2 Samuel 5:23 When David inquired of Yahweh he said (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
