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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Samuel 5:23 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/5-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/10_2Sa_05_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 5:23 - Two Victories over the Philistines" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; <i>but</i> fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So David inquired of the LORD, but He said, “You shall not go <i>directly</i> up; circle around behind them and come at them in front of the baka-shrubs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When David inquired of the LORD, He said, &#8220You shall not go directly up; circle around behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And when David inquired of the LORD, He said, “You shall not go <i>directly</i> up; circle around behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So David asked of Yahweh, and He said, “You shall not go <i>directly</i> up; circle around behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So David inquired of the LORD, and He answered, &#8220Do not make a frontal assault. Circle around behind them and attack them opposite the balsam trees. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />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. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and 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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />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.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And 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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />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<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/5-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=1389" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/5.htm">Two Victories over the Philistines</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>Once again the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">So David</a> <a href="/hebrew/7592.htm" title="7592: way·yiš·’al (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To ask, inquire. Or shael; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand.">inquired</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">who answered,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">“Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: ṯa·‘ă·leh (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">march straight up,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5437.htm" title="5437: hā·sêḇ (V-Hifil-Imp-ms) -- A primitive root; to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively.">but circle</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">around</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">behind them</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: ū·ḇā·ṯā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">and attack</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- ">them</a> <a href="/hebrew/4136.htm" title="4136: mim·mūl (Prep-m) -- Or mowl; or mowtl; or mul; from muwl; properly, abrupt, i.e. A precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially opposite.">in front</a> <a href="/hebrew/1057.htm" title="1057: bə·ḵā·’îm (N-mp) -- Balsam tree. The same as Baka'; the weeping tree.">of the balsam trees.</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>As 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.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/14-14.htm">1 Chronicles 14:14</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/6-2.htm">Joshua 6:2-5</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/7-2.htm">Judges 7:2-7</a></span><br />Then 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.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/23-2.htm">1 Samuel 23:2-4</a></span><br />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.” / 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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/30-8.htm">1 Samuel 30:8</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/2-1.htm">2 Samuel 2:1</a></span><br />Some 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/21-1.htm">2 Samuel 21:1</a></span><br />During 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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/22-5.htm">1 Kings 22:5-6</a></span><br />But 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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/3-11.htm">2 Kings 3:11-12</a></span><br />But 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-21.htm">Isaiah 30:21</a></span><br />And 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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/42-2.htm">Jeremiah 42:2-3</a></span><br />Jeremiah 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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7-8</a></span><br />Ask, 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-19.htm">Matthew 10:19-20</a></span><br />But 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-12.htm">Luke 6:12-13</a></span><br />In 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:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-13.htm">John 16:13</a></span><br />However, 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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="hdg">enquired</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/5-19.htm">2 Samuel 5:19</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="hdg">fetch</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/8-2.htm">Joshua 8:2,7</a></b></br> 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… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/14-14.htm">1 Chronicles 14:14</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/9-29.htm">Matthew 9:29,30</a></b></br> Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you… </p><p class="hdg">the mulberry trees.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/14-14.htm">1 Chronicles 14:14,15</a></b></br> 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… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/5-19.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-17.htm">Balsam</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-7.htm">Circle</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-16.htm">Circuit</a> <a href="/joshua/15-3.htm">Compass</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-21.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-19.htm">Directions</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-28.htm">Directly</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-22.htm">Fetch</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-31.htm">Front</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-19.htm">Inquired</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/14-15.htm">Mulberries</a> <a href="/luke/19-4.htm">Mulberry</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/14-15.htm">Mulberry-Trees</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-13.htm">Opposite</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-5.htm">Over-Against</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-2.htm">Rear</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-9.htm">Round</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/14-14.htm">Spice-Trees</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-24.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-11.htm">Trees</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-16.htm">Turn</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/8-1.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/14-14.htm">Balsam</a> <a href="/2_kings/11-8.htm">Circle</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-23.htm">Circuit</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-15.htm">Compass</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-25.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-15.htm">Directions</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-37.htm">Directly</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-13.htm">Fetch</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-4.htm">Front</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-3.htm">Inquired</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-24.htm">Mulberries</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-24.htm">Mulberry</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-24.htm">Mulberry-Trees</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-13.htm">Opposite</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-15.htm">Over-Against</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-9.htm">Rear</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-1.htm">Round</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/14-14.htm">Spice-Trees</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-27.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-24.htm">Trees</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-15.htm">Turn</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/5-1.htm">The tribes come to Hebron and anoint David over Israel,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/5-4.htm">David's age</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/5-6.htm">Taking Zion from the Jebusites, he dwells in it</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/5-11.htm">Hiram sends to David,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/5-13.htm">Eleven sons are born to him in Jerusalem</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/5-17.htm">David, directed by God, smites the Philistines at Baal-perazim</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/5-22.htm">And again at the mulberry trees</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So David inquired of the LORD</b><br>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 <a href="/1_samuel/23-2.htm">1 Samuel 23:2</a> and <a href="/1_samuel/30-8.htm">1 Samuel 30:8</a>, where David seeks God's direction before making strategic decisions. It underscores the importance of prayer and seeking God's will in all matters.<p><b>who answered,</b><br>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.<p><b>“Do not march straight up,</b><br>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.<p><b>but circle around behind them</b><br>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 in <a href="/joshua/6.htm">Joshua 6</a>.<p><b>and attack them in front of the balsam trees.</b><br>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.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The anointed king of Israel, known for his heart after God and his military prowess. In this passage, he seeks God's guidance for battle.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The God of Israel, who provides guidance and direction to David, demonstrating His sovereignty and involvement in the affairs of His people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/balsam_trees.htm">Balsam Trees</a></b><br>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.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a></b><br>The enemy of Israel at this time, representing opposition to God's people and His plans.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/battle_strategy.htm">Battle Strategy</a></b><br>The event of God providing a unique strategy for victory, emphasizing reliance on divine guidance rather than conventional military tactics.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_divine_guidance.htm">Seeking Divine Guidance</a></b><br>David'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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_instructions.htm">Obedience to God's Instructions</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_our_battles.htm">God's Sovereignty in Our Battles</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/strategic_wisdom_from_god.htm">Strategic Wisdom from God</a></b><br>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.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_can_solomon_build_the_temple,_not_david.htm">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?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_1_chr_14_8-17_and_2_sam_5.htm">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?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_2_kings_23_25_exalt_josiah_over_david.htm">Why does 2 Kings 23:25 suggest Josiah surpassed even David in devotion, seemingly contradicting other texts that exalt David's faithfulness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_king_hiram_honor_israel's_god.htm">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?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">Shall not go up.</span>--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.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Thou shalt not go up.</span> 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. <span class="cmt_word">Mulberry trees;</span> Hebrew, <span class="accented">baca trees.</span> This suggests the idea that David's place of attack was the Baca valley (<a href="/psalms/84-6.htm">Psalm 84:6</a>), and that there was such a valley, though this is not certain. For the Revised Version translates "valley of weeping," concluding that <span class="accented">baca</span> is not there a proper name. By baca trees the LXX. and Vulgate "pear trees," but as <span class="accented">bacah</span> 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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/5-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So David</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִד֙</span> <span class="translit">(dā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">inquired</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁאַ֤ל</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·’al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7592.htm">Strong's 7592: </a> </span><span class="str2">To inquire, to request, to demand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּֽיהוָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who answered,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֖אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Do not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">march straight up,</span><br /><span class="heb">תַעֲלֶ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(ṯa·‘ă·leh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> </span><span class="str2">To ascend, in, actively</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but circle</span><br /><span class="heb">הָסֵב֙</span> <span class="translit">(hā·sêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5437.htm">Strong's 5437: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn about, go around, surround</span><br /><br /><span class="word">around</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">behind</span><br /><span class="heb">אַ֣חֲרֵיהֶ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(’a·ḥă·rê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hind or following part</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them and attack</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבָ֥אתָ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇā·ṯā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them</span><br /><span class="heb">לָהֶ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(lā·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">in front</span><br /><span class="heb">מִמּ֥וּל</span> <span class="translit">(mim·mūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4136.htm">Strong's 4136: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abrupt, a precipice, the front, opposite</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the balsam trees.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּכָאִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḵā·’îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1057.htm">Strong's 1057: </a> </span><span class="str2">The weeping tree</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/5-23.htm">2 Samuel 5:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/5-23.htm">2 Samuel 5:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/5-23.htm">2 Samuel 5:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/5-23.htm">2 Samuel 5:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/5-23.htm">2 Samuel 5:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/5-23.htm">2 Samuel 5:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/5-23.htm">2 Samuel 5:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/5-23.htm">2 Samuel 5:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/5-23.htm">2 Samuel 5:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/5-23.htm">2 Samuel 5:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/5-23.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 5:23 When David inquired of Yahweh he said (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/5-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 5:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 5:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/5-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 5:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 5:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>