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go around and come against them opposite the balsam trees. <a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/1_chronicles/14.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/1_chronicles/14.htm">New King James Version</a> Therefore David inquired again of God, and God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; circle around them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees. <a href="/nasb_/1_chronicles/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> David inquired again of God, and God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; circle around behind them and come at them in front of the baka-shrubs. <a href="/nasb/1_chronicles/14.htm">NASB 1995</a> David inquired again of God, and God said to him, &#8220You shall not go up after them; circle around behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees. <a href="/nasb77/1_chronicles/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And David inquired again of God, and God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; circle around behind them, and come at them in front of the balsam trees. <a href="/lsb/1_chronicles/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So David again asked of God, and God said to him, “You shall not go directly up after them; circle around from behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees. <a href="/amp/1_chronicles/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So David inquired again of God, and God said to him, “Do not go up after them; circle around behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees. <a href="/csb/1_chronicles/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So David again inquired of God, and God answered him, “Do not pursue them directly. Circle around them and attack them opposite the balsam trees. <a href="/hcsb/1_chronicles/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So David again inquired of God, and God answered him, &#8220Do not pursue them directly. Circle around them and attack them opposite the balsam trees. <a href="/asv/1_chronicles/14.htm">American Standard Version</a> And David inquired again of God; and God said unto him, Thou shalt not go up after them: turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry-trees. <a href="/cev/1_chronicles/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> David asked God what he should do, and God answered, "Don't attack them from the front. Circle around behind them where the balsam trees are. <a href="/erv/1_chronicles/14.htm">English Revised Version</a> And David inquired again of God; and God said unto him, Thou shalt not go up after them: turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. <a href="/gwt/1_chronicles/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Once more David asked God. God answered him, "Don't go after them. Circle around, and come at them in front of the balsam trees. <a href="/gnt/1_chronicles/14.htm">Good News Translation</a> Once more David consulted God, 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. <a href="/isv/1_chronicles/14.htm">International Standard Version</a> When David asked God about it, God told him, "Don't directly attack them. Instead, go around them and come up against them opposite those balsam trees. <a href="/net/1_chronicles/14.htm">NET Bible</a> So David again asked God what he should do. This time God told him, "Don't march up after them; circle around them and come against them in front of the trees. <a href="/nheb/1_chronicles/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And David inquired again of God; and God said to him, "You shall not go up after them. Turn away from them, and come at them opposite the poplar trees. <a href="/wbt/1_chronicles/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Therefore David inquired again of God: and God said to him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/1_chronicles/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/web/1_chronicles/14.htm">World English Bible</a> David inquired again of God; and God said to him, “You shall not go up after them. Turn away from them, and come on them opposite the mulberry trees. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_chronicles/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and David asks again of God, and God says to him, “Do not go up after them, turn around from them, and you have come to them from the front [[or in front]] of the mulberries; <a href="/ylt/1_chronicles/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and David asketh again of God, and God saith to him, 'Do not go up after them, turn round from them, and thou hast come to them from over-against the mulberries; <a href="/slt/1_chronicles/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And David will yet ask in God: and God will say to him, Thou shalt not go up after them; turn about from off them, and go to them from the front of the weepings.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_chronicles/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And David consulted God again, and God said to him: Go not up after them, turn away from them, and come upon them over against the pear trees. <a href="/cpdv/1_chronicles/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And again, David consulted God. And God said to him: “You shall not ascend after them. Draw away from them. And you shall come against them opposite the balsam trees. <a href="/nabre/1_chronicles/14.htm">New American Bible</a> and again David inquired of God. But God answered him: Do not try to pursue them, but go around them and come against them near the balsam trees. <a href="/nrsvce/1_chronicles/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When David again inquired of God, God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; go around and come on them opposite the balsam trees.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_chronicles/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Therefore David inquired again of God; and God said to him, You shall not go up after them; but turn away from them, and go attack them from the front. <a href="/hpbt/1_chronicles/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And David asked again of LORD JEHOVAH, and he said to him: “Do not go up, but turn yourselves from them and go take them from their front.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_chronicles/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And David inquired again of God; and God said unto him: 'Thou shalt not go up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry-trees. <a href="/sep/1_chronicles/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And David enquired of God again; and God said to him, Thou shalt not go after them; turn away from them, and thou shalt come upon them near the pear trees. <a href="/parallel/1_chronicles/14-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wtNNY-qpWWI?start=4275" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/14.htm">Two Victories over the Philistines</a> …13Once again the Philistines raided the valley. 14<a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wîḏ (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/5750.htm" title="5750: ‘ō·wḏ (Adv) -- Or rod; from uwd; properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially, again, repeatedly, still, more.">again</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/430.htm" title="430: bê·lō·hîm (Prep-b:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">who</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.">answered</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">him,</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 up</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.">after them,</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 around</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: mê·‘ă·lê·hem (Prep-m:: 3mp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">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 of</a> <a href="/hebrew/1057.htm" title="1057: hab·bə·ḵā·’îm (Art:: N-mp) -- Balsam tree. The same as Baka'; the weeping tree.">the balsam trees.</a> 15As 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 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> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_samuel/5-23.htm">2 Samuel 5:23-25</a> 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. / 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 gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” / So David did as the LORD had commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. <a href="/joshua/6-2.htm">Joshua 6:2-5</a> 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. ... <a href="/judges/7-2.htm">Judges 7:2-7</a> 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.” ... <a href="/2_kings/3-16.htm">2 Kings 3:16-18</a> and he said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Dig this valley full of ditches.’ / For the LORD says, ‘You will not see wind or rain, but the valley will be filled with water, and you will drink—you and your cattle and your animals.’ / This is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD, and He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. <a href="/isaiah/30-21.htm">Isaiah 30:21</a> 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.” <a href="/psalms/32-8.htm">Psalm 32:8</a> I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you. <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a> Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. <a href="/isaiah/48-17.htm">Isaiah 48:17</a> Thus says the LORD your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you for your benefit, who directs you in the way you should go. <a href="/jeremiah/10-23.htm">Jeremiah 10:23</a> I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps. <a href="/john/10-27.htm">John 10:27</a> My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. <a href="/acts/16-6.htm">Acts 16:6-10</a> After the Holy Spirit had prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia, they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia. / And when they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit them. / So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. ... <a href="/romans/8-14.htm">Romans 8:14</a> For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. <a href="/1_corinthians/2-10.htm">1 Corinthians 2:10-12</a> But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. / For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. / We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. <a href="/galatians/5-18.htm">Galatians 5:18</a> But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. <a href="/ephesians/1-17.htm">Ephesians 1:17-18</a> that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. / I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Therefore David inquired again of God; and God said to him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come on them over against the mulberry trees.enquired<a href="/1_chronicles/14-10.htm">1 Chronicles 14:10</a> And David inquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand.<a href="/psalms/27-4.htm">Psalm 27:4</a> One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.turn away<a href="/joshua/8-2.htm">Joshua 8:2-7</a> 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… <a href="/john/9-6.htm">John 9:6,7</a> When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_chronicles/14-10.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-23.htm">Balsam</a> <a href="/2_kings/11-8.htm">Circle</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/14-12.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/14-10.htm">Directions</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-13.htm">Face</a> <a href="/2_kings/16-14.htm">Front</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/14-10.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="/1_chronicles/9-38.htm">Opposite</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/9-38.htm">Over-Against</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/13-3.htm">Round</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-23.htm">Spice-Trees</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-5.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/14-1.htm">Trees</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-23.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/2_kings/22-2.htm">Turning</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_chronicles/18-1.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/songs/5-1.htm">Balsam</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/23-7.htm">Circle</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/14-16.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/15-13.htm">Directions</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-11.htm">Face</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/14-15.htm">Front</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/1-5.htm">Inquired</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/14-15.htm">Mulberries</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/14-15.htm">Mulberry</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/14-15.htm">Mulberry-Trees</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-10.htm">Opposite</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/25-8.htm">Over-Against</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-43.htm">Round</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-23.htm">Spice-Trees</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-30.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/14-15.htm">Trees</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/17-13.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-20.htm">Turning</a><div class="vheading2">1 Chronicles 14</div>1. <a href="/1_chronicles/14-1.htm">Hiram's kindness to David</a> 2. <a href="/1_chronicles/14-2.htm">David's fortune in people, wives, and children</a> 8. <a href="/1_chronicles/14-8.htm">His two victories against the Philistines</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/1_chronicles/14.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_chronicles/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_chronicles/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>So David again inquired of God David's practice of seeking God's guidance is a recurring theme in his life, demonstrating his reliance 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="/2_samuel/5-19.htm">2 Samuel 5:19</a>, where David consistently seeks God's direction before making strategic decisions. It underscores the importance of prayer and seeking God's will in all matters, a principle that is echoed in <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a>.who answered him God's response to David's inquiry highlights the personal relationship between God and David. This interaction is reminiscent of God's communication with other biblical figures such as Moses and Joshua, where God provides direct guidance. It emphasizes the belief that God is actively involved in the lives of His people and is willing to provide direction when sought earnestly.“Do not march up after them God's instruction to David not to pursue the Philistines directly suggests a strategic approach to warfare that relies on divine insight rather than conventional military tactics. This directive is similar to God's guidance in other battles, such as the unconventional strategy given to Joshua at Jericho (<a href="/joshua/6-2.htm">Joshua 6:2-5</a>). It illustrates the principle that God's ways are higher than human ways (<a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a>).but circle around them The command to circle around the enemy indicates a tactical maneuver that would catch the Philistines off guard. This strategy reflects the wisdom of God in providing a plan that ensures victory while minimizing risk. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's instructions, even when they may seem unconventional.and attack them in front of the balsam trees The mention of balsam trees provides a geographical marker that situates the event in a specific location, likely in the Valley of Rephaim, known for its balsam groves. This detail not only adds historical authenticity but also connects to the broader biblical narrative where specific locations often hold spiritual significance. The balsam trees may symbolize a place of divine intervention, similar to other significant locations in Israel's history, such as the oak of Moreh (<a href="/genesis/12-6.htm">Genesis 12:6-7</a>) or the terebinth tree in Ophrah (<a href="/judges/6-11.htm">Judges 6:11</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The second king of Israel, known for his heart after God and his military prowess. In this passage, David seeks God's guidance for battle. 2. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The sovereign Lord who guides and directs David, providing specific instructions for victory. 3. <a href="/topical/b/balsam_trees.htm">Balsam Trees</a> A specific location mentioned where God instructs David to position his troops for a strategic advantage. 4. <a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a> The recurring adversaries of Israel, representing opposition and challenges to God's people. 5. <a href="/topical/i/inquiry_of_god.htm">Inquiry of God</a> David's practice of seeking divine guidance before making decisions, demonstrating his dependence on God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a> David's inquiry of God before battle underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance in all aspects of life. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a habit of prayer and reliance on God for direction. <a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_instructions.htm">Obedience to God's Instructions</a> The specific strategy given by God required David's obedience. This teaches the importance of following God's instructions, even when they differ from conventional wisdom. <a href="/topical/g/god's_strategic_wisdom.htm">God's Strategic Wisdom</a> God's guidance to attack from a specific location demonstrates His understanding of the best strategies for victory. Believers can trust that God's ways are higher and wiser than human plans. <a href="/topical/l/listening_for_god's_timing.htm">Listening for God's Timing</a> The instruction to wait for a specific sign (as detailed in the parallel account) highlights the importance of God's timing. Patience and attentiveness to God's signals are crucial for success. <a href="/topical/v/victory_through_faithfulness.htm">Victory through Faithfulness</a> David's success in battle was a result of his faithfulness to God's commands. This illustrates that true victory in life comes through faithfulness to God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_chronicles_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 14</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_tabernacle_of_david.htm">What does the tabernacle of David refer to?</a> <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> <a href="/q/evidence_of_hiram_aiding_david's_palace.htm">1 Chronicles 14:1 - Is there historical evidence for King Hiram of Tyre supplying David with materials and builders for his palace?</a> <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/1_chronicles/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) Therefore David enquired.--The first half of this verse is fuller and clearer than in Samuel. The second half must be adjusted by comparison with the older text, which reads, "Thou must not go up [LXX., "to meet them "]; go round to their rear, and come upon them in front of the baca trees." Probably the terms rendered "after them" and "from them" should be slightly modified and transposed in our text. This will give, "Go not up against them; go round to their rear," &c., as in Samuel.Mulberry trees.--The traditional Jewish rendering of beka'im, a Hebrew word only occurring here and in the parallel passage of Samuel. Probably the kind of balsam tree called b?k? by the Arabs is meant. It sheds a gum like tears, whence its name. (Heb., b?k?, "to weep.") (Comp. <a href="/psalms/84-6.htm" title="Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also fills the pools.">Psalm 84:6</a>.)<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_chronicles/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 14. - Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. The meaning of the directions as here given is sufficiently evident, yet it is somewhat more forcibly expressed in the parallel place, "Thou shalt not go up," i.e. "against the Philistines" (see our tenth verse, and note the form of David's inquiry); "but fetch a compass behind them." The mulberry trees were evidently behind the Philistines. The Hebrew word for the trees here spoken of is הַבְּכָאִים, and the correct rendering of it is probably neither "mulberry" nor, as the Septuagint and Vulgate translate, "pear" trees. But judging from the probable derivation (בָּכָה, to weep), they were trees of the balsam species, and it seems that this is as far as we can safely conjecture. One of the latest authorities (see Condor's 'Handbook to the Bible,' p. 398, 2nd edit.) pronounces it an "unknown species." The tree, strange to say, is only mentioned here and in the parallel place. A summary of opinions as to the tree intended may be found in Smith's 'Bible Dictionary,' 2:439, and this is just sufficient to show that it is not as yet identified with any semblance of certainty. However, it is easy to understand hew the balsam species, from which the exuding gum resembles "tears," might come by the name set forth in the present Hebrew root. <a href="/commentaries/1_chronicles/14-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>So David דָּוִיד֙ (dā·wîḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse again ע֤וֹד (‘ō·wḏ) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5750.htm">Strong's 5750: </a> Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more inquired וַיִּשְׁאַ֨ל (way·yiš·’al) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7592.htm">Strong's 7592: </a> To inquire, to request, to demand of God, בֵּֽאלֹהִ֔ים (bê·lō·hîm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative who הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative answered וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say him, לוֹ֙ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> “Do not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no march up תַֽעֲלֶ֖ה (ṯa·‘ă·leh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> To ascend, in, actively after them, אַֽחֲרֵיהֶ֑ם (’a·ḥă·rê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> The hind or following part but circle around הָסֵב֙ (hā·sêḇ) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5437.htm">Strong's 5437: </a> To turn about, go around, surround them מֵֽעֲלֵיהֶ֔ם (mê·‘ă·lê·hem) Preposition-m | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against and attack וּבָ֥אתָ (ū·ḇā·ṯā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go them לָהֶ֖ם (lā·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> They in front of מִמּ֥וּל (mim·mūl) Preposition-m <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4136.htm">Strong's 4136: </a> Abrupt, a precipice, the front, opposite the balsam trees. הַבְּכָאִֽים׃ (hab·bə·ḵā·’îm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1057.htm">Strong's 1057: </a> The weeping tree <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_chronicles/14-14.htm">1 Chronicles 14:14 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_chronicles/14-14.htm">1 Chronicles 14:14 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_chronicles/14-14.htm">1 Chronicles 14:14 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_chronicles/14-14.htm">1 Chronicles 14:14 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_chronicles/14-14.htm">1 Chronicles 14:14 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_chronicles/14-14.htm">1 Chronicles 14:14 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_chronicles/14-14.htm">1 Chronicles 14:14 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_chronicles/14-14.htm">1 Chronicles 14:14 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_chronicles/14-14.htm">1 Chronicles 14:14 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_chronicles/14-14.htm">1 Chronicles 14:14 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/14-14.htm">OT History: 1 Chronicles 14:14 David inquired again of God (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_chronicles/14-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Chronicles 14:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Chronicles 14:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_chronicles/14-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Chronicles 14:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Chronicles 14:15" /></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>