2 Samuel 5 23

2 Samuel 5:23 kjv

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.

2 Samuel 5:23 nkjv

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.

2 Samuel 5:23 niv

so David inquired of the LORD, and he answered, "Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the poplar trees.

2 Samuel 5:23 esv

And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, "You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees.

2 Samuel 5:23 nlt

And again David asked the LORD what to do. "Do not attack them straight on," the LORD replied. "Instead, circle around behind and attack them near the poplar trees.

2 Samuel 5 verses

2 Samuel 5 23 Meaning

2 Samuel 5:23 conveys God's specific and precise tactical instructions to King David for defeating the Philistine army. Instead of a direct frontal assault (as in the previous engagement or perhaps a typical battle plan), God commands a strategic flanking maneuver. David is to circle around behind the Philistine forces and position himself to attack from the front of the "mulberry trees," indicating a particular geographic landmark for the ambush. This highlights divine guidance in warfare and David's ongoing dependence on the Lord for military success.

2 Samuel 5 23 Context

This verse is part of 2 Samuel chapter 5, which marks significant events in David's reign. After being anointed king over all Israel (2 Sam 5:1-5), David captures Jerusalem from the Jebusites and makes it his capital (2 Sam 5:6-10). His growing power and reputation prompt two distinct military engagements with the Philistines, Israel's traditional enemies. The first Philistine attack (2 Sam 5:17-21) saw David inquire of the Lord, receive an immediate "Go up" command, and achieve a decisive victory at Baal-Perazim. This initial triumph was a clear display of God's favor and power through David.

Immediately following this defeat, the Philistines rallied and came up a second time (2 Sam 5:22). This second incursion provides the direct context for verse 23. David, exemplifying consistent dependence on God, inquires of the Lord again, not presuming a repeat of the first command or a reliance on his past success. God's response in verse 23 is crucial because it provides a different, more nuanced tactical instruction, emphasizing that God's ways are not always the same and require continuous seeking and obedience. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over military strategy and David's humble and wise leadership in relying on divine wisdom.

2 Samuel 5 23 Word analysis

• And when David enquired (שָׁאַל - sha'al) of the LORD:

  • "Enquired" (שָׁאַל - sha'al): This Hebrew verb signifies to "ask," "request," or "consult." Its consistent use with David highlights his profound and recurring habit of seeking divine counsel before making significant decisions, especially concerning warfare. This distinguishes David's leadership; he did not rely on past successes, personal military acumen, or common tactics alone but constantly sought specific divine direction. This established a critical precedent for seeking God's will in all endeavors.
  • "of the LORD": Reinforces that David's inquiry was directed specifically to Yahweh, the God of Israel. This practice contrasts with pagan nations who consulted idols or divination, showing the direct, personal relationship God maintained with His chosen king.

• he said, Thou shalt not go up;

  • "Thou shalt not go up" (לֹא תַעֲלֶה - lo ta'aleh): A direct negative command, starkly contrasting God's prior "Go up" (עֲלֵה - aleh) instruction in 2 Sam 5:19 for the first battle. This is highly significant. It teaches that God's methods are not formulaic or static. Past success does not guarantee the same method for future battles. Obedience requires fresh inquiry and distinct, moment-specific instructions from God, even if the enemy and situation seem similar. It shows God's dynamic and personal guidance, adapted to each unique circumstance.

• but fetch a compass behind them,

  • "fetch a compass behind them" (הַסֵּב אַחֲרֵיהֶם - hassev achareihem): Literally "turn around behind them" or "circle around them from behind." This is a command for a strategic flanking or encircling maneuver. It reveals God as the supreme military strategist, providing detailed and effective battle plans that leverage the terrain and surprise. This demonstrates a deeper, more nuanced level of divine involvement than just a simple "go forward."

• and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.

  • "come upon them": Implies an ambush or surprise attack, taking the enemy unaware rather than a head-on engagement.
  • "mulberry trees" (בְּכָאִים - běkhāʾîm): The Hebrew word, baca'im, is debated. It might refer to a specific type of tree, possibly "balsam trees" (a kind of weeping willow or populus euphratica), or simply a valley characterized by a sound. The root "bākhāh" (בָּכָה) means "to weep," so "baca trees" or "weeping trees" are possible translations, potentially implying their shape or the dripping of their sap. More significantly, it names a very specific landmark. This detail shows God's absolute precision and intimate knowledge of the physical battlefield. He directs David to a specific geographic point, making the instruction clear and actionable. This particular location was crucial for the ambush, likely offering cover or a tactical advantage.

Words-group Analysis:

• "enquired of the LORD... he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass...": This sequence highlights a core theological principle: active inquiry coupled with divine directive often results in non-obvious, God-given strategies that lead to victory. It demonstrates that genuine reliance on God may require deviation from conventional wisdom or past successful methods. The change in command underscores God's wisdom far surpasses human tactical thought.

• "fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees": This detailed tactical instruction showcases God as the ultimate battle planner. It’s not just a general blessing on the battle, but a specific blueprint for movement and engagement. This precision suggests that God is interested in the specific steps and details of His people's endeavors, not just the general outcome. The mention of the "mulberry trees" provides a natural, unmistakable signal point or strategic location for David's forces to execute the divine plan.

2 Samuel 5 23 Bonus section

• The detail of the "mulberry trees" (or "baca trees") may have an additional layer of meaning. Some rabbinic traditions and commentaries connect the "rustling" or "sound of marching" (mentioned in the very next verse, 2 Sam 5:24) with these trees. This could imply a divine sound in the treetops signaling the opportune moment for David to launch his attack, or perhaps a natural phenomenon interpreted by the Israelite soldiers as God's leading. This subtle element emphasizes that God provides not only the strategy but also the timing.
• The contrast between "go up" and "fetch a compass" serves as a timeless principle: even when the problem seems similar, God may have a completely different, counter-intuitive solution that is essential for true victory. This reminds believers not to rely on past formulas but to remain attentive to the specific leading of the Spirit for current challenges.
• This account reinforces the theological understanding that spiritual warfare is often not just about brute force but about strategic obedience to divine direction. Just as in military battles, believers' spiritual victories depend heavily on hearing and applying God's specific Word and guidance rather than relying on human ingenuity or traditional approaches.

2 Samuel 5 23 Commentary

2 Samuel 5:23 stands as a profound illustration of God's dynamic guidance and David's exemplary faith. Following an initial decisive victory against the Philistines, the enemy immediately returns, testing David's reliance on the Lord. David's response—to again inquire of the Lord—is central. This demonstrates spiritual maturity and avoids presumptuousness; he does not assume that what worked before will work again, nor does he rely solely on his own military genius, despite having proved himself a formidable warrior.

The Lord's response is strikingly different from the first battle's simple "Go up." Here, God issues a negative command ("Thou shalt not go up") followed by an elaborate tactical maneuver: a flanking movement ("fetch a compass behind them") culminating in an ambush ("come upon them over against the mulberry trees"). This divergence teaches vital lessons:

1. God's sovereignty over strategy: God is not bound by human patterns or even previous divine directives. His wisdom far exceeds human understanding, and He can provide specific, adapted solutions to every new challenge.
2. The necessity of continual dependence: True faith requires ongoing consultation with God, not just initial seeking. Leaders must remain sensitive to God's fresh commands for each unique situation.
3. Divine precision in guidance: God's instructions are not vague. The detail about the "mulberry trees" signifies God's precise knowledge of the terrain and His commitment to giving clear, actionable guidance that ensures success when followed meticulously.

Ultimately, this verse is a powerful testimony to God as the ultimate Commander-in-Chief. He fights for His people, not by generic blessings, but by giving specific, effective strategies that lead to victory when met with obedient faith. David's triumph here was not due to his strength or numbers but to his humility in seeking, and his obedience in following, God's detailed instruction.