2 Samuel 5:23
2 Samuel 5:23 in Multiple Translations
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.
And when David enquired 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.
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.
And when David went for directions to the Lord, he said, You are not to go up against them in front; but make a circle round them from the back and come on them opposite the spice-trees.
David asked the Lord what to do. The Lord replied, “Don't attack them directly, but go round behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.
And when Dauid asked counsell of the Lord, hee answered, Thou shalt not goe vp, but turne about behinde them, and come vpon them ouer against the mulberie trees.
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,
When David inquired of the LORD, he said, “You shall not go up. Circle around behind them, and attack them in front of the mulberry trees.
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.
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.
So again David asked Yahweh if his army should attack them. But Yahweh replied, “Do not attack them from here. Tell your men to go around them and attack them from the other side, near the balsam trees.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 5:23
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2 Samuel 5:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 5:23
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 5:23
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 5:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 5:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 5:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:23
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:23
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 5:23
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 5:23
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:23
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 5:23
Context — Two Victories over the Philistines
23So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.
24As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because this will mean that the LORD has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” 25So David did as the LORD had commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 14:14 | So David again inquired of God, who answered him, “Do not march up after them, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. |
| 2 | Matthew 9:29–30 | Then He touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith will it be done to you.” And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one finds out about this!” |
| 3 | Matthew 8:23–25 | When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was engulfed by the waves; but Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” |
| 4 | John 9:6–7 | When Jesus had said this, He spit on the ground, made some mud, and applied it to the man’s eyes. Then He told him, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came back seeing. |
| 5 | Joshua 8:7 | you are to rise from the ambush and seize the city, for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand. |
| 6 | Joshua 8:2 | And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, except that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set up an ambush behind the city.” |
2 Samuel 5:23 Summary
[This verse shows us that David trusted God to guide him in battle and give him victory. He didn't just charge in, but instead asked God what to do and waited for His answer. We can learn from David's example by seeking God's guidance in our own lives, just like it says in Jeremiah 29:12-13, where we are promised that if we call out to God and come to Him with a sincere heart, He will listen and respond. By trusting in God's power and sovereignty, we can have confidence that He will help us navigate life's challenges.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David need to inquire of the LORD before going into battle?
David needed to inquire of the LORD to receive specific guidance and instructions for the battle, as seen in 2 Samuel 5:23, to ensure a victorious outcome, just like in 1 Samuel 23:2 where David inquired of the LORD before attacking the Philistines.
What is the significance of the balsam trees in this verse?
The balsam trees served as a sign for David to move quickly and attack the Philistines, as the sound of marching in the tops of the trees would indicate that the LORD had marched out before him, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:24, similar to the way God provided signs for His people in Exodus 13:21-22.
How does this verse demonstrate David's trust in God?
This verse demonstrates David's trust in God as he seeks the LORD's guidance and follows His instructions, even when it means going against conventional military strategy, showing his faith in God's power and sovereignty, as expressed in Psalm 20:7.
What can we learn from David's example in this verse?
We can learn the importance of seeking God's guidance and trusting in His sovereignty, especially in uncertain or challenging situations, just like David did, and as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are told to trust in the LORD with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's guidance and trust in His sovereignty, just like David did in this verse?
- How can I apply the principle of waiting for God's signal or sign before taking action, as seen in 2 Samuel 5:24, to my own decision-making process?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my trust in God's power and sovereignty, even when faced with uncertainty or challenging circumstances, like David did in this verse?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, as expressed in Psalm 23:1-4, to guide my decisions and actions?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 5:23
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 5:23
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:23
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:23
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:23
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:23
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 5:23
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 5:23
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:23
Sermons on 2 Samuel 5:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Grace Baptist) Wait on the Lord by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David and his battle with the Philistines. Instead of repeating the same strategy as before, God instructs David to stand by the |
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David - Failure and Effectiveness by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a group of people who were enthusiastic about evangelizing and helping forgotten people in their country. They set up their own bak |
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But Suppose God Doesn't Do It by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. He highlights how their faith in God allowed them to be delivered from |
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Foolishness or Reality? by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon, Basilis Shlink emphasizes the importance of having a strong faith in God's word and promises. He encourages believers to have a daring, mountain-moving faith that i |
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Results Through Desperate Faith by E.A. Adeboye | E.A. Adeboye preaches on the power of desperate faith, emphasizing the importance of activating our faith to receive God's miraculous touch. He highlights the story of Bartimaeus, |
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Rags to Riches by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches on the story of the widow in 2 Kings 4:1-7, highlighting her journey from rags to riches through faith and obedience. He emphasizes the importance of turning to |
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Prayer Miracles by E.M. Bounds | E.M. Bounds emphasizes the significance of prayer in the life of Jesus Christ, illustrating that His earthly ministry was characterized by hearing and answering prayers, which cont |







