2 Samuel 5:23

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.

Free Bible Version

In The King James Version

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.

In Context

22A while later the Philistines came again and spread out across the Valley of Rephaim.

24Immediately you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees be ready, because this means the Lord has marched out before you to attack the Philistine camp.”

Read all of 2 Samuel 5

Cross References

Joshua 8:2You will do to Ai and its king what you did to Jericho and its king. However, this time you may keep for yourselves the plunder and the livestock. Set up an ambush behind the town.”

2 Samuel 2:1Sometime after this, David asked the Lord, “Should I go to one of the towns of Judah?” “Yes, do it,” the Lord replied. “Which one should I go to?” David asked. “Go to Hebron,” said the Lord.

Matthew 8:23Then Jesus got into a boat and his disciples went with him.

John 9:6After he'd said this, Jesus spat on the ground and made some mud with the saliva which he put on the man's eyes.

Matthew Henry on 2 Samuel 5:18-25

David Defeats the Philistines. ( b. c. 1046.) 17 But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the hold. 18 The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. 19 And David enquired 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. 20 And… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study 2 Samuel 5:23