TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ 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.
Complete Jewish Bible
When the P'lishtim heard that David had been anointed king over Isra'el, all the P'lishtim went up in search of David. On learning of it, David went down to the stronghold.
Berean Standard Bible
When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went down to the stronghold.
American Standard Version
And when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the stronghold.
World English Bible Messianic
When the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the stronghold.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But when the Philistims hearde that they had anoynted Dauid King ouer Israel, all the Philistims came vp to seeke Dauid: and when Dauid heard, he went downe to a fort.
Young's Literal Translation
And the Philistines hear that they have anointed David for king over Israel, and all the Philistines come up to seek David, and David heareth, and goeth down unto the fortress,
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Commentary on 2 Samuel 5 verses 17–25
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 David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim.
21 And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them.
22 And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
23 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.
24 And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.
25 And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.
The particular service for which David was raised up was to save Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, Sa2 3:18. This therefore divine Providence, in the first place, gives him an opportunity of accomplishing. Two great victories obtained over the Philistines we have here an account of, by which David not only balanced the disgrace and retrieved the loss Israel had sustained in the battle wherein Saul was slain, but went far towards the total subduing of those vexatious neighbours, the last remains of the devoted nations.
I. In both these actions the Philistines were the aggressors, stirred first towards their own destruction, and pulled it on their own heads. 1. In the former they came up to seek David (Sa2 5:17), because they heard that he was anointed king over Israel. He that under Saul had slain his ten thousands, what would he do when he himself came to be king! They therefore thought it was time to look about them, and try to crush his government in its infancy, before it was well settled. Their success against Saul, some years ago, perhaps encouraged them to make this attack upon David; but they considered not that David had that presence of God with him which Saul had forfeited and lost. The kingdom of the Messiah, as soon as ever it was set up in the world, was thus vigorously attacked by the powers of darkness, who, with the combined force both of Jews and Gentiles, made head against it. The heathen raged, and the kings of the earth set themselves to oppose it; but all in vain, Psa 2:1, etc. The destruction will turn, as this did, upon Satan's own kingdom. They took counsel together, but were broken in pieces, Isa 8:9, Isa 8:10. 2. In the latter they came up yet again, hoping to recover what they had lost in the former engagement, and their hearts being hardened to their destruction, Sa2 5:22. 3. In both they spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim, which lay very near Jerusalem. That city they hoped to make themselves masters of before David had completed the fortifications of it. Jerusalem, from its infancy, has been aimed at, and struck at, with a particular enmity. Their spreading themselves intimates that they were very numerous and that they made a very formidable appearance. We read of the church's enemies going up on the breadth of the earth (Rev 20:9), but the further they spread themselves the fairer mark they are to God's arrows.
II. In both, David, though forward enough to go forth against them (for as soon as he heard it he went down to the hold, to secure some important and advantageous post, Sa2 5:17), yet entered not upon action till he had enquired of the Lord by the breast-plate of judgment, Sa2 5:19, and again, Sa2 5:23. His enquiry was twofold: - 1. Concerning his duty: "Shall I go up? Shall I have a commission from heaven to engage them?" One would think he needed not doubt this; what was he made king for, but to fight the battles of the Lord and Israel? But a good man loves to see God going before him in every step he takes. "Shall I go up now?" It is to be done, but is it to be done at this time? In all thy ways acknowledge him. And besides, though the Philistines were public enemies, yet some of them had been his particular friends. Achish had been kind to him in his distress, and had protected him. "Now," says David, "ought not I, in remembrance of that, rather to make peace with them than to make war with them?" "No," says God, "they are Israel's enemies, and are doomed to destruction, and therefore scruple not, but go up." 2. Concerning his success. His conscience asked the former question, Shall I go up? His prudence asked this, Wilt thou deliver them into my hand? Hereby he owns his dependence on God for victory, that he could not conquer them unless God delivered them into his hand, and refers his cause to the good pleasure of God: Wilt thou do it? Yea, says God, I will doubtless do it. If God send us, he will bear us out and stand by us. The assurance God has given us of victory over our spiritual enemies, that he will tread Satan under our feet shortly, should animate us in our spiritual conflicts. We do not fight at uncertainty. David had now a great army at command and in good heart, yet he relied more on God's promise than his own force.
III. In the former of these engagements David routed the army of the Philistines by dint of sword (Sa2 5:20): He smote them; and when he had done, 1. He gave his God the glory; he said, "The Lord has broken forth upon my enemies before me. I could not have done it if he had not done it before me; he opened the breach like the breach of waters in a dam, which when once opened grows wider and wider." The principal part of the work was God's doing; nay, he did all; what David did was not worth speaking of; and therefore, Not unto us, but unto the Lord, give glory. He hoped likewise that this breach, like that of waters, was as the opening of the sluice, to let in a final desolation upon them; and, to perpetuate the remembrance of it, he called the place Baal-perazim, the master of the breaches, because, God having broken in upon their forces, he soon had the mastery of them. Let posterity take notice of it to God's honour. 2. He put their gods to shame. They brought the images of their gods into the field as their protectors, in imitation of the Israelites bringing the ark into their camp; but, being put to flight, they could not stay to carry off their images, for they were a burden to the weary beasts (Isa 46:1), and therefore they left them to fall with the rest of their baggage into the hands of the conqueror. Their images failed them, and gave them no assistance, and therefore they left their images to shift for themselves. God can make men weary of those things that they have been most fond of, and compel them to desert what they dote upon, and cast even the idols of silver and gold to the moles and the bats, Isa 2:20, Isa 2:21. David and his men converted to their own use the rest of the plunder, but the images they burnt, as God had appointed (Deu 7:5): "You shall burn their graven images with fire, in token of your detestation of idolatry, and lest they should be a snare." Bishop Patrick well observes here that when the ark fell into the Philistines' hands it consumed them, but, when these images fell into the hands of Israel, they could not save themselves from being consumed.
IV. In the latter of these engagements God gave David some sensible tokens of his presence with him, bade him not fall upon them directly, as he had done before, but fetch a compass behind them, Sa2 5:23. 1. God appoints him to draw back, as Israel stood still to see the salvation of the Lord. 2. He promised him to charge the enemy himself, by an invisible host of angels, Sa2 5:24. "Thou shalt hear the sound of a going, like the march of an army in the air, upon the tops of the mulberry trees." Angels tread light, and he that can walk upon the clouds can, when he pleases, walk on the tops of trees, or (as bishop Patrick understands it) at the head of the mulberry-trees, that is, of the wood, or hedge-row of those trees. "And, by that sign, thou shalt know that the Lord goes out before thee; though thou see him not, yet thou shalt hear him, and faith shall come and be confirmed by hearing. He goes forth to smite the host of the Philistines." When David had himself smitten them (Sa2 5:20), he ascribed it to God: The Lord has broken forth upon my enemies, to reward him for which thankful acknowledgment the next time God did it himself alone, without putting him to any toil or peril. Those that own God in what he has done for them will find him doing more. But observe, Though God promised to go before him and smite the Philistines, yet David, when he heard the sound of the going must bestir himself and be ready to pursue the victory. Note, God's grace must quicken our endeavours. If God work in us both to will and to do, it does not follow that we must sit still, as those that have nothing to do, but we must therefore, work out our own salvation with all possible care and diligence, Phi 2:12, Phi 2:13. The sound of the going was, (1.) A signal to David when to move; it is comfortable going out when God goes before us. And, (2.) Perhaps it was an alarm to the enemy, and put them into confusion. Hearing the march of an army against their front, they retreated with precipitation, and fell into David's army which lay behind them in their rear. Of those whom God fights against it is said (Lev 26:36), The sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them. (3.) The success of this is briefly set down, Sa2 5:25. David observed his orders, waited till God moved, and stirred them, but not till then. Thus he was trained up in a dependence on God and his providence. God performed his promise, went before him, and routed all the enemies' force, and David failed not to improve his advantages; he smote the Philistines, even to the borders of their own country. When the kingdom of the Messiah was to be set up, the apostles that were to beat down the devil's kingdom must not attempt any thing till they received the promise of the Spirit, who came with a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind (Act 2:2), which was typified by this sound of the going on the tops of the mulberry trees; and, when they heard that, they must bestir themselves, and did so; they went forth conquering and to conquer.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 17–25. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Following his anointing as king over all Israel, David's newly consolidated kingdom immediately faced its first significant external challenge. This verse records the swift and aggressive response of the Philistines, Israel's long-standing adversaries, who perceived David's unified reign as a direct threat to their regional dominance. In response to their mobilization, David, demonstrating strategic prudence and seasoned military wisdom, withdrew to a defensible stronghold, not in fear, but to prepare for the impending conflict and secure a tactical advantage.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. Juxtaposition is prominently featured, setting David's anointing (a moment of divine blessing, national unity, and the establishment of God's chosen king) immediately against the Philistines' aggressive opposition (a moment of earthly threat, conflict, and the challenge to divine purposes). This highlights the reality that divine favor and appointment do not exempt one from earthly struggles and spiritual warfare. There is also a strong element of foreshadowing, as this initial confrontation sets the stage for the recurring conflicts between David and the Philistines that will characterize much of his early reign, ultimately leading to Israel's dominance and secure borders under David's leadership. Furthermore, a subtle irony can be observed: the Philistines, who once used David as a mercenary and vassal against Saul (1 Samuel 27), now find him, as the unified king of Israel, to be their greatest and most formidable adversary.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal moment in David's reign underscores a profound theological truth: the establishment of God's kingdom and the advancement of His purposes in the world frequently encounter fierce opposition from the forces of darkness and human resistance. David's anointing was a divine act, yet it immediately provoked a hostile response, illustrating that God's chosen instruments and His divine will are often met with direct antagonism. This is not a sign of divine abandonment, but rather an indication of the spiritual warfare inherent in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, requiring both divine power and human strategic wisdom. The Philistine threat serves to test David's faith and leadership, ultimately revealing God's faithfulness to His anointed king and His commitment to establishing His covenant promises.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 2 Samuel 5:17 offers profound insights into the nature of pursuing God's call and the reality of spiritual opposition. Just as David's divine appointment was immediately met with earthly adversaries, so too can our steps of obedience and alignment with God's will draw resistance from various sources—whether internal doubts, external pressures, or spiritual forces. This verse reminds us that God's favor does not guarantee an easy path, but rather equips us for the battles ahead. David's strategic retreat to "the hold" is a powerful metaphor for discerning wisdom: sometimes, the most courageous act is not immediate confrontation, but a strategic pause for prayer, seeking wise counsel, fortifying our spiritual and emotional reserves, or waiting for God's timing. It teaches us to be prudent, not reckless, trusting that God will guide our timing and methods in the face of challenges, ultimately leading to His victory and the advancement of His purposes through us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were the Philistines so threatened by David's anointing?
Answer: The Philistines had long been the dominant power in the region, exercising significant military and economic control over the fragmented Israelite tribes. David's anointing as king over a unified Israel, with a central capital like Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:6-9), represented an unprecedented consolidation of power. This directly challenged their regional hegemony, threatening their trade routes, military influence, and control over strategic territories. They recognized that David, a proven warrior and leader, at the head of a united nation, posed an existential threat to their long-held supremacy, necessitating an immediate and decisive military response to preemptively crush this burgeoning power before it could become too strong.
What does "went down to the hold" signify about David's leadership?
Answer: David's action of "going down to the hold" (Hebrew: məṣûdāh', meaning a fortress or stronghold) signifies his strategic prudence and military wisdom, honed during his years as a fugitive (1 Samuel 22:1-5). Rather than engaging recklessly in an immediate, potentially disadvantageous battle, David chose a defensible position. This allowed him to assess the Philistine threat, gather his forces, and plan his counter-attack from a position of strength, ensuring his army was prepared and positioned for success. It demonstrated his reliance on both divine guidance and practical, experienced leadership, underscoring the importance of strategic thinking, tactical positioning, and wise preparation in the face of significant challenges.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's anointing and immediate opposition in 2 Samuel 5:17 powerfully foreshadows the experience of Jesus, the ultimate Anointed One, the true King of Israel. Just as David was anointed and immediately faced the Philistines, Jesus, after His anointing by the Holy Spirit at His baptism, was immediately led into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan (see Matthew 4:1-11). Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus, the Son of David, consistently faced intense opposition from the spiritual "Philistines" of His day—the forces of sin, death, and the demonic, often manifested through human hostility and unbelief (John 1:10-11). His "hold" was not a physical fortress, but often a retreat to prayer and communion with His Father (as seen in Luke 5:16), or a strategic avoidance of conflict until His appointed time (e.g., John 7:6). Ultimately, Jesus' victory over these spiritual adversaries was not achieved through military might, but through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, establishing a spiritual kingdom that no earthly or demonic power can overthrow (Colossians 2:15). Believers, as those "anointed" with the Holy Spirit and called to follow Christ, also face opposition, but find their ultimate "hold" and strength in Him, the victorious King who has already conquered the world (as promised in John 16:33).