2 Samuel 5:19

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} enquired {H7592} of the LORD {H3068}, saying {H559}, Shall I go up {H5927} to the Philistines {H6430}? wilt thou deliver {H5414} them into mine hand {H3027}? And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto David {H1732}, Go up {H5927}: for I will doubtless {H5414} deliver {H5414} the Philistines {H6430} into thine hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David consulted ADONAI, asking, "Should I attack the P'lishtim? Will you hand them over to me?"ADONAI answered David, "Attack; I will certainly hand the P'lishtim over to you."

Berean Standard Bible

So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.”

American Standard Version

And David inquired of Jehovah, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into my hand? And Jehovah said unto David, Go up; for I will certainly deliver the Philistines into thy hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
David, newly anointed king over all Israel and having established Jerusalem as his capital, faces an immediate military threat from the Philistines. Before engaging his long-standing enemies, David humbly seeks divine counsel, inquiring of the Lord whether he should attack and if victory would be granted. The Lord responds with an unequivocal affirmation, commanding David to advance and assuring him of certain triumph, thereby underscoring God's active involvement in the affairs of His chosen king and His unwavering commitment to deliver His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse finds David at a pivotal juncture in his reign. He has just been anointed king over all twelve tribes of Israel at Hebron, fulfilling a long-standing divine promise and uniting the kingdom. His first major act as king of a united Israel is the strategic capture of Jerusalem from the Jebusites, establishing it as his capital and the future spiritual center of the nation. This consolidation of power and the emergence of a strong, unified Israel under David's leadership immediately draws the attention and hostility of the Philistines, Israel's perennial adversaries. The preceding verses [2 Samuel 5:17-18](/2_samuel/5-17 "2 Samuel 5:17-18 - Philistines Attack David") detail the Philistines' mobilization in the Valley of Rephaim, setting the stage for David's critical inquiry in [2 Samuel 5:19](/2_samuel/5-19 "2 Samuel 5:19 - David Inquires of the Lord"). This moment marks the beginning of David's reign as a truly national king, facing external threats with divine backing.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines, a powerful seafaring people who had settled on the southwestern coast of Canaan, represented a constant military and political threat to Israel throughout the period of the Judges and early monarchy. Their advanced iron technology and superior military organization often gave them an advantage over Israelite forces. The Valley of Rephaim, located southwest of Jerusalem, was a fertile plain and a common battleground, strategically important due to its proximity to the new capital. Culturally, it was customary for ancient Near Eastern kings to consult their deities before major military campaigns, but David's consistent and specific inquiry of Yahweh, the one true God, set him apart from pagan rulers and demonstrated his unique covenant relationship with the Lord.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel - David's Reign"): **Divine Guidance and Dependence**. Despite his military prowess and recent successes, David consistently demonstrates a profound reliance on God for direction, particularly in warfare. This echoes earlier instances of his seeking the Lord, such as when he inquired before rescuing Keilah from the Philistines in [1 Samuel 23:2](/1_samuel/23-2 "1 Samuel 23:2 - David Inquires of the Lord at Keilah"). Another central theme is **God's Faithfulness and Promise of Victory**. The Lord's immediate and unequivocal response, "Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand," underscores God's active sovereignty over history and His unwavering commitment to fulfill His promises to His chosen king and people. This divine assurance highlights that ultimate victory belongs to the Lord, not to human strength or strategy alone, a theme seen throughout the Old Testament, for example, in [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - God Fights for Israel"). Finally, David's actions exemplify **Prudent and Pious Leadership**, combining strategic awareness with deep spiritual reverence, a model for all who lead God's people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Enquired (Hebrew, שָׁאַל, _sha'al_):** This verb signifies a formal, deliberate, and often reverent seeking of information or counsel, particularly from a divine source. In the context of David, it often implies seeking guidance through priestly means, such as the Urim and Thummim (e.g., [1 Samuel 23:9-10](/1_samuel/23-9 "1 Samuel 23:9-10 - David Seeks Guidance via the Ephod")). It is not a casual question but a serious appeal for direct divine instruction, demonstrating David's submission to God's ultimate authority as the true King of Israel and his recognition that military success depended entirely on God's favor and direction.
* **Deliver (Hebrew, נָתַן, _natan_):** This verb means "to give," "to place," or "to put into one's hand." In a military context, as here, it signifies granting victory, putting the enemy under the control of the victor. The repetition of this word in David's question ("wilt thou deliver them into mine hand?") and the Lord's emphatic response ("I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand") highlights the divine prerogative in granting victory. It emphasizes that the outcome of the battle is not dependent on David's strength or strategy, but solely on God's sovereign act of giving the enemy into David's power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David enquired of the LORD, saying,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes David's posture of dependence and piety. Despite his recent anointing as king over all Israel and the capture of Jerusalem, David does not act presumptuously or rely on his own military acumen. His first action upon facing a major threat is to seek divine counsel, demonstrating his commitment to the Lord's leadership above his own.
* **"Shall I go up to the Philistines?"**: This is David's direct question regarding the strategic decision to engage the enemy. "Go up" (עָלָה, _alah_) often implies ascending to battle or to a higher strategic position. It reflects David's need for specific divine authorization before initiating military action against a formidable foe.
* **"wilt thou deliver them into mine hand?"**: This second question reveals David's primary concern: not just whether to fight, but whether God would guarantee victory. It underscores his understanding that true success in battle comes from God's sovereign act of "delivering" the enemy into his power, rather than from human strength or military tactics alone.
* **"And the LORD said unto David, Go up:"**: The Lord's response is swift, direct, and unambiguous. The command "Go up" provides the specific authorization David sought, confirming that the timing and strategy are aligned with God's will. This immediate divine affirmation validates David's inquiry and demonstrates God's attentiveness to His servant.
* **"for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand."**: This concluding declaration from the Lord provides the absolute assurance of victory. The word "doubtless" (כִּי נָתֹן אֶתֵּן, _ki naton etten_ - a Hebrew infinitive absolute construction) emphasizes the certainty and inevitability of the divine promise. It is a powerful affirmation that God Himself will ensure the Philistines' defeat and their subjugation to David, reinforcing His covenant faithfulness and active involvement in the affairs of His people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Dialogue**, presenting a direct exchange between David and the Lord, which highlights the personal and intimate nature of their relationship. This dialogue functions as a **Question and Answer** structure, where David's humble inquiry is met with God's authoritative and certain response, underscoring divine sovereignty and human dependence. The use of **Repetition** in the word "deliver" ("wilt thou deliver... I will doubtless deliver") serves to emphasize the central theme of God's power to grant victory and to confirm the absolute certainty of His promise. The Lord's response also employs **Divine Assurance** or **Divine Promise**, using a strong Hebrew grammatical construction (the infinitive absolute) to convey an undeniable and inevitable outcome, reinforcing the reliability of God's word and His active participation in the unfolding history of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal interaction between David and the Lord profoundly illustrates the theological principle of divine sovereignty and human dependence. David, though a powerful king, consistently models a posture of humility and reliance on God for every significant decision, particularly in matters of warfare and national security. This demonstrates that true leadership, especially in God's covenant people, is not about self-sufficiency or human ingenuity, but about discerning and submitting to God's will. God's immediate and unequivocal response reveals His active engagement in the affairs of His people, His faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His ultimate control over the outcomes of history. Victory is not earned by human strength but granted by divine favor, contingent upon obedience and faith.

* [1 Samuel 23:2](/1_samuel/23-2 "1 Samuel 23:2 - David Inquires of the Lord at Keilah")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Some Trust in Chariots")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's example in 2 Samuel 5:19 offers timeless and profound lessons for believers navigating the challenges and decisions of contemporary life. In a world that often champions self-reliance, strategic planning, and immediate action, David's humility in seeking God's counsel before engaging a formidable enemy stands as a powerful counter-cultural model. It reminds us that true wisdom begins with acknowledging God's sovereignty over all circumstances, whether personal, professional, or spiritual. Just as David refused to move without divine authorization, we are called to cultivate a habit of prayerful dependence, laying our plans, fears, and aspirations before the Lord. When God provides a clear direction or promise, as He did for David, we are then empowered to proceed with unwavering confidence, knowing that His word is reliable and His power is sufficient to accomplish His purposes, even when the odds seem stacked against us. This verse encourages us to shift our focus from our own limited resources to the infinite power and perfect wisdom of our Heavenly Father, fostering a life of active faith and obedient trust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you prone to act on your own initiative rather than seeking God's specific guidance?**
* **How does David's immediate inquiry of the Lord challenge your approach to significant decisions or daunting challenges?**
* **What does "doubtless deliver" mean for your confidence when God gives you a clear direction or promise?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper habit of seeking God's counsel before making major moves, mirroring David's example?**

### FAQ

**Why did David need to inquire of the Lord if he was already king and had God's favor?**

Answer: David's kingship and God's favor did not negate the need for ongoing, specific divine guidance. While David was God's chosen king, he was still a human leader operating within a covenant relationship. His inquiries demonstrated his humility, his recognition of God's ultimate sovereignty over Israel, and his understanding that military success and national security depended entirely on God's active involvement and blessing. It was a consistent pattern of his pious leadership, showing that even those in positions of power must remain dependent on the Lord for every step, rather than presuming upon God's general favor. This practice ensured that David's actions were aligned with God's specific will for each situation, preventing him from relying on his own wisdom or strength alone.

**How did David typically "enquire of the LORD" in such situations?**

Answer: David typically inquired of the Lord through established priestly means, most notably through the use of the ephod, which contained the Urim and Thummim. This is seen in passages like [1 Samuel 23:9-10](/1_samuel/23-9 "1 Samuel 23:9-10 - David Asks Abiathar to Bring the Ephod") and [1 Samuel 30:7-8](/1_samuel/30-7 "1 Samuel 30:7-8 - David Inquires of the Lord Through Abiathar"). The priest, wearing the ephod, would present David's questions to the Lord, and a divine response would be given, often in a "yes" or "no" format, or through clear instruction. While the exact mechanism of the Urim and Thummim is not fully understood, it served as a legitimate and recognized means of receiving direct divine counsel during that period. David's consistent use of this method underscored his commitment to seeking God's explicit direction in all matters of national importance.

**What is the significance of the Philistines gathering in the Valley of Rephaim?**

Answer: The Valley of Rephaim, located southwest of Jerusalem, was a strategically important and fertile plain that served as a common battleground between Israel and the Philistines. Its proximity to Jerusalem, which David had just captured and established as his capital, made it a critical point of contention. The Philistines gathering there signaled a direct and immediate threat to David's newly consolidated kingdom and his central seat of power. For the Philistines, this was an attempt to reassert their dominance and prevent the rise of a strong, unified Israelite monarchy under David, whom they perceived as a significant challenge to their regional power. For David, it was the first major military test of his reign as king over all Israel, making the divine guidance he sought even more crucial.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's humble inquiry and God's certain promise of victory in [2 Samuel 5:19](/2_samuel/5-19 "2 Samuel 5:19 - David Inquires of the Lord") powerfully foreshadow the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, and His definitive triumph. David, as an earthly king, was dependent on God for every victory, serving as a type of the perfect King who would come. Jesus, the true Son of David, perfectly embodied this dependence, always doing the will of His Father, as He declared in [John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - The Son Can Do Nothing of Himself"). He did not need to "enquire" in the same way, for He was one with the Father, yet His life was characterized by perfect obedience and reliance, culminating in His submission to the cross. The "deliverance" promised to David finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's victory over the true enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus "doubtless delivered" all who believe in Him from the power of darkness, as [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness") proclaims. David's military victory was temporal; Christ's victory is eternal, establishing a kingdom that will never end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Have No End")). Believers today, united with Christ, participate in His victory, empowered to overcome spiritual battles not by their own strength, but by the assured triumph of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who has already conquered.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 2:1

¶ And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron.

1 Kings 22:15

¶ So he came to the king. And the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall we forbear? And he answered him, Go, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver [it] into the hand of the king.

1 Kings 22:23

Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee.

1 Samuel 23:2

Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.

Proverbs 3:6

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Judges 20:28

And Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, stood before it in those days,) saying, Shall I yet again go out to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother, or shall I cease? And the LORD said, Go up; for to morrow I will deliver them into thine hand.

2 Samuel 5:23

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.