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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Samuel 5:17–25. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
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.
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Summary
2 Samuel 5:23 captures a pivotal moment in David's reign, illustrating his unwavering dependence on divine counsel amidst a renewed Philistine threat in the Valley of Rephaim. In response to David's inquiry, the Lord provides a highly specific and counter-intuitive battle strategy, instructing him to forgo a direct assault and instead execute a strategic flanking maneuver, positioning his forces "over against the mulberry trees." This verse not only highlights God's sovereign wisdom in warfare but also underscores the necessity of humble obedience to His unique, situation-specific guidance, even when it deviates from conventional expectations or past successes.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of David's ascent to kingship over all Israel and his consolidation of power in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:1-10). The Philistines, Israel's perennial adversaries, perceive David's growing strength and the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital as a direct threat, prompting two distinct military campaigns into the fertile Valley of Rephaim (2 Samuel 5:17, 22). Verse 23 specifically addresses the divine instruction for the second Philistine incursion, immediately following David's initial victory (2 Samuel 5:18-21). The Lord's command in this verse, to "fetch a compass" rather than a direct advance, stands in stark contrast to the strategy given for the first battle (2 Samuel 5:19). This deliberate variation emphasizes God's dynamic and specific involvement in David's military campaigns, setting the stage for the dramatic and divinely orchestrated victory described in the subsequent verses (2 Samuel 5:24-25) and reinforcing the theme of ongoing divine revelation and guidance.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Philistines were a formidable Iron Age power, occupying the southwestern coastal plain of Canaan and frequently clashing with the Israelite tribes. Their incursions into the central highlands, particularly the Valley of Rephaim (a strategic plain southwest of Jerusalem), represented a significant challenge to the newly unified Israelite kingdom. David's practice of "enquiring of the LORD" before battle was a deeply ingrained cultural and religious norm for Israelite leaders, reflecting the understanding that Yahweh was the true commander and warrior of Israel (Deuteronomy 20:4). This consultation often involved priestly figures and the Urim and Thummim. The "mulberry trees" (or perhaps balsam/baca trees, known for their weeping sap) were likely a prominent and recognizable landmark within the valley, serving as a critical tactical reference point. The command to "fetch a compass" (a flanking maneuver) demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of ancient military tactics, where surprise, strategic positioning, and exploiting enemy weaknesses were often more effective than a direct, costly frontal assault.
Key Themes
The passage profoundly highlights the theme of Divine Dependence, exemplified by David's consistent practice of seeking God's counsel before engaging in warfare. This underscores a profound trust in divine wisdom over human military prowess, a characteristic that distinguished David's leadership (compare with 1 Samuel 23:2). This leads directly to the theme of God's Specific Strategy, where the Lord provides unique, often unconventional, battle plans perfectly tailored to the situation, demonstrating that God's methods are not uniform or predictable. The subsequent victory (2 Samuel 5:24-25) reinforces the theme of Obedience as a Prerequisite for Victory, illustrating that Israel's success is contingent upon precise adherence to God's instructions. Finally, the narrative powerfully conveys God's Active Sovereignty, portraying Him not as a distant deity but as an engaged participant in the affairs of His people, actively guiding their steps and fighting on their behalf.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb (H7592) signifies "to ask," "to inquire," or "to consult." In a theological context, it denotes seeking divine counsel, often through established means like the Urim and Thummim or through prophetic revelation. David's repeated "enquiring of the LORD" throughout his reign highlights his profound piety, humility, and consistent reliance on God's sovereignty, standing in stark contrast to King Saul's later abandonment of this crucial practice. It represents a deliberate and humble posture of submitting human will and strategy to the divine will before undertaking significant actions.
The root verb (H5437) means "to revolve," "to surround," or "to border." In this military context, "fetch a compass" unequivocally refers to executing a strategic flanking maneuver or an encirclement. This instruction dictates an indirect, circuitous approach rather than a head-on confrontation, emphasizing the element of surprise and tactical advantage. It reveals the meticulous and specific nature of God's guidance, providing not merely a general blessing but a detailed, actionable military directive.
This term (H1057) refers to a specific type of tree, possibly a weeping tree, balsam tree, or poplar. While its exact botanical identification is debated, its significance here is twofold: it serves as a precise geographical landmark within the Valley of Rephaim, providing a clear reference point for David's flanking maneuver. More profoundly, as revealed in the subsequent verse (2 Samuel 5:24), the sound in their tops functions as a divinely appointed signal for the opportune moment of attack, indicating God's active presence and movement with David's army. Thus, they are not merely trees but a crucial element in God's strategic and revelatory plan.
Verse Breakdown
"And when David enquired of the LORD"
This opening clause immediately establishes David's character as a king who consistently prioritizes divine guidance above all else. It sets the theological framework for the entire military engagement, emphasizing that David's leadership is not based on human wisdom or military might alone, but on direct divine counsel. This phrase also implies a continuation of David's established practice of seeking God, as demonstrated in the first battle against the Philistines (2 Samuel 5:19).
"he said, Thou shalt not go up;"
This is a direct, emphatic negative command from the Lord, explicitly forbidding the frontal assault that David might have anticipated or even successfully employed in previous encounters. This prohibition signifies that God's strategies are not uniform or predictable, even for seemingly similar situations. It forces David to abandon conventional military thinking and to place his complete reliance on God's alternative, divinely revealed plan.
"[but] fetch a compass behind them,"
This is the core of God's alternative strategy. The command "fetch a compass" translates the Hebrew çâbab, instructing David to execute a circuitous maneuver around the Philistine forces. This means approaching them from the rear or an unexpected flank, rather than a direct, head-on confrontation. This tactical instruction highlights the importance of surprise, strategic positioning, and exploiting the enemy's blind spots, showcasing God's superior military wisdom.
"and come upon them over against the mulberry trees."
This clause provides the precise geographical and tactical reference point for the flanking maneuver. The "mulberry trees" (or balsam/baca trees) serve as a critical landmark, indicating the exact location from which David's forces are to launch their decisive attack. This level of detail underscores the specificity of God's instructions, ensuring David's full and precise obedience and setting the stage for the divine signal that would emanate from these trees, as described in the following verse.
Literary Devices
The verse is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological message. Divine Command is central, as God directly issues explicit instructions to David, highlighting His active sovereignty over human affairs and military outcomes. There is a clear Contrast between David's likely expectation of a direct engagement and the divinely mandated flanking maneuver ("Thou shalt not go up; [but] fetch a compass behind them"). This contrast underscores God's unconventional wisdom and the necessity for flexible, discerning obedience. The mention of the "mulberry trees" functions as both Symbolism and Foreshadowing. While a literal geographical landmark, it symbolically represents a divinely appointed strategic point. Crucially, it foreshadows the divine signal that will emanate from their tops in the subsequent verse (2 Samuel 5:24), indicating God's direct involvement in the battle's timing and execution. This specific detail elevates the trees from mere scenery to a crucial, divinely integrated element in God's strategic plan.
Theological and Thematic Connections
2 Samuel 5:23 powerfully illustrates the profound principle of divine sovereignty in human affairs, particularly in the realm of leadership and warfare. David's consistent "enquiry of the LORD" underscores the indispensable necessity of seeking God's specific and ongoing guidance, even when confronting familiar challenges or having experienced past successes. This passage reveals that God's methods are not bound by human logic, conventional military wisdom, or even past precedents; He provides unique, tailored strategies for each situation. It teaches that true victory and effectiveness come not from superior human strength, strategic brilliance, or adherence to predictable formulas, but from humble and precise obedience to God's specific instructions, demonstrating His active participation as the ultimate strategist and warrior for His people.
Reflection and Application
This passage offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers navigating the complexities of life, leadership, and spiritual warfare. In a world that often exalts self-reliance, strategic planning, and predictable methodologies, David's example serves as a powerful reminder that true wisdom and enduring success begin with humble submission to God's counsel in every decision, whether grand or seemingly insignificant. We are cautioned against assuming that past solutions will always apply to present challenges, even if those challenges appear similar. Instead, we are called to continually seek fresh, specific guidance from the Lord, recognizing that His strategies are dynamic and perfectly attuned to the moment. This often means embracing unconventional wisdom or strategies that may seem counter-intuitive or even foolish to human logic, as God's ways are indeed higher than our ways. Our effectiveness in ministry, our personal growth, and our ability to overcome life's obstacles are directly tied not merely to a general faith, but to diligent, patient, and precise obedience to God's specific instructions. This requires a posture of humility to listen, courage to step out in faith, and patience to wait for God's perfect timing and signal for action.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God give David different instructions for this second battle compared to the first one in the same valley?
God's instructions differ because His strategies are not generic or formulaic; they are perfectly tailored to specific circumstances, demonstrating His dynamic sovereignty and infinite wisdom. In the first battle (see 2 Samuel 5:19), a direct assault was commanded, leading to a decisive victory. For the second encounter, God, in His omniscience, knew the Philistines might anticipate a similar frontal attack based on David's previous success. By commanding a flanking maneuver ("fetch a compass behind them") and a specific divine signal (the sound in the mulberry trees, as revealed in 2 Samuel 5:24), God ensured surprise, strategic advantage, and a clear demonstration that the victory was solely His doing. This teaches us that even when facing seemingly similar challenges, God may call for different approaches, requiring us to remain attentive and obedient to His specific, real-time guidance rather than relying on past formulas or human expectations.
What is the significance of the "mulberry trees" in this verse?
The "mulberry trees" (or balsam/baca trees) serve both as a literal geographical landmark in the Valley of Rephaim and, more importantly, as a crucial element in God's divine strategy. While this verse primarily mentions them as a precise reference point for the flanking maneuver, the following verse (2 Samuel 5:24) reveals their deeper significance: the sound of marching in their tops would be the divine signal for David to launch his attack. This highlights God's active presence, precise timing, and direct involvement in the battle. The trees thus become a symbol of God's direct communication and intervention, providing a clear, unmistakable sign for David to act. This ensures that the victory would be unequivocally attributed to divine intervention, not merely to David's military prowess.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
David's humble and consistent "enquiry of the LORD" in 2 Samuel 5:23, coupled with God's specific, unconventional battle plan, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate General and King, Jesus Christ. Unlike David, who, though righteous, needed to inquire of the Lord for wisdom and strategy, Jesus, as the Son of God, perfectly embodies divine wisdom and is Himself the wisdom of God (Colossians 2:3). His entire earthly ministry and redemptive work can be seen as the ultimate "fetch a compass" maneuver against the forces of sin, death, and the devil. He did not engage evil directly on its own terms of power and might, but strategically approached it through humility, suffering, and ultimately, the cross—a path that seemed counter-intuitive to human wisdom but was God's perfect plan (1 Corinthians 1:23-25). The "mulberry trees" and the divine signal point to Christ as the one who perfectly discerned and flawlessly executed the Father's will, always acting in divine timing and according to divine strategy (John 5:19). Our victory over sin, death, and spiritual adversaries is not achieved through our own strength or conventional methods, but through the perfect obedience and strategic triumph of Christ, who, like David, led His people to decisive victory by following the Father's precise, often counter-intuitive, plan—a plan that culminated in His death and resurrection, securing eternal triumph and freedom for all who believe (Hebrews 2:14-15).