2 Samuel 5:23

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when David {H1732} enquired {H7592} of the LORD {H3068}, he said {H559}, Thou shalt not go up {H5927}; but fetch a compass {H5437} behind {H310} them, and come {H935} upon them over against {H4136} the mulberry trees {H1057}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When David consulted ADONAI, he said, "Don't attack! Circle behind them, and engage them opposite the balsam trees.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### 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 (cf. [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - The Lord Fights for Israel")). 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](/1_samuel/23-2 "1 Samuel 23:2 - David Inquires of the Lord about Keilah")). 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
* **Enquired (Hebrew, _shâʼal'_):** 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.
* **Compass (Hebrew, _çâbab'_):** 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.
* **Mulberry trees (Hebrew, _bâkâʼ'_):** 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.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher")
* [Joshua 6:3-5](/joshua/6-3-5 "Joshua 6:3-5 - God's Instructions for the Fall of Jericho")

### 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
* **In what areas of your life are you most prone to rely on your own wisdom, experience, or past successes rather than seeking fresh, specific guidance from the Lord?**
* **Can you identify a time when God's instruction to you seemed counter-intuitive or required an unconventional approach? How did you respond, and what was the outcome?**
* **What practical steps can you implement this week to cultivate a more consistent and intentional habit of "enquiring of the Lord" before making significant decisions or responding to challenges?**

### FAQ
**Why did God give David different instructions for this second battle compared to the first one in the same valley?**

Answer: 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](/2_samuel/5-19 "2 Samuel 5:19 - David's First Victory Over the Philistines")), 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](/2_samuel/5-24 "2 Samuel 5:24 - The Sound in the Mulberry Trees")), 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?**

Answer: 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](/2_samuel/5-24 "2 Samuel 5:24 - The Sound in the Mulberry Trees")) 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 (cf. [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Whom Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). 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 (cf. [1 Corinthians 1:23-25](/1_corinthians/1-23-25 "1 Corinthians 1:23-25 - The Foolishness of God is Wiser")). 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 (cf. [John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - The Son Can Do Nothing of Himself")). 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 (cf. [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Devil")).

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

1 Chronicles 14:14

Therefore David enquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.

Joshua 8:2

And thou shalt do to Ai and her king as thou didst unto Jericho and her king: only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take for a prey unto yourselves: lay thee an ambush for the city behind it.

Joshua 8:7

Then ye shall rise up from the ambush, and seize upon the city: for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.

Matthew 9:29

Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

Matthew 9:30

And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See [that] no man know [it].

John 9:6

When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,

John 9:7

And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.