King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 5:23 Mean?

2 Samuel 5:23 in the King James Version says “And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 5:23 · KJV

Context

21

And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them. burned: or, took them away

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.

Read 2 Samuel 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfills promises made years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13). The conquest of Jerusalem and establishment of it as capital demonstrates God's blessing. Military victories over Philistines show divine enablement. Theological themes include God's faithfulness to promises, the importance of proper locations for worship, and divine empowerment for tasks God assigns.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 5 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding God establishing His chosen king provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of God establishing His chosen king?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיִּשְׁאַ֤ל1 of 13

“enquired”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

דָּוִד֙2 of 13

“And when David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בַּֽיהוָ֔ה3 of 13

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר4 of 13

“he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹ֣א5 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַֽעֲלֶ֑ה6 of 13

“Thou shalt not go up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

הָסֵב֙7 of 13

“but fetch a compass”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

אֶל8 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַ֣חֲרֵיהֶ֔ם9 of 13

“behind”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וּבָ֥אתָ10 of 13

“them and come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לָהֶ֖ם11 of 13
H0
מִמּ֥וּל12 of 13

“upon them over against”

H4136

properly, abrupt, i.e., a precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite

בְּכָאִֽים׃13 of 13

“the mulberry trees”

H1057

the weeping tree (some gum-distilling tree, perhaps the balsam)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 5:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 5:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 9:29-30Matthew 8:23-251 Chronicles 14:14John 9:6-7Joshua 8:2Joshua 8:7

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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