2 Samuel 5:23 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Inquiring again, David is told this time not to attack head-on but to circle behind the enemy by the mulberry trees.
What Does 2 Samuel 5:23 Mean?
David inquires of the LORD a second time, and this time the answer is different. He is not to charge straight up as before, but to circle around behind the Philistines and come at them from the direction of the mulberry trees. The same God gives a new strategy for a new day.
That David asks again, rather than repeating what worked before, is itself the lesson. God's guidance is living and particular; what He commanded yesterday may not be His will today. The Lord leads His people step by step, and wisdom lies in seeking fresh direction each time rather than leaning on a formula. Obedience listens carefully and follows exactly.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 5:23
What does 2 Samuel 5:23 mean?
Inquiring again, David is told this time not to attack head-on but to circle behind the enemy by the mulberry trees.