2-samuel 5:23
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, You shall not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come on them over against the mulberry trees.
American King James Version (AKJV)
And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, You shall not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come on them over against the mulberry trees.
American Standard Version (ASV)
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.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
And when David went for directions to the Lord, he said, You are not to go up against them in front; but make a circle round them from the back and come on them opposite the spice-trees.
Webster's Revision
And when David inquired 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.
World English Bible
When David inquired of Yahweh, he said, "You shall not go up. Circle around behind them, and attack them over against the mulberry trees.
English Revised Version (ERV)
And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up: make a circuit behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.
Definitions for 2-samuel 5:23
Clarke's 2-samuel 5:23 Bible Commentary
Fetch a compass behind them - When they may be had, God will not work without using human means. By this he taught David caution, prudence, and dependence on the Divine strength.
Barnes's 2-samuel 5:23 Bible Commentary
The mulberry trees - Rather, the Bacah-tree, and found abundantly near Mecca. It is very like the balsam-tree, and probably derives its name from the exudation of the sap in drops like tears when a leaf is torn off. Some think the valley of Baca Psalm 84:6 was so called from this plant growing there.
Wesley's 2-samuel 5:23 Bible Commentary
5:23 Go up - Directly against them, as the following words explain it.Behind - Where they least expect thee; God's purposes and promises do not exclude men's endeavours.
