2 Samuel 5:23 web — When David inquired of Yahweh, he said, "You shall not go up. Circle around behind them, and attack them over against t…

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."

— 2 Samuel 5:23, World English Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

2 Samuel 5:23 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

2 Samuel 5 — Context

20

David came to Baal Perazim, and David struck them there; and he said, "Yahweh has broken my enemies before me, like the breach of waters." Therefore he called the name of that place Baal Perazim.

21

They left their images there; and David and his men took them away.

22

The Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

23

When David inquired of Yahweh, he said, "You shall not go up. Circle around behind them, and attack them over against the mulberry trees.

24

It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then you shall stir yourself up; for then Yahweh has gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines."

25

David did so, as Yahweh commanded him, and struck the Philistines from Geba until you come to Gezer.

2 Samuel 5:23 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Samuel 5:23 say?
2 Samuel 5:23 in the World English Bible reads: “When David inquired of Yahweh, he said, "You shall not go up. Circle around behind them, and attack them over against the mulberry trees.”
Where is 2 Samuel 5:23 in the Bible?
2 Samuel 5:23 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 5, verse 23.
Who wrote 2 Samuel?
2 Samuel is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Nathan and Gad). It was written c. 930–722 BC.
What is the book of 2 Samuel about?
2 Samuel records David's reign — his rise to the throne, the conquest of Jerusalem, the eternal covenant God makes with his house, and the moral failure with Bathsheba that fractures his family. From the highs of triumph to the depths of repentance, David remains the messianic prototype.
What are the major themes of 2 Samuel?
2 Samuel explores themes including Davidic Covenant, Sin & Repentance, Kingdom, Mercy, Consequences. These themes shape the meaning and context of 2 Samuel 5:23.
What translation should I read 2 Samuel 5:23 in?
2 Samuel 5:23 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 2 Samuel 5:23?
2 Samuel 5:23 reads (WEB): “When David inquired of Yahweh, he said, "You shall not go up. Circle around behind them, and attack them over against the mulberry trees.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2