2 Samuel 5:24 net — When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the trees, act decisively. For at that moment the LORD is going befo…

NET Bible

"When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the trees, act decisively. For at that moment the LORD is going before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.”"

— 2 Samuel 5:24, NET Bible

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2 Samuel 5:24 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

2 Samuel 5 — Context

21

The Philistines abandoned their idols there, and David and his men picked them up.

22

The Philistines again came up and spread out in the valley of Rephaim.

23

So David asked the LORD what he should do. This time the LORD said to him,“Don’t march straight up. Instead, circle around behind them and come against them opposite the trees.

24

When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the trees, act decisively. For at that moment the LORD is going before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.”

25

David did just as the LORD commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines from Gibeon all the way to Gezer.

2 Samuel 5:24 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Samuel 5:24 say?
2 Samuel 5:24 in the NET Bible reads: “When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the trees, act decisively. For at that moment the LORD is going before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.””
Where is 2 Samuel 5:24 in the Bible?
2 Samuel 5:24 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 5, verse 24.
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 5:24.
What translation should I read 2 Samuel 5:24 in?
2 Samuel 5:24 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 5:24?
2 Samuel 5:24 reads (NET): “When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the trees, act decisively. For at that moment the LORD is going before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.”” 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.
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