2Sa 5:23-24 | NETfull | STEP | 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.

2 Samuel 5:23-24

23 So David asked the Lord what he should do. ^{▼▼ The words “what to do” are not in the Hebrew text.} This time ^{▼▼ The words “this time” are not in the Hebrew text.} the Lord ^{▼▼ Heb “he”; the referent (the Lord) has been specified in the translation for clarity.} said to him, “Don’t march straight up. Instead, circle around behind them and come against them opposite the trees. ^{▼▼ Some translate as “balsam trees” (cf. NASB, NIV, NRSV, NJB, NLT); cf. KJV, NKJV, ASV “mulberry trees”; NAB “mastic trees”; NEB, REB “aspens.” The exact identification of the type of tree or plant is uncertain.} 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 ^{▼▼ Heb “camp” (so NAB).} of the Philistines.”