Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version so David inquired of God again, and God answered him, “Do not go directly after them, but circle around them and attack them in front of the poplar trees. New Living Translation And once again David asked God what to do. “Do not attack them straight on,” God replied. “Instead, circle around behind and attack them near the poplar trees. English Standard Version And when David again inquired of God, God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; go around and come against them opposite the balsam trees. Berean Standard Bible So David again inquired of God, who answered him, “Do not march up after them, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. Berean Literal Bible And David inquired again of God, and God said to him, “You shall not go up after them. Circle around them and come upon them in front of the balsam trees. King James Bible Therefore David inquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. New King James Version Therefore David inquired again of God, and God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; circle around them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees. New American Standard Bible David inquired again of God, and God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; circle around behind them and come at them in front of the baka-shrubs. NASB 1995 David inquired again of God, and God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; circle around behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees. NASB 1977 And David inquired again of God, and God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; circle around behind them, and come at them in front of the balsam trees. Legacy Standard Bible So David again asked of God, and God said to him, “You shall not go directly up after them; circle around from behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees. Amplified Bible So David inquired again of God, and God said to him, “Do not go up after them; circle around behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees. Berean Annotated Bible So David (beloved) again inquired of God {Elohim}, who answered him, “Do not march up after them, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees (aspen trees). Christian Standard Bible So David again inquired of God, and God answered him, “Do not pursue them directly. Circle around them and attack them opposite the balsam trees. Holman Christian Standard Bible So David again inquired of God, and God answered him, “Do not pursue them directly. Circle around them and attack them opposite the balsam trees. American Standard Version And David inquired again of God; and God said unto him, Thou shalt not go up after them: turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry-trees. Contemporary English Version David asked God what he should do, and God answered, "Don't attack them from the front. Circle around behind them where the balsam trees are. English Revised Version And David inquired again of God; and God said unto him, Thou shalt not go up after them: turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. GOD'S WORD® Translation Once more David asked God. God answered him, "Don't go after them. Circle around, and come at them in front of the balsam trees. Good News Translation Once more David consulted God, who answered, "Don't attack them from here, but go around and get ready to attack them from the other side, near the balsam trees. International Standard Version When David asked God about it, God told him, "Don't directly attack them. Instead, go around them and come up against them opposite those balsam trees. NET Bible So David again asked God what he should do. This time God told him, "Don't march up after them; circle around them and come against them in front of the trees. New Heart English Bible And David inquired again of God; and God said to him, "You shall not go up after them. Turn away from them, and come at them opposite the poplar trees. Webster's Bible Translation Therefore David inquired again of God: and God said to him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo David again inquired of God, who answered him, “Do not march up after them, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. World English Bible David inquired again of God; and God said to him, “You shall not go up after them. Turn away from them, and come on them opposite the mulberry trees. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand David asks again of God, and God says to him, “Do not go up after them, turn around from them, and you have come to them from the front [[or in front]] of the mulberries; Berean Literal Bible And David inquired again of God, and God said to him, “You shall not go up after them. Circle around them and come upon them in front of the balsam trees. Young's Literal Translation and David asketh again of God, and God saith to him, 'Do not go up after them, turn round from them, and thou hast come to them from over-against the mulberries; Smith's Literal Translation And David will yet ask in God: and God will say to him, Thou shalt not go up after them; turn about from off them, and go to them from the front of the weepings. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd David consulted God again, and God said to him: Go not up after them, turn away from them, and come upon them over against the pear trees. Catholic Public Domain Version And again, David consulted God. And God said to him: “You shall not ascend after them. Draw away from them. And you shall come against them opposite the balsam trees. New American Bible and again David inquired of God. But God answered him: Do not try to pursue them, but go around them and come against them near the balsam trees. New Revised Standard Version When David again inquired of God, God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; go around and come on them opposite the balsam trees. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTherefore David inquired again of God; and God said to him, You shall not go up after them; but turn away from them, and go attack them from the front. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And David asked again of LORD JEHOVAH, and he said to him: “Do not go up, but turn yourselves from them and go take them from their front.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And David inquired again of God; and God said unto him: 'Thou shalt not go up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry-trees. Brenton Septuagint Translation And David enquired of God again; and God said to him, Thou shalt not go after them; turn away from them, and thou shalt come upon them near the pear trees. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Two Victories over the Philistines…13Once again the Philistines raided the valley. 14So David again inquired of God, who answered him, “Do not march up after them, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. 15As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move out to battle, because this will mean that God has marched out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.”… Cross References So David again inquired of God, 1 Samuel 30:8 and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.” 1 Samuel 23:2 So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” 2 Samuel 2:1 Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” “Go up,” the LORD answered. Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” replied the LORD. who answered him, 2 Samuel 5:19 So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.” 1 Samuel 23:4 Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: “Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” 2 Samuel 21:1 During the reign of David there was a famine for three successive years, and David sought the face of the LORD. And the LORD said, “It is because of the blood shed by Saul and his family, because he killed the Gibeonites.” “Do not march up after them, 2 Samuel 5:23 So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. 2 Chronicles 20:15-17 And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God. / Tomorrow you are to march down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel. / You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’” Exodus 14:13-14 But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. / The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” but circle around them Joshua 8:18-22 Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Hold out your battle lance toward Ai, for into your hand I will deliver the city.” So Joshua held out his battle lance toward Ai, / and as soon as he did so, the men in ambush rose quickly from their position. They rushed forward, entered the city, captured it, and immediately set it on fire. / When the men of Ai turned and looked back, the smoke of the city was rising into the sky. They could not escape in any direction, and the troops who had fled to the wilderness now turned against their pursuers. … Judges 7:19-22 Gideon and the hundred men with him reached the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after the changing of the guard. They blew their horns and broke the jars that were in their hands. / The three companies blew their horns and shattered their jars. Holding the torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, they shouted, “A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!” / Each Israelite took his position around the camp, and the entire Midianite army fled, crying out as they ran. … 2 Chronicles 20:22 The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated. and attack them in front of the balsam trees.” 2 Samuel 5:24-25 As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because this will mean that the LORD has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” / So David did as the LORD had commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. 2 Kings 7:6-7 For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.” / Thus the Arameans had arisen and fled at twilight, abandoning their tents and horses and donkeys. The camp was intact, and they had run for their lives. 1 Samuel 14:15 Then panic struck the Philistines in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. Even those in the outposts and raiding parties trembled. Indeed, the earth quaked, and panic spread from God. Joshua 6:2-5 And the LORD said to Joshua, “Behold, I have delivered Jericho into your hand, along with its king and its mighty men of valor. / March around the city with all the men of war, circling the city one time. Do this for six days. / Have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark. Then on the seventh day, march around the city seven times, while the priests blow the horns. … Treasury of Scripture Therefore David inquired again of God; and God said to him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come on them over against the mulberry trees. enquired 1 Chronicles 14:10 And David inquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand. Psalm 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple. turn away Joshua 8:2-7 And thou shalt do to Ai and her king as thou didst unto Jericho and her king: only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take for a prey unto yourselves: lay thee an ambush for the city behind it… John 9:6,7 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, … Jump to Previous Attack Balsam Circle David Directions Face Front Inquired Mulberries Mulberry Mulberry-Trees Opposite Over-Against Round Spice-Trees Straight Trees Turn TurningJump to Next Attack Balsam Circle David Directions Face Front Inquired Mulberries Mulberry Mulberry-Trees Opposite Over-Against Round Spice-Trees Straight Trees Turn Turning1 Chronicles 14 1. Hiram's kindness to David2. David's fortune in people, wives, and children 8. His two victories against the Philistines So David again inquired of God David's practice of seeking God's guidance is a recurring theme in his life, demonstrating his reliance on divine wisdom rather than his own understanding. This inquiry reflects a pattern seen in 1 Samuel 23:2 and 2 Samuel 5:19, where David consistently seeks God's direction before making strategic decisions. It underscores the importance of prayer and seeking God's will in all matters, a principle that is echoed in Proverbs 3:5-6. who answered him “Do not march up after them but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe second king of Israel, known for his heart after God and his military prowess. In this passage, David seeks God's guidance for battle. 2. God The sovereign Lord who guides and directs David, providing specific instructions for victory. 3. Balsam Trees A specific location mentioned where God instructs David to position his troops for a strategic advantage. 4. Philistines The recurring adversaries of Israel, representing opposition and challenges to God's people. 5. Inquiry of God David's practice of seeking divine guidance before making decisions, demonstrating his dependence on God. Teaching Points Dependence on GodDavid's inquiry of God before battle underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance in all aspects of life. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a habit of prayer and reliance on God for direction. Obedience to God's Instructions The specific strategy given by God required David's obedience. This teaches the importance of following God's instructions, even when they differ from conventional wisdom. God's Strategic Wisdom God's guidance to attack from a specific location demonstrates His understanding of the best strategies for victory. Believers can trust that God's ways are higher and wiser than human plans. Listening for God's Timing The instruction to wait for a specific sign (as detailed in the parallel account) highlights the importance of God's timing. Patience and attentiveness to God's signals are crucial for success. Victory through Faithfulness David's success in battle was a result of his faithfulness to God's commands. This illustrates that true victory in life comes through faithfulness to God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 14:14?2. How does 1 Chronicles 14:14 demonstrate David's reliance on God's guidance? 3. What can we learn about seeking God's will before making decisions? 4. How does David's approach in 1 Chronicles 14:14 connect to Proverbs 3:5-6? 5. In what ways can we apply David's example of obedience in our lives? 6. Why is it important to "inquire of God" in spiritual battles today? 7. Why did David inquire of God again in 1 Chronicles 14:14? 8. What does 1 Chronicles 14:14 reveal about God's guidance in battles? 9. How does 1 Chronicles 14:14 demonstrate the importance of seeking divine direction? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 14? 11. What does the tabernacle of David refer to? 12. 1 Chronicles 14:8–17 – How do we reconcile any discrepancies between this account of David’s battles with the Philistines and the parallel text in 2 Samuel 5? 13. 1 Chronicles 14:1 - Is there historical evidence for King Hiram of Tyre supplying David with materials and builders for his palace? 14. In 2 Chronicles 2:11-12, why does Tyrian King Hiram express devotion to Israel's God when no independent Tyrian records verify such reverence? What Does 1 Chronicles 14:14 Mean So David again inquired of GodDavid had just enjoyed a victory (1 Chron 14:11), yet he pauses before the next engagement. Instead of leaning on momentum or military instinct, he seeks the Lord again. • 1 Chron 14:10 shows the same pattern: “David inquired of God…”. • 1 Samuel 23:2; 30:8 remind us that David’s habit was to ask first and act later. • Psalm 34:4 echoes the confidence that flows from such seeking: “I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears”. Consistent inquiry keeps a believer dependent, not self-reliant. who answered him God is not silent when His people draw near. David receives a clear, personal response. • Jeremiah 33:3: “Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things…”. • Psalm 91:15: “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him”. The verse underscores that divine guidance is real, timely, and accessible to those who ask. Do not march up after them The Lord forbids David to repeat the previous frontal assault. Yesterday’s strategy is not automatically tomorrow’s. • Proverbs 3:5-6 exhorts us to trust and acknowledge Him “in all your ways”. • Isaiah 55:8 reminds us His ways are higher than ours. Obedience sometimes means shelving a proven plan because God has a fresh directive. but circle around them A flanking maneuver replaces head-on combat. God’s creativity surpasses military conventions. • Joshua 6 records an unconventional march around Jericho. • Judges 7 details Gideon’s surprise attack with only three hundred men. He often uses unexpected methods so that victory unmistakably points back to Him. and attack them in front of the balsam trees The instruction pinpoints location and timing (cf. 2 Samuel 5:23-24, the parallel account where the sound in the balsam tops signaled the moment to advance). • Exodus 17:11-13 shows another battle tied to a specific sign—the lifting of Moses’ hands. • Psalm 32:8 promises, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go”. God’s guidance is detailed, not generic; He leads step by step, tree line by tree line. summary 1 Chronicles 14:14 presents a leader who refuses to rely on yesterday’s success, seeks God afresh, and receives precise, creative marching orders. The Lord’s answer not only secures victory but also trains His people to depend on Him for every decision, follow His timing, and recognize His hand in every triumph. (14) Therefore David enquired.--The first half of this verse is fuller and clearer than in Samuel. The second half must be adjusted by comparison with the older text, which reads, "Thou must not go up [LXX., "to meet them "]; go round to their rear, and come upon them in front of the baca trees." Probably the terms rendered "after them" and "from them" should be slightly modified and transposed in our text. This will give, "Go not up against them; go round to their rear," &c., as in Samuel.Mulberry trees.--The traditional Jewish rendering of beka'im, a Hebrew word only occurring here and in the parallel passage of Samuel. Probably the kind of balsam tree called b?k? by the Arabs is meant. It sheds a gum like tears, whence its name. (Heb., b?k?, "to weep.") (Comp. Psalm 84:6.) Verse 14. - Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. The meaning of the directions as here given is sufficiently evident, yet it is somewhat more forcibly expressed in the parallel place, "Thou shalt not go up," i.e. "against the Philistines" (see our tenth verse, and note the form of David's inquiry); "but fetch a compass behind them." The mulberry trees were evidently behind the Philistines. The Hebrew word for the trees here spoken of is הַבְּכָאִים, and the correct rendering of it is probably neither "mulberry" nor, as the Septuagint and Vulgate translate, "pear" trees. But judging from the probable derivation (בָּכָה, to weep), they were trees of the balsam species, and it seems that this is as far as we can safely conjecture. One of the latest authorities (see Condor's 'Handbook to the Bible,' p. 398, 2nd edit.) pronounces it an "unknown species." The tree, strange to say, is only mentioned here and in the parallel place. A summary of opinions as to the tree intended may be found in Smith's 'Bible Dictionary,' 2:439, and this is just sufficient to show that it is not as yet identified with any semblance of certainty. However, it is easy to understand hew the balsam species, from which the exuding gum resembles "tears," might come by the name set forth in the present Hebrew root.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So Davidדָּוִיד֙ (dā·wîḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse again ע֤וֹד (‘ō·wḏ) Adverb Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more inquired וַיִּשְׁאַ֨ל (way·yiš·’al) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand of God, בֵּֽאלֹהִ֔ים (bê·lō·hîm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative who הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative answered וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say him, לוֹ֙ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew “Do not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no march up תַֽעֲלֶ֖ה (ṯa·‘ă·leh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively after them, אַֽחֲרֵיהֶ֑ם (’a·ḥă·rê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 310: The hind or following part but circle around הָסֵב֙ (hā·sêḇ) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 5437: To turn about, go around, surround them מֵֽעֲלֵיהֶ֔ם (mê·‘ă·lê·hem) Preposition-m | third person masculine plural Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against and attack וּבָ֥אתָ (ū·ḇā·ṯā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go them לָהֶ֖ם (lā·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They in front of מִמּ֥וּל (mim·mūl) Preposition-m Strong's 4136: Abrupt, a precipice, the front, opposite the balsam trees. הַבְּכָאִֽים׃ (hab·bə·ḵā·’îm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1057: The weeping tree Links 1 Chronicles 14:14 NIV1 Chronicles 14:14 NLT 1 Chronicles 14:14 ESV 1 Chronicles 14:14 NASB 1 Chronicles 14:14 KJV 1 Chronicles 14:14 BibleApps.com 1 Chronicles 14:14 Biblia Paralela 1 Chronicles 14:14 Chinese Bible 1 Chronicles 14:14 French Bible 1 Chronicles 14:14 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Chronicles 14:14 David inquired again of God (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr) |
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