And when David enquired 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.
When David asked the LORD for guidance, God said, 'Don't attack them directly from the front. Instead, circle around behind them and approach them from the direction of the mulberry trees.'
God is giving David specific military strategy, telling him to use a surprise attack from behind rather than a direct frontal assault.
📚 Historical Context
In the historical context, David had recently been anointed as king over all Israel and was facing a military threat from the Philistines, who were a longstanding enemy of the Israelites. When the Philistines advanced to attack, David did not act impulsively but first sought guidance from God through prayer. God responded with a specific battle strategy, instructing David to avoid a direct assault and instead approach from behind near the mulberry trees, highlighting divine involvement in Israel's wars.
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