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1 Chronicles 5:23

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

1 Chronicles 5:23

Verse 23 of 26

Scripture focus

And the children of the half tribe of Manasseh dwelt in the land: they increased from Bashan unto Baalhermon and Senir, and unto mount Hermon.

1 Chronicles 5:23 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 5:23

Theological / Devotional

Enquired of the Lord. See v. 19. David’s previous victory did not make him self-confident or conceited. To ask guidance from God was now his custom.

Not go up. See v. 19, where David was instructed by the Lord to “go up.” The enemy had returned to the same battleground and evidently expected David to employ the same method of attack as previously. This time they doubtless prepared for such a direct assault. But the Lord instructed David not to make a frontal attack.

Fetch a compass. That is, “Go around to their rear” (RSV). By making a circuit around the enemy and attacking them from an unexpected quarter, David gained the victory. God operates in various ways to give victory to His people. Sometimes those who have asked for divine aid are instructed simply to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord (see Ex. 14:13, 14; 2 Kings 19:7, 32, 35). At other times deliverance comes through God’s directing and blessing human effort. There is no manifestation of a lack of faith in one who, after presenting a petition to God, does all in his power to bring about its fulfillment.

Mulberry trees. The botanical identification is uncertain. Some versions read “balsam” (see RSV).

By SdaBc