דברי הימים א, פרק י״ד, פסוק י׳

Facing the imminent threat of battle, David pauses to seek divine guidance, wanting to know if he should engage the enemy and whether victory is assured [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Rather than relying on his own military intuition, he formally inquires of God through the sacred Urim and Thummim [רש"י, חומת אנך]. When planning his attack against the Philistines, David speaks of ascending to meet them rather than simply marching out to war. This reflects the physical reality of the region, as the military route from the desert toward Jerusalem requires a steady geographical climb [מלבי"ם].

A profound theological dialogue unfolds during this exchange, subtly revealed through the specific attributes of God invoked. David deliberately directs his question to the divine aspect associated with strict justice. He seeks to know if his merit is strong enough to secure a win even if he is judged by the most rigorous, uncompromising standards. The response he receives, however, stems from the divine attribute of mercy. Through divine inspiration, God assures David that his triumph will not depend on surviving a strict judgment. Instead, the defeat of his enemies will be a gift granted entirely through His boundless mercy [חומת אנך].