1 Chronicles 14:14

KJV

Therefore David enquired 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore David {H1732} enquired {H7592} again of God {H430}; and God {H430} said {H559} unto him, Go not up {H5927} after {H310} them; turn away {H5437} from them, and come {H935} upon them over against {H4136} the mulberry trees {H1057}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David consulted God again, but God told him, "Don't attack them! Turn away from them, and engage 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.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 14:14 records King David's second inquiry of God concerning military strategy against the Philistines, who had regrouped after a previous defeat. Despite his recent victory, David demonstrates consistent humility and dependence, seeking specific divine counsel rather than relying on past success or human wisdom. God responds with an unconventional and precise command: to avoid a direct frontal assault and instead flank the enemy, attacking "over against the mulberry trees," implying a divine signal for the opportune moment. This verse powerfully illustrates God's active involvement in the affairs of His people, His infinite wisdom in tailoring strategies, and the paramount importance of obedient reliance on His guidance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King David's consolidation of power and the establishment of his kingdom in Jerusalem, following his anointing as king over all Israel. Immediately preceding this account, 1 Chronicles 14:8-12 details David's first significant victory over the Philistines in the Valley of Rephaim, a triumph achieved only after he had specifically [enquired of God](/1_chronicles/14-10 "1 Chronicles 14:10 - David's First Inquiry"). The Philistines, however, were a persistent and formidable enemy, and their regrouping for a second invasion (1 Chronicles 14:13) underscores their determination to challenge David's nascent reign. David's decision to "enquire again of God" (1 Chronicles 14:14) highlights a crucial pattern of his leadership: a consistent, humble reliance on divine guidance, even in the face of previous success. This narrative contrasts sharply with leaders who might grow complacent or self-reliant after initial victories, emphasizing David's deep reverence for God's sovereignty in all matters, especially warfare. The parallel account in [2 Samuel 5:17-25](/2_samuel/5-17 "2 Samuel 5:17-25 - David's Battles with the Philistines") provides additional details, particularly regarding the "sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees" as the divine signal.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's early reign was characterized by ongoing military challenges as he sought to secure Israel's borders and establish its dominance in the region. The Philistines, a powerful seafaring people who had settled on the southwestern coast of Canaan, posed the most significant external threat to Israel throughout the period of the Judges and early monarchy. Their military superiority, particularly in iron weaponry, often gave them an advantage. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, it was common for leaders to seek divine omens, prophecies, or counsel before battle, often through priests, prophets, or diviners. David, however, consistently sought direct counsel from Yahweh, the God of Israel, through legitimate means (likely via the Urim and Thummim or prophetic revelation), demonstrating a unique and personal relationship with the Lord. The Valley of Rephaim, where these battles took place, was a fertile plain southwest of Jerusalem, a strategic location for both defense and invasion. The mention of "mulberry trees" (or balsam trees) points to specific geographical features that God incorporated into His strategic plan, indicating a highly localized and precise divine intervention.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Persistent Divine Guidance**. David's repeated inquiry underscores that past victories do not negate the ongoing need for God's specific direction. This highlights God's accessibility and His willingness to guide His people through every new challenge, echoing the wisdom found in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord"). Secondly, the passage emphasizes **Strategic Obedience**. God's response is not a general blessing but a highly specific, even unconventional, military strategy ("Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees"). David's willingness to follow this counter-intuitive plan, even when it differed from the previous successful strategy, demonstrates the paramount importance of obedience to God's precise instructions. This showcases the theme of **God's Varied Methods**, teaching that God's wisdom is infinite and He tailors His guidance to the unique circumstances of each situation. Believers should not expect God to always act in the same way, but rather remain open to His new and often surprising directions, recognizing that [His ways are higher than our ways](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8 - God's Thoughts and Ways").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **enquired (Hebrew, _sha'al_):** This verb (שָׁאַל) signifies to ask, to inquire, to consult, or to seek counsel. In the context of 1 Chronicles, it consistently describes David's posture of humility and dependence before God, particularly in matters of warfare and national leadership. The repetition of this act ("enquired again") underscores that David did not presume upon God's favor or his own military prowess after a previous victory, but continually sought specific divine direction. This word highlights the active, intentional effort David made to submit his plans to God's will.
* **mulberry trees (Hebrew, _beka'im_):** The Hebrew word (בְּכָאִים) is often translated as "mulberry trees" or "balsam trees." The precise botanical identification is debated among scholars, with some suggesting it refers to a type of tree that makes a distinct rustling or crackling sound when wind passes through its leaves. The significance of this term lies not just in the type of tree, but in its role as a specific landmark and, more importantly, a potential source of a divine sign. The parallel account in [2 Samuel 5:24](/2_samuel/5-24 "2 Samuel 5:24 - The Sound in the Balsam Trees") clarifies that "when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall go out to battle, for then the Lord has gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines." This indicates that the "mulberry trees" were crucial to a supernatural, auditory signal that would confirm God's presence and the opportune moment for David to attack, emphasizing God's direct and sensory involvement in the timing and execution of David's strategy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore David enquired again of God;":** This clause reveals David's consistent and commendable posture of dependence on the Lord. The "therefore" links this action directly to the Philistines' renewed invasion, indicating that David's first instinct was not to rely on his recent success or human military intelligence, but to return to the source of his previous victory—God Himself. The phrase "enquired again" is crucial, demonstrating a pattern of seeking divine counsel for each new challenge, rather than assuming past strategies would suffice or that God's guidance was a one-time event.
* **"and God said unto him, Go not up after them;":** This is God's direct, specific, and counter-intuitive command. Unlike the previous battle where David was told to "go up" (1 Chronicles 14:10), here God instructs him *not* to engage directly or pursue them in the same manner. This highlights God's sovereign wisdom, which often transcends human logic or conventional military tactics. It also teaches that God's methods are not static; He adapts His strategy to the unique circumstances, requiring flexible obedience from His people.
* **"turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.":** This final clause provides the alternative, precise strategic instruction. Instead of a frontal assault, David is commanded to execute a flanking maneuver, approaching the enemy from a different direction. The phrase "over against the mulberry trees" serves as a specific geographical marker, but as clarified by the parallel account in 2 Samuel, it also points to the location where a divine sign (the sound in the treetops) would manifest. This detail underscores God's meticulous planning and His provision of a clear, supernatural signal for the exact timing of the attack, ensuring David's success was undeniably a result of divine intervention.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning. **Repetition** is evident in David's act of "enquiring again of God," echoing his initial inquiry in [1 Chronicles 14:10](/1_chronicles/14-10 "1 Chronicles 14:10 - David's First Inquiry"). This repetition emphasizes David's consistent reliance on the Lord and the ongoing nature of divine guidance. There is a subtle **contrast** in God's strategy: "Go not up after them" directly opposes the previous command to "go up" (1 Chronicles 14:10). This contrast highlights God's infinite wisdom and His ability to provide varied, tailored strategies for different situations, preventing a formulaic approach to divine leading. The "mulberry trees" function as a form of **symbolism** or **sign**, particularly when understood in light of the parallel account (2 Samuel 5:24) which describes a "sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees." This auditory phenomenon serves as a supernatural **omen** or **divine signal**, indicating God's active presence, His leading the charge, and the precise timing for David's attack. This specific, sensory sign underscores God's direct and miraculous involvement in the battle. Finally, the direct speech from God ("God said unto him...") exemplifies **divine command**, showcasing God's authoritative and personal communication with His chosen leader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 14:14 profoundly illustrates the theological truth of God's active and sovereign involvement in the specific details of human affairs, particularly for those who humbly seek His counsel. It teaches that God is not a distant deity but one who provides precise, tailored guidance, even in military strategy. This passage challenges the notion of self-sufficiency, even after past successes, calling believers to a continuous posture of dependence. It highlights that God's wisdom often transcends human logic or conventional approaches, requiring faith and obedience to unconventional instructions. The divine strategy, culminating in a supernatural sign, underscores that ultimate victory belongs to the Lord, and His methods are perfect, designed to bring Him glory and secure the welfare of His people.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart"): Encourages complete reliance on God and acknowledging Him in all ways for clear paths.
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts are Higher"): Reinforces that God's thoughts and ways are infinitely superior to human understanding, explaining why His strategies might seem counter-intuitive.
* [Psalm 32:8](/psalm/32-8 "Psalm 32:8 - God's Guidance and Instruction"): Assures believers that God will instruct and teach them in the way they should go, guiding them with His eye.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's repeated inquiry in 1 Chronicles 14:14 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to cultivate a lifestyle of continuous dependence on God, recognizing that past victories or accumulated wisdom do not negate the need for fresh, specific guidance in every new situation. In a world that often prizes self-reliance and strategic planning, David's example reminds us that true success flows from discerning and obeying God's unique instructions, even when they seem unconventional or counter-intuitive. We are called to be attentive to God's voice, whether through His Word, the prompting of His Spirit, or the wise counsel of others, and to patiently wait for His timing and His signs. Just as God provided a tailored strategy for David's specific battle, He offers specific wisdom for our personal struggles, family decisions, professional endeavors, and ministry challenges. Our spiritual growth is often tied to our willingness to step out in faith on His precise, sometimes surprising, directives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you prone to rely on past successes or your own wisdom, rather than seeking God's fresh guidance?**
* **Can you recall a time when God's direction for you seemed counter-intuitive or different from what you expected? How did you respond?**
* **What "mulberry trees" or specific signs might God be using to guide you in your current circumstances, and are you attentive to them?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper, more consistent habit of "enquiring of God" in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why did God give David a different strategy for this battle than the previous one?**

Answer: God gave David a different strategy because His wisdom is infinite and His methods are not limited or predictable. The first battle (1 Chronicles 14:8-12) may have required a direct assault, while this second engagement called for a flanking maneuver. This teaches us that God tailors His guidance to the unique circumstances of each situation. He doesn't operate by a fixed formula but by perfect, dynamic wisdom. This also served to continually test David's faith and obedience, ensuring he didn't rely on a past "formula" but remained dependent on God's specific, fresh instruction for each new challenge. It underscores that [God's thoughts are not our thoughts, nor are His ways our ways](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8 - God's Thoughts and Ways").

**What is the significance of the "mulberry trees" in God's instruction?**

Answer: The "mulberry trees" (or balsam trees, as in the parallel account in [2 Samuel 5:24](/2_samuel/5-24 "2 Samuel 5:24 - The Sound in the Balsam Trees")) were significant for two primary reasons. Firstly, they served as a specific geographical landmark for David's flanking maneuver, providing a clear point of reference for his attack. Secondly, and more importantly, they were the location where God would provide a supernatural signal: "the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees." This auditory sign was God's direct confirmation that He had "gone out before" David to strike the Philistine army. It was a divine indicator for the opportune moment to attack, emphasizing God's direct involvement in the timing and execution of David's strategy, ensuring that the victory was clearly attributed to His power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's consistent reliance on God for specific battle strategies in 1 Chronicles 14:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied absolute dependence on the Father. Just as David enquired of God, Jesus consistently lived in perfect submission to the Father's will, declaring, "[I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge... for I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus' Dependence on the Father")." God's specific, often counter-intuitive, strategy for David foreshadows the divine wisdom inherent in Christ, who is "[the wisdom of God and the power of God](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Wisdom of God")." The "mulberry trees" and the supernatural sound signaling God's presence and timing point to Christ as our ultimate commander, who leads us in spiritual warfare not by human might or strategy, but by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit, like the wind in the trees, works in unseen yet powerful ways, guiding believers into all truth and empowering them for service, as Jesus promised in [John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth"). Ultimately, David's victory over the Philistines, orchestrated by God, foreshadows Christ's decisive and complete victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness, a triumph achieved not through conventional means but through the cross, which to the world seemed foolish but was God's perfect strategy for salvation ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Evil")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 14:10

And David enquired 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.

John 9:6

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,

John 9:7

And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

Joshua 8:2

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.

Joshua 8:7

Then ye shall rise up from the ambush, and seize upon the city: for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.

Psalms 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 enquire in his temple.