2 Samuel 5:24

KJV

And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.

KJV (with Strong's)

And let it be, when thou hearest {H8085} the sound {H6963} of a going {H6807} in the tops {H7218} of the mulberry trees {H1057}, that then thou shalt bestir {H2782} thyself: for then shall the LORD {H3068} go out {H3318} before {H6440} thee, to smite {H5221} the host {H4264} of the Philistines {H6430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, advance; because then ADONAI has gone out ahead of you to defeat the army of the P'lishtim."

Berean Standard Bible

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 marched out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.”

American Standard Version

And it shall be, when thou hearest the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry-trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself; for then is Jehovah gone out before thee to smite the host of the Philistines.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 5:24 records a pivotal moment in King David's reign, where God provides a unique and highly specific instruction for confronting the Philistines. Rather than a direct assault, David was commanded to wait for a supernatural auditory sign—the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam (mulberry) trees—before launching his attack. This divine strategy underscored God's active presence as the true warrior for Israel, His sovereign wisdom in tailoring guidance to specific circumstances, and the critical importance of David's immediate and obedient response to secure victory over Israel's formidable adversaries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a crucial period of David's consolidation of power, immediately following his anointing as king over all Israel and his bold capture of Jerusalem, establishing it as the nation's capital and spiritual center ([2 Samuel 5:1-10](/2_samuel/5-1-10 "2 Samuel 5:1-10 - David Becomes King and Captures Jerusalem")). The Philistines, long-standing and formidable antagonists of Israel, perceived David's unified kingship and strategic gains as a direct threat to their regional dominance. Consequently, they launched two distinct and significant attacks in the Valley of Rephaim ([2 Samuel 5:17-25](/2_samuel/5-17-25 "2 Samuel 5:17-25 - David Defeats the Philistines")). The first encounter ([2 Samuel 5:17-21](/2_samuel/5-17-21 "2 Samuel 5:17-21 - First Victory at Baal-perazim")) saw David inquire of the Lord and receive a direct command to "Go up," resulting in a decisive victory at Baal-perazim. However, for this second engagement, the Philistines returned, demonstrating their persistent threat. David again sought divine counsel, but this time, the Lord's instructions were markedly different and more nuanced, requiring a strategic flanking maneuver and a specific, supernatural sign before the attack. This contrast highlights God's sovereign wisdom in providing tailored strategies rather than relying on past successes or predictable patterns.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a powerful, technologically advanced people (notably in iron-working, which Israel lacked) who had long dominated the coastal plain and posed a constant military threat to Israel, even inflicting a devastating defeat that led to King Saul's death ([1 Samuel 31](/1_samuel/31 "1 Samuel 31 - The Death of Saul")). David's establishment of Jerusalem as his capital was a bold and strategically vital move, asserting Israelite sovereignty in a central, defensible location. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, seeking divine guidance before battle was a common practice among various peoples, but David's consistent and specific inquiries, as seen here and in [2 Samuel 5:19](/2_samuel/5-19 "2 Samuel 5:19 - David's First Inquiry"), set him apart from King Saul, who often acted presumptuously or consulted illicit sources. The "mulberry trees" (Hebrew: *bāḵāʾ*, often identified as balsam trees) were common in the region, but the "sound of a going" was not a natural phenomenon like wind rustling leaves. Instead, it indicated a direct divine manifestation, akin to a heavenly army preparing for battle, which would have been understood by David and his people as a clear and unmistakable sign of God's direct, active intervention on behalf of His people.

* **Key Themes:** 2 Samuel 5:24 powerfully illustrates several enduring themes central to the narrative of David's kingship and Israel's relationship with God. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Guidance and Dependence**, showcasing David's consistent reliance on the Lord for strategic direction, even after significant victories. This stands in stark contrast to human self-sufficiency and underscores that true success comes from following God's specific plans, which may differ from one situation to the next, as seen by comparing this instruction with the direct command in [2 Samuel 5:19](/2_samuel/5-19 "2 Samuel 5:19 - David's First Inquiry"). Secondly, the "sound of a going" points to **God's Active and Supernatural Presence** in the midst of His people's battles. It signifies that the Lord Himself, or His angelic hosts, was actively moving to fight for Israel, fulfilling promises like those found in [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - The Lord Fights for You"). Thirdly, the command to "bestir thyself" only *after* hearing the sound highlights the critical theme of **Obedience and Divine Timing**. David's victory was contingent not just on action, but on acting precisely when and how God commanded, demonstrating the necessity of patient discernment followed by swift, faithful execution. Finally, the promise "for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines" underscores the theme of **Assured Victory through Divine Agency**, affirming that ultimate triumph belongs to the Lord, not to human strength or military prowess alone, as also championed in [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mulberry trees (Hebrew, _bâkâʼ'_):** The Hebrew word בָּכָא (*bâkâʼ*, H1057) is commonly translated as "mulberry trees" or "balsam trees." While its precise botanical identification is debated, its significance in this context is not the specific species of tree, but rather its role as the location where the supernatural sign would manifest. The name *bâkâʼ* itself might be linked to the root for "weeping" (בָּכָה, *bâkâ*), possibly referring to the sound of rustling leaves or the exudation of sap, though here it clearly points to an unnatural, divine sound.
* **Sound (Hebrew, _qôwl'_):** The Hebrew word קוֹל (*qôwl*, H6963) refers to a "voice" or "sound." In this verse, it is crucial because it describes the specific auditory manifestation that would serve as God's signal. This was not merely the natural sound of wind, but a distinct, unmistakable sound of "going" or "marching," indicating a supernatural presence or movement. It highlights God's ability to communicate His will through extraordinary means, demanding attention and discernment.
* **Bestir thyself (Hebrew, _chârats'_):** The Hebrew verb חָרַץ (*chârats*, H2782), in the Hithpael stem, conveys the idea of being "sharp," "decisive," or "acting quickly and energetically." It implies an immediate, vigorous, and resolute response. Once the divine signal was given, David was not to hesitate or deliberate further but to launch his attack with full force and conviction, trusting that God had already gone before him to ensure victory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees":** This clause establishes the precise, divinely ordained trigger for David's action. It is a conditional statement, setting up a clear cause-and-effect relationship. The "sound of a going" is the supernatural signal, an auditory manifestation of God's presence or His heavenly hosts preparing for battle, distinct from any natural phenomenon. The "tops of the mulberry trees" likely refers to the direction from which the sound would emanate or be perceived, perhaps indicating a flanking maneuver or a divine presence moving above the battlefield, setting the stage for God's intervention.
* **"that then thou shalt bestir thyself":** This is the direct command to David, specifying his required response. Upon hearing the unique, supernatural sound, David was to act immediately and decisively. The phrase "bestir thyself" implies a swift, energetic, and resolute mobilization of his forces. It emphasizes the importance of obedience to divine timing—not acting prematurely, nor delaying once the signal was given, as David's prompt action was integral to the divine strategy.
* **"for then shall the LORD go out before thee":** This clause provides the divine assurance and the underlying reason for David's guaranteed success. The victory would not be achieved by David's military might alone, but by the Lord Himself leading the charge. "Go out before thee" signifies God's vanguard role, clearing the way and engaging the enemy first, thereby ensuring the triumph and making it clear that the battle belonged to Him. This promise underscores God's active participation and commitment to His covenant people.
* **"to smite the host of the Philistines":** This final clause states the certain outcome of following God's specific instruction: the decisive and complete defeat of the Philistine army. It is a promise of total victory, directly attributed to the Lord's power and active participation in the battle, reinforcing the theme that human effort, while necessary, is empowered and made effective by divine agency.

#### Literary Devices
2 Samuel 5:24 employs several significant **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the "sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees" serves as a powerful symbol of God's active, supernatural presence and His specific, tailored guidance. It is not merely a natural phenomenon but a **Theophany**, specifically an **Auditory Theophany**, where God's presence is revealed through sound, akin to the voice from the cloud or the sound of rushing wind in other biblical accounts. The verse also features a clear **Conditional Clause** ("when... then..."), which structures the divine command and the promised outcome, highlighting the direct correlation between David's obedience and God's intervention. Furthermore, the passage contains a **Divine Command** ("thou shalt bestir thyself"), which is a direct imperative from God to David, emphasizing the necessity of immediate and faithful action. Finally, the promise of the Lord going out "before thee" is an instance of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like action (going out, leading the charge) to God to convey His active leadership and direct involvement in battle, making His presence tangible and assuring to David.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 5:24 stands as a profound testament to God's sovereign involvement in the affairs of His people, particularly in the realm of spiritual and physical warfare. It underscores that God is not a distant deity but an active participant, providing specific, often unexpected, strategies for victory. The passage teaches that reliance on divine guidance, rather than human wisdom or past successes, is paramount. God's timing is perfect, and His signals require discernment and immediate obedience. The "sound of a going" signifies that the battle is ultimately the Lord's, and when His people align with His will, He goes before them, ensuring triumph over seemingly insurmountable foes. This principle extends beyond military conflict to all areas of life, reminding believers that God's power is made manifest through faithful dependence and timely action according to His leading. It is a powerful illustration of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to fight for His people.

* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - The Lord Fights for You") - For the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.
* [Isaiah 30:21](/isaiah/30-21 "Isaiah 30:21 - A Voice Behind You") - And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord") - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Samuel 5:24 offers timeless principles for believers navigating the complexities of life and spiritual warfare today. Just as David faced a formidable enemy and sought specific divine counsel, we too encounter challenges that require more than human ingenuity or reliance on past methods. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep dependence on God, patiently waiting for His unique guidance and discerning His specific signals for our lives. It teaches us to resist the urge to rush ahead in our own strength or to replicate strategies that worked in different circumstances. Instead, we are to be attentive to the "sound of a going"—the subtle promptings of the Holy Spirit, the clear direction from Scripture, or the providential opening of doors—and then, like David, to "bestir ourselves" with swift and courageous obedience. When we align our actions with God's perfect timing and strategy, we can be confident that the Lord Himself goes before us, fighting our battles and securing the victory, whether it be over spiritual strongholds, personal struggles, or daunting circumstances. Our role is to listen, obey, and trust in His unfailing presence and power, knowing that true victory is always found in His leading.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently facing a "Philistine" challenge that requires specific divine strategy rather than relying on past successes or human wisdom?**
* **How do you typically seek God's guidance, and what might it look like for you to "hear the sound of a going" in your current situation, discerning His specific promptings?**
* **What does "bestir thyself" mean for you in practical terms once you discern God's direction, and what might hinder your immediate and resolute obedience?**
* **How does the promise "the LORD will go out before thee" encourage you to step out in faith, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or daunting?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "mulberry trees" and the "sound of a going"?**

Answer: The "mulberry trees" (Hebrew: *bāḵāʾ*, likely balsam trees) are less significant for their botanical identity and more for their role as the location where a specific, supernatural sound was to be heard. The "sound of a going" (Hebrew: *qôl ṣᵉādâ*, "sound of marching") is the crucial element. This was not the natural rustling of wind in the trees, but an audible manifestation of God's presence or His heavenly army moving into position to fight. It was a divine signal, a unique auditory theophany, indicating that the Lord Himself was actively engaging the enemy on Israel's behalf. This sign was meant to be unmistakable to David, confirming God's direct intervention and the precise moment for David's forces to launch their attack. It underscored that the victory would be God's, not merely David's military prowess, reinforcing the principle that God often works in ways that defy human expectation, as seen in many biblical accounts of divine intervention, such as [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The Lord Will Fight For You").

**Why did God give a different strategy to David in this second battle compared to the first?**

Answer: God gave a different strategy in the second battle ([2 Samuel 5:22-25](/2_samuel/5-22-25 "2 Samuel 5:22-25 - Second Victory Over the Philistines")) compared to the first ([2 Samuel 5:17-21](/2_samuel/5-17-21 "2 Samuel 5:17-21 - First Victory Over the Philistines")) to emphasize His sovereignty and to teach David (and Israel) that divine guidance is not a formulaic application of past successes, but a dynamic, tailored response to each unique situation. In the first battle, God simply commanded David to "Go up" ([2 Samuel 5:19](/2_samuel/5-19 "2 Samuel 5:19 - David's First Inquiry")), leading to a direct assault. In the second, God instructed a flanking maneuver and a wait for a specific, supernatural sign. This variation prevented David from relying on a predictable pattern or his own military intuition based on previous victories. It reinforced the necessity of fresh, specific consultation with the Lord for every challenge, demonstrating that God's wisdom provides the perfect plan for every circumstance, often defying human expectation or logic. This teaches us that God's methods are diverse, and our dependence on Him must be constant and discerning, as seen in the broader narrative of [God's dealings with His people](/exodus/13-21 "Exodus 13:21 - Pillar of Cloud and Fire").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 5:24, with its depiction of God going before His people to secure victory, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "sound of a going" in the trees, signaling God's active, supernatural presence, foreshadows the ultimate manifestation of God's presence among humanity in the person of Jesus. He is the Word made flesh, God Himself "going out before" us, not merely as an audible sign, but as the very embodiment of divine strategy and power ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Just as God fought the Philistines for David, Christ, through His life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, has gone before us to "smite the host" of our ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The call for David to "bestir thyself" upon hearing the divine signal is echoed in the New Covenant by the Spirit's empowerment and guidance for believers to live in the victory Christ has already secured. The Holy Spirit, the very Spirit of Christ, continues to be the "sound of a going" within us, leading us into all truth and empowering us for spiritual battles, ensuring that in Christ, we are "more than conquerors" ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth"), [Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")). The victory promised to David is fully realized in the finished work of Christ, who has already gone before us and triumphed, enabling us to walk in His victory and share in His triumph over all spiritual adversaries ([Ephesians 1:19-23](/ephesians/1-19-23 "Ephesians 1:19-23 - Christ's Supreme Authority")).

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

2 Kings 7:6

For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, [even] the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.

Judges 4:14

And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this [is] the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him.

Judges 7:15

And it was [so], when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and the interpretation thereof, that he worshipped, and returned into the host of Israel, and said, Arise; for the LORD hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian.

1 Samuel 14:9

If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them.

1 Samuel 14:12

And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armourbearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will shew you a thing. And Jonathan said unto his armourbearer, Come up after me: for the LORD hath delivered them into the hand of Israel.

1 Chronicles 14:15

And it shall be, when thou shalt hear a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees, [that] then thou shalt go out to battle: for God is gone forth before thee to smite the host of the Philistines.

Philippians 2:11

And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.