### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bâkâʼ**, represented by `{{H1057}}`, is defined as the **weeping tree** or **mulberry tree**. This term, possibly referring to a gum-distilling tree like balsam, appears **5 times** in **5 unique verses**. Its usage points to both a specific type of tree and a symbolic location within scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1057}}` serves two primary functions. Firstly, it acts as a crucial strategic and spiritual marker in battle. When David `{{H1732}}` enquired `{{H7592}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}`, he was instructed to position his troops "over against the **mulberry trees**" ([[2 Samuel 5:23]]; [[1 Chronicles 14:14]]). The signal to attack was not a human command but a "sound `{{H6963}}` of a going `{{H6807}}` in the tops `{{H7218}}` of the **mulberry trees**," indicating that God `{{H430}}` had gone forth to smite `{{H5221}}` the Philistines `{{H6430}}` ([[2 Samuel 5:24]]; [[1 Chronicles 14:15]]). Secondly, it appears as a place name in "the valley `{{H6010}}` of Baca," which those passing `{{H5674}}` through make into a well `{{H4599}}` [[Psalms 84:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of `{{H1057}}`:
* `{{H1732}}` **Dâvid** (loving; David): As the youngest son of Jesse, David is the central human figure in the accounts involving the mulberry trees, where he enquired `{{H7592}}` of God for military direction [[2 Samuel 5:23]].
* `{{H6807}}` **tsᵉʻâdâh** (a march; going): This term describes the supernatural signal, the "sound of **going**," in the treetops that was to prompt David's attack, signifying the movement of God's host [[1 Chronicles 14:15]].
* `{{H6010}}` **ʻêmeq** (a vale; valley): This word is used to form the location "the **valley** of Baca," directly linking `{{H1057}}` to a physical place that carries symbolic weight [[Psalms 84:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1057}}` is seen in its function as a medium for divine communication and a symbol of spiritual reality.
* **A Marker for Divine Guidance:** The mulberry trees were not arbitrary; God designated them as the precise spot for David to await a signal. This shows God using the natural world to give specific, actionable instructions [[2 Samuel 5:23]].
* **A Sign of God's Preceding Action:** The sound in the trees was confirmation that the LORD `{{H3068}}` had already gone out `{{H3318}}` before David to ensure victory. The trees served as the trigger for David to join a battle already being won by God [[2 Samuel 5:24]].
* **A Symbol of Transformation:** In Psalms, the "valley of Baca" (weeping) is a place of hardship that is transformed into a well `{{H4599}}`, a source of life and blessing `{{H1293}}`. It illustrates the principle of trial leading to spiritual refreshment [[Psalms 84:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1057}}` carries a dual meaning that enriches its biblical context. As the "mulberry tree," it is a landmark for divine strategy and a sign of God's initiative in battle. As "Baca," it represents a symbolic valley of weeping that, through faith, becomes a place of abundant blessing. The word demonstrates how God communicates through the physical realm and how places of sorrow can be transformed into sources of strength.
TRV