the same as בָּכָא; the weeping tree (some gum-distilling tree, perhaps the balsam); mulberry tree.
Transliteration:bâkâʼ
Pronunciation:baw-kaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term בָּכָא (bâkâʼ, `{{H1057}}`) refers to a specific type of tree, often translated as "balsam tree" or "mulberry tree." Its etymological root is deeply connected to the verb בָּכָה (bâkâh, `{{H1058}}`), meaning "to weep" or "to lament." This connection suggests that the tree was named for some characteristic reminiscent of weeping. This could be due to the exudation of sap, resembling tears (hence "gum-distilling tree" or "weeping tree"), or perhaps the sound of wind rustling through its leaves, which might have been likened to a lament. The precise botanical identification remains debated among scholars, with candidates including the balsam poplar (*Populus euphratica*), the mastic tree (*Pistacia lentiscus*), or various species of mulberry (*Morus*). Regardless of the exact species, the core meaning points to a tree with a distinctive quality that evokes the act of weeping.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term בָּכָא (bâkâʼ, `{{H1057}}`) appears in the Hebrew Bible in two highly significant, parallel passages: [[2 Samuel 5:23-24]] and [[1 Chronicles 14:14-15]]. Both accounts describe a critical moment in King David's military campaign against the Philistines. After an initial victory, the Philistines regroup and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. David, seeking divine guidance, inquires of the Lord. The Lord's response is specific and strategic:
In [[2 Samuel 5:23-24]], the Lord instructs David, "You shall not go up directly; circle around behind them and come upon them opposite the balsam trees. And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then go out to battle, for then the Lord has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines." The parallel passage in [[1 Chronicles 14:14-15]] echoes this instruction almost verbatim.
The "balsam trees" (or "mulberry trees") in these contexts are not merely geographical markers but serve as a crucial element in a divine strategy. The "sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees" is presented as a clear, audible sign from God, indicating His active presence and leadership in the battle. This sound signifies that the Lord Himself has gone forth to prepare the way for David's victory. It is a moment of divine intervention, where a natural phenomenon becomes a supernatural signal.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to בָּכָא (bâkâʼ, `{{H1057}}`) is the verb בָּכָה (bâkâh, `{{H1058}}`), "to weep." This etymological link is central to understanding the tree's name. The tree is personified, in a sense, by its "weeping" characteristic, whether through sap or sound. This connection highlights how ancient Hebrew often named elements of the natural world based on observable characteristics or perceived qualities.
Beyond the linguistic connection, the biblical occurrences of בָּכָא (bâkâʼ, `{{H1057}}`) relate to several theological and conceptual themes:
* **Divine Guidance:** The passages illustrate God's direct and specific guidance to His chosen leaders. David does not act on his own initiative but waits for the Lord's instruction and sign.
* **Signs and Wonders:** The sound in the trees functions as a divine sign, a tangible manifestation of God's presence and activity. This resonates with other biblical instances where natural phenomena are used by God to communicate His will or power (e.g., the burning bush, the pillar of cloud and fire).
* **God as Warrior:** The phrase "the Lord has gone out before you" emphasizes God's role as the divine warrior, leading His people into battle and securing victory. The trees become a stage for this divine action.
* **Trust and Obedience:** David's success is predicated on his obedience to God's precise instructions, waiting for the specified sign before engaging the enemy.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of בָּכָא (bâkâʼ, `{{H1057}}`) transcends its botanical identity, focusing instead on its role as a medium for divine communication and assurance. In the narrative of David's battles, the balsam trees are not incidental but instrumental to God's plan. They represent:
1. **God's Immanence and Engagement:** The Lord is not distant but actively involved in the affairs of His people, even down to the tactical details of warfare. He communicates through the natural world, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation.
2. **Divine Strategy and Victory:** The sound in the trees is a guarantee of victory, not merely a call to action. It signifies that God Himself is leading the charge, ensuring the defeat of the enemy. This instills confidence and faith in David and his army.
3. **The Importance of Waiting on God:** The instruction to "wait" for the sign underscores the principle of divine timing and the necessity of patient obedience. David's success was not due to his own military genius alone but to his reliance on God's perfect timing and strategy.
4. **A Symbol of God's Presence in the Mundane:** God chooses a common tree in a valley to manifest His presence. This reminds believers that God can and does use ordinary elements of creation to reveal His extraordinary power and purpose. The "weeping" aspect of the tree's name, while not directly tied to the divine sign, might subtly allude to the lament or judgment awaiting the enemies of God, or the sorrow that would befall them.
### Summary
The Hebrew word בָּכָא (bâkâʼ, `{{H1057}}`) denotes a specific type of tree, likely a balsam or mulberry, etymologically linked to the concept of "weeping." While its botanical identification is debated, its biblical significance is clear and profound. Appearing in [[2 Samuel 5:23-24]] and [[1 Chronicles 14:14-15]], the "balsam trees" serve as a pivotal element in God's direct communication with King David. The "sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees" functions as a divine signal, assuring David that the Lord Himself has gone out to secure victory against the Philistines. This word study reveals how a seemingly simple detail from the natural world can become a powerful conduit for divine guidance, underscoring God's active presence, strategic leadership, and the imperative of faithful obedience for His people.
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