The mulberry tree, referred to in the Bible, is a subject of some interest and discussion among biblical scholars and botanists. The term "mulberry" appears in the context of the Old Testament, specifically in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. The Hebrew word often translated as "mulberry" is "bekhaim," which some scholars suggest may refer to the balsam tree rather than the mulberry tree as we know it today.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Samuel 5:23-24 : "So David inquired of the LORD, and He answered, 'Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because this will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.'"

2. 1 Chronicles 14:14-15 : "So David again inquired of God, and God answered him, 'Do not march up after them; circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move out to battle, because God has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.'"

In these passages, the mulberry or balsam trees are significant as they are associated with divine guidance and victory. The sound of marching in the tops of these trees was a signal for King David to advance, indicating the presence and action of the LORD in leading Israel to triumph over their enemies.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The identification of the "mulberry trees" in these passages has been debated. Some suggest that the trees mentioned are not the mulberry trees (Morus species) familiar to modern readers but rather a type of balsam tree, possibly the poplar or aspen, known for its rustling leaves. The balsam tree was valued in ancient times for its fragrant resin, which was used in perfumes and medicinal ointments.

The strategic use of these trees in the narrative underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance and the assurance of God's presence in battle. The rustling of the leaves was interpreted as a supernatural sign, demonstrating God's sovereignty and active involvement in the affairs of His people.

Symbolism and Theological Significance:

The mulberry or balsam trees symbolize the necessity of obedience and attentiveness to God's instructions. David's reliance on God's direction, rather than his own military prowess, highlights a recurring biblical theme: victory and success come from the LORD. The trees serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of spiritual discernment.

In a broader theological context, the mulberry trees can be seen as a metaphor for the believer's need to be sensitive to the movements of the Holy Spirit. Just as David waited for the sound in the trees, Christians are called to wait upon the Lord and follow His leading in their lives.

Conclusion:

While the exact species of the "mulberry trees" mentioned in the Bible remains uncertain, their role in the narrative of David's battles is clear. They represent a divine signal and a testament to God's guidance and provision for His people. The lessons drawn from these passages continue to inspire faith and reliance on God's wisdom and timing.

The Sound in the Mulberry Trees
... The Sound in the Mulberry Trees. A Sermon (No.147). ... David was not to go to battle,
until he heard a sound of a rustling in the tons of the mulberry trees. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the sound in the mulberry.htm

The Great Confession - the Great Commission - the Great ...
... Philippi. About an hour and a half farther, we strike the ancient Roman
road. We are now amidst vines and mulberry-trees. Passing ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxvii the great confession.htm

Continues the Same Subject: Explains the Prayer of Union by a ...
... When, in the warm weather, the mulberry trees come into leaf, the little egg
which was lifeless before its food was ready, begins to live. ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter ii continues the same 3.htm

The Rock of Castello.
... mountains, whose tops are almost lost in the clouds, while the little stream that
murmurs below has its banks covered with vines and mulberry trees, rich corn ...
/.../macduff/the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/the rock of castello.htm

The Image of Self.
... This is David anointed King over all Israel. There is another! David defeating the
Philistines in the battle under the mulberry trees. There is one more! ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lx the image of self.htm

Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857
... Love Thy Neighbour. The Good Man's Life and Death. The Sound in the Mulberry Trees.
Five Fears. Independence of Christianity. India's Ills and England's Sorrows ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/

Psalm LXXVIII.
... to the locust" (ver.46). "And He slew with hail their vineyards, and their
mulberry trees with frost" (ver.47). "And He gave over ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxviii.htm

The Bible
... The deserted cities are being occupied. Millions of Mulberry trees are
being planted, the desert and the waste places cultivated. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/the bible.htm

The Memphite Empire
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 2. <. ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Mulberry-trees (4 Occurrences)
Mulberry-trees. Mulberry-tree, Mulberry-trees. Mulcted .
Multi-Version Concordance Mulberry-trees (4 Occurrences). 2 ...
/m/mulberry-trees.htm - 7k

Mulberry (6 Occurrences)
... Hebrews bakah, "to weep;" rendered "Baca" (RV, "weeping") in Psalm 84:6. The plural
form of the Hebrew bekaim is rendered "mulberrytrees" in 2 Samuel 5:23, 24 ...
/m/mulberry.htm - 11k

Balsam (10 Occurrences)
... Circle around behind them, and attack them over against the mulberrytrees. ... Turn
away from them, and come on them over against the mulberrytrees. ...
/b/balsam.htm - 10k

Tops (37 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 5:24 It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the
mulberrytrees, that then you shall stir yourself up; for then Yahweh has ...
/t/tops.htm - 18k

Marching (17 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 5:24 It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the
mulberrytrees, that then you shall stir yourself up; for then Yahweh has ...
/m/marching.htm - 12k

Trees (179 Occurrences)
... See LILY. MULBERRY; TREES. ... Circle around behind them, and attack them over against
the mulberrytrees. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/t/trees.htm - 45k

Circle (32 Occurrences)
... Circle around behind them, and attack them over against the mulberrytrees. ... Turn
away from them, and come on them over against the mulberrytrees. ...
/c/circle.htm - 17k

Inquired (74 Occurrences)
... Circle around behind them, and attack them over against the mulberrytrees. ... Turn
away from them, and come on them over against the mulberrytrees. ...
/i/inquired.htm - 28k

Philistine (63 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 5:24 It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the
mulberrytrees, that then you shall stir yourself up; for then Yahweh has ...
/p/philistine.htm - 29k

Hearest (18 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 5:24 And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops
of the mulberrytrees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the ...
/h/hearest.htm - 11k

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