1 Chronicles 14 15

1 Chronicles 14:15 kjv

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.

1 Chronicles 14:15 nkjv

And it shall be, when you hear a sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines."

1 Chronicles 14:15 niv

As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move out to battle, because that will mean God has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army."

1 Chronicles 14:15 esv

And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines."

1 Chronicles 14:15 nlt

When you hear a sound like marching feet in the tops of the poplar trees, go out and attack! That will be the signal that God is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistine army."

1 Chronicles 14 verses

1 Chronicles 14 15 Meaning

First Chronicles 14:15 reveals a critical moment in David's military strategy, emphasizing divine guidance and the promise of God's active participation in battle. Upon hearing a distinct sound "in the tops of the mulberry trees," David is commanded to attack the Philistines. This sound, understood as the presence of the Lord going before him, serves as an undeniable signal, signifying God's direct involvement to secure victory against Israel's enemies. It underscores David's dependence on God for direction and God's faithfulness to lead His people to triumph.

1 Chronicles 14 15 Context

This verse is situated during David's reign as king over all Israel, shortly after he established Jerusalem as his capital and received recognition from Hiram of Tyre (1 Chron 14:1-7). The Philistines, sensing a consolidated and growing power in Israel under David, twice invaded the valley of Rephaim (1 Chron 14:8, 13). In the first encounter (1 Chron 14:9-12), David inquired of God and was directly told to attack, resulting in a decisive victory. However, the Philistines regrouped, presenting a new threat. Crucially, David did not assume past success guaranteed future victory or use the same strategy. Instead, he again "inquired of God" (1 Chron 14:14), demonstrating consistent reliance on divine counsel. The instruction given in 1 Chronicles 14:15, with its specific sign, is God's unique strategy for this second Philistine engagement, emphasizing the need for discerning and precise divine direction in every situation, even similar ones.

1 Chronicles 14 15 Word analysis

• And it shall be: A common introductory phrase in biblical prophecy or instruction, indicating a definite future event tied to a condition. It underscores the certainty of God's word.
• when thou shalt hear a sound: This emphasizes an auditory, unmistakable divine signal. David must perceive God's specific cue. The Hebrew for "sound" is qol (קוֹל), which can mean voice, noise, thunder, or report – a powerful, definitive communication.
• of going: The Hebrew word tza'ad (צָעַד) means "step," "march," or "stride." Combined with qol, it suggests the distinct sound of someone or something marching. This is not just wind, but an audible progression.
• in the tops of the mulberry trees: The "mulberry trees" (Hebrew: bĕka'îm - בְּכָאִים) are widely considered to be balsam trees, known for emitting a resin or fragrance, especially when disturbed. The "tops" (Hebrew: rosh - רֹאשׁ) indicate the highest part of the trees, implying the sound is otherworldly or divine, not merely human movement on the ground. This location might also relate to strategic ambush points or sacred groves associated with such trees.
• that then thou shalt go out to battle: This is the immediate and direct command to David. His action is a direct, obedient response to God's precise signal. Delay or pre-emption would have constituted disobedience.
• for God is gone forth before thee: This is the reason for the command and the guarantee of victory. "God" ('Elohim - אֱלֹהִים) emphasizes the singular, true God of Israel, actively engaged. "Gone forth" (yatza' - יָצָא) means "to go out," "to advance," or "to proceed," powerfully conveying God's active movement at the forefront of the battle. This signifies divine initiative, leadership, and protection, contrasting sharply with pagan gods who needed to be carried into battle or appeased to fight. It's a clear statement that the victory is entirely dependent on His presence.
• to smite the host of the Philistines: This is the clear objective and promised outcome. "Smite" (nakah - נָכָה) means to strike, to beat down, often implying a decisive defeat. "Host" (machaneh - מַחֲנֶה) refers to an army or camp, indicating the complete defeat of their organized force.

1 Chronicles 14 15 Bonus section

The sound heard in the trees, often described as the rustling of leaves or a "sound of marching," could be interpreted not only as a signal but also as God's host of angels moving into position. This implies that unseen spiritual forces were marshalling for battle under God's command. The imagery might also evoke a whirlwind or powerful wind, a common manifestation of God's presence (e.g., in Elijah's experience). The balsam trees were potentially seen as strategic points for their elevation and possibly aromatic properties. This narrative serves as a vital lesson that God's ways are often unconventional and require active listening and specific obedience, rather than blanket formulas for success. David's victories against the Philistines laid the foundation for Israel's security, setting the stage for Solomon's reign of peace, underscoring the spiritual importance of subduing opposition to fulfill God's kingdom purposes.

1 Chronicles 14 15 Commentary

1 Chronicles 14:15 showcases a profound principle of divine leadership and human obedience. David, a man after God's own heart, did not rely on past victories or military experience, but consistently sought God's will for each battle. God, in turn, provided a specific and supernatural sign – the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees. This wasn't merely a natural wind but a miraculous auditory manifestation of God's presence, distinct enough to be unmistakable. This precise instruction ensured David's timing was aligned with God's perfect plan. The essence of the verse lies in "God is gone forth before thee," declaring that the true strength and victory came not from David's army but from the Lord's active, preceding presence. This demonstrated that the battles of God's people are won by divine initiative, assuring His servants that when they follow His leading, His power will guarantee triumph over their adversaries. This also served as a polemic against the Philistine gods, revealing the incomparable power of Yahweh.