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 14:15KJV
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1 Chronicles 14:15 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 14:15 mean?

1 Chronicles 14:15 tells David that when he hears a sound like marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, it is the sign that God has gone ahead of him to defeat the Philistine army, and that is when David should go out to battle. The verse shows that David is to wait for a clear sign from God before acting, trusting that God is leading the way.

In this scene, God is giving David specific instructions during a time of conflict with the Philistines. The "sound of going" in the trees is described as a supernatural signal, not just a natural noise, indicating God's direct involvement in the battle. This moment highlights David's dependence on God's guidance and the assurance that victory comes from God's action, not just military strategy.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 14:15

  • "hear" (שָׁמַע, shama‘): This word means more than just hearing a noise; it often carries the sense of paying attention or listening with intent. Here, David is to be alert and ready for God's signal.
  • "sound" (קוֹל, qol): This word can mean voice, sound, or noise. In this verse, it refers to a distinct, recognizable sound that serves as a divine sign.
  • "going" (צְעָדָה, tze‘adah): This word is often understood as the sound of marching or movement, suggesting the noise of an army on the move. The verse uses it to describe the supernatural "marching" sound in the treetops.
  • "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): The use of Elohim emphasizes that it is God Himself who goes before David, not just a general sense of divine help.

Why 1 Chronicles 14:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David's victories were not just due to his own skill or timing, but because he waited for and followed God's specific guidance.
  • The detail about the "sound of going" in the trees shows that God can use unexpected or unusual signs to direct His people, emphasizing the importance of attentiveness and obedience.
  • In the wider story, this moment sets David apart as a leader who seeks and trusts God's direction, contrasting with other leaders who might act on their own initiative.

Where else these words appear

“going” Hebrew H6807 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Samuel 5:24 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.
  • Isaiah 3:20 The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings,

“trees” Hebrew H1057 · used in 5 verses

  • 2 Samuel 5:23 And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.
  • 2 Samuel 5:24 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.
  • 1 Chronicles 14:14 Therefore David enquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.