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.

2 SAMUEL 5:24KJV
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2 Samuel 5:24 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 5:24 mean?

2 Samuel 5:24 tells David that when he hears a sound like marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, he should act quickly, because that is the sign that the LORD is moving ahead of him to strike down the Philistine army. This verse shows David receiving a specific signal from God to begin his attack.

God is speaking to David, giving him instructions for battle against the Philistines. The situation is tense: David is waiting for a sign to know when to move. The "sound of a going" in the treetops is described as a supernatural sign, indicating that God Himself is leading the charge. David is told not to act on his own timing, but to wait for this clear signal that the LORD is already at work on his behalf.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 5:24

  • "sound" (קוֹל, qol): This word often means "voice" or "sound." Here, it refers to a mysterious noise, suggesting something unusual or supernatural, not just a natural wind.
  • "going" (צְעָדָה, tze'adah): This word means "marching" or "movement." It paints a picture of footsteps or an army on the move, reinforcing the idea of God's presence leading the way.
  • "bestir" (חָרַץ, charatz): This word means "to act quickly" or "to move decisively." David is told to respond immediately when he hears the sign, not to hesitate.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, emphasizing that it is God Himself, not just a general force, who is going before David.

Why 2 Samuel 5:24 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David's victory depends on following God's timing and direction, not just his own military skill or strategy.
  • The supernatural sign in the trees highlights that God is actively involved in the battle, not distant or passive.
  • The verse connects to the broader story by showing David's reliance on God's guidance, which is a key theme in his leadership and in the book of Samuel as a whole.

Where else these words appear

“going” Hebrew H6807 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 14:15 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 1 Chronicles 14:15 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.

“bestir” Hebrew H2782 · used in 12 verses

  • Exodus 11:7 But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.
  • 1 Kings 20:40 And as thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone. And the king of Israel said unto him, So shall thy judgment be; thyself hast decided it.
  • Isaiah 28:22 Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth.