2 Samuel 5:24
2 Samuel 5:24 in Multiple Translations
As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because this will mean that the LORD has marched out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.”
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.
And it shall be, when thou hearest the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry-trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself; for then is Jehovah gone out before thee to smite the host of the Philistines.
Then at the sound of footsteps in the tops of the trees, go forward quickly, for the Lord has gone out before you to overcome the army of the Philistines.
Immediately you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees be ready, because this means the Lord has marched out before you to attack the Philistine camp.”
And when thou hearest the noyse of one going in the toppes of the mulberie trees, then remoue: for then shall the Lord goe out before thee, to smite the hoste of the Philistims.
and it cometh to pass, in thy hearing the sound of a stepping in the tops of the mulberries, then thou dost move sharply, for then hath Jehovah gone out before thee to smite in the camp of the Philistines.'
When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then stir yourself up; for then the LORD has gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.”
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.
And when thou shalt hear the sound of one going in the tops of the pear trees, then shalt thou join battle: for then will the Lord go out before thy face to strike the army of the Philistines.
When you hear something in the tops of the balsam trees that sounds like an army marching, attack them, because I will have gone ahead of you to enable your army to defeat their army.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 5:24
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 5:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וִ֠/יהִי
ב/שמע/ך
כְּֽ/שָׁמְעֲ/ךָ֞
אֶת
ק֧וֹל
צְעָדָ֛ה
בְּ/רָאשֵׁ֥י
הַ/בְּכָאִ֖ים
אָ֣ז
תֶּחֱרָ֑ץ
כִּ֣י
אָ֗ז
יָצָ֤א
יְהוָה֙
לְ/פָנֶ֔י/ךָ
לְ/הַכּ֖וֹת
בְּ/מַחֲנֵ֥ה
פְלִשְׁתִּֽים
וִ֠/יהִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3ms
ב/שמע/ך
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
כְּֽ/שָׁמְעֲ/ךָ֞
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
ק֧וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms
צְעָדָ֛ה
tsᵉʻâdâh
H6807
marching
N-fs
בְּ/רָאשֵׁ֥י
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Prep | N-mp
הַ/בְּכָאִ֖ים
bâkâʼ
H1057
balsam
Art | N-mp
אָ֣ז
ʼâz
H227
then
Adv
תֶּחֱרָ֑ץ
chârats
H2782
to decide
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אָ֗ז
ʼâz
H227
then
Adv
יָצָ֤א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לְ/פָנֶ֔י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
לְ/הַכּ֖וֹת
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
בְּ/מַחֲנֵ֥ה
machăneh
H4264
camp
Prep | N-cs
פְלִשְׁתִּֽים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 5:24
וִ֠/יהִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
ב/שמע/ך
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
כְּֽ/שָׁמְעֲ/ךָ֞
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
ק֧וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
צְעָדָ֛ה
tsᵉʻâdâh
H6807
"marching"
N-fs
This word describes an ornament worn on the ankle or arm, such as a bracelet or anklet. In some contexts, it also refers to chains or restraints on the legs. The King James Version translates it as going or ornament of the legs.
Definition: marching
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: going, ornament of the legs. See also: 2 Samuel 5:24; 1 Chronicles 14:15; Isaiah 3:20.
בְּ/רָאשֵׁ֥י
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Prep | N-mp
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הַ/בְּכָאִ֖ים
bâkâʼ
H1057
"balsam"
Art | N-mp
The balsam tree is a shrub that produces a valuable sap, perhaps the same tree mentioned in Psalm 84:6. It was highly valued for its medicinal properties and is still referenced today for its fragrant resin.
Definition: 1) balsam tree-a shrub which drips sap when it is cut 2) possible name of a vale of balsam trees in Ps 84:6
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: mulberry tree. See also: 2 Samuel 5:23; 1 Chronicles 14:14; 1 Chronicles 14:15.
אָ֣ז
ʼâz
H227
"then"
Adv
This Hebrew word refers to a past time or place, often used to describe something that happened earlier. It can also be used as a conjunction to show a cause-and-effect relationship. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) then, at that time 1a) temporal expressions 1a1) then (past) 1a2) then, if...then (future) 1a3) earlier 1b) logical expressions 1b1) in that case 1b2) that (being so)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: beginning, for, from, hitherto, now, of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet. See also: Genesis 4:26; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 2:5.
תֶּחֱרָ֑ץ
chârats
H2782
"to decide"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
Charats means to decide or determine something, often implying a sense of sharpness or clarity. In the Bible, it is used to describe making a decision or taking action.
Definition: 1) to cut, sharpen, decide, decree, determine, maim, move, be decisive, be mutilated 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to cut, mutilate 1a2) to sharpen 1a3) to decide 1b) (Niphal) to be decisive
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: bestir self, decide, decree, determine, maim, move. See also: Exodus 11:7; Isaiah 10:22; Isaiah 10:23.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אָ֗ז
ʼâz
H227
"then"
Adv
This Hebrew word refers to a past time or place, often used to describe something that happened earlier. It can also be used as a conjunction to show a cause-and-effect relationship. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) then, at that time 1a) temporal expressions 1a1) then (past) 1a2) then, if...then (future) 1a3) earlier 1b) logical expressions 1b1) in that case 1b2) that (being so)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: beginning, for, from, hitherto, now, of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet. See also: Genesis 4:26; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 2:5.
יָצָ֤א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לְ/פָנֶ֔י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
לְ/הַכּ֖וֹת
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
בְּ/מַחֲנֵ֥ה
machăneh
H4264
"camp"
Prep | N-cs
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
פְלִשְׁתִּֽים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 5:24
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- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 5:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 5:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 5:24
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:24
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:24
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:24
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:24
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 5:24
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:24
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 5:24
Context — Two Victories over the Philistines
22Once again the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim.
23So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.
24As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because this will mean that the LORD has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.”
25So David did as the LORD had commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 7:6 | For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.” |
| 2 | Judges 4:14 | Then Deborah said to Barak, “Arise, for this is the day that the LORD has delivered Sisera into your hand. Has not the LORD gone before you?” So Barak came down from Mount Tabor with ten thousand men following him. |
| 3 | Judges 7:15 | When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship. He returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Get up, for the LORD has delivered the camp of Midian into your hand.” |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 14:15 | As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move out to battle, because this will mean that God has marched out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 14:9–12 | If they say, ‘Wait until we come to you,’ then we will stay where we are and will not go up to them. But if they say, ‘Come on up,’ then we will go up, because this will be our sign that the LORD has delivered them into our hands.” So the two of them showed themselves to the outpost of the Philistines, who exclaimed, “Look, the Hebrews are coming out of the holes in which they were hiding!” So the men of the outpost called out to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come on up, and we will teach you a lesson!” “Follow me,” Jonathan told his armor-bearer, “for the LORD has delivered them into the hand of Israel.” |
| 6 | Philippians 2:11–12 | and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. |
2 Samuel 5:24 Summary
[This verse tells us that God is a God who goes before us and fights for us, just like He did for David when he was about to battle the Philistines. When we hear the 'sound of marching' in our own lives, it's a signal that God is on the move and we can trust in His plan. As it says in Deuteronomy 31:8, 'The Lord Himself goes before you; He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.' We can have confidence in God's presence and power, just like David did, and trust that He will give us the victory, as promised in 1 Corinthians 15:57.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees signify?
The sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees signifies that the Lord has marched out before David to strike the camp of the Philistines, as stated in 2 Samuel 5:24, giving David the assurance that God is with him in battle, just as He was with Joshua in Joshua 10:14.
Why did God instruct David to circle around behind the Philistines instead of attacking them head-on?
God's instruction for David to circle around behind the Philistines and attack them in front of the balsam trees, as seen in 2 Samuel 5:23, demonstrates His sovereign wisdom and plan for victory, similar to His guidance of the Israelites in the wilderness, as recorded in Exodus 13:18.
How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God?
This verse highlights the importance of faith and trust in God, as David is instructed to wait for the sound of marching in the balsam trees before moving, demonstrating his trust in God's plan and timing, much like the faith exhibited by the prophets in Hebrews 11:6.
What can we learn from David's obedience to God's instruction in this verse?
David's obedience to God's instruction in 2 Samuel 5:24 teaches us the value of surrendering to God's will and plan, even when it may not make sense to us, and trusting in His goodness and sovereignty, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to wait for God's signal before taking action, and how can I cultivate the patience and trust to do so?
- How does the concept of God marching out before us, as seen in this verse, impact my understanding of His presence and involvement in my life?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of trusting in God's plan and timing, as demonstrated by David in this verse, to my own life and challenges?
- What are some 'balsam trees' in my life where I need to listen for the sound of God's marching, and how can I tune my heart to hear His voice?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 5:24
And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees,.... Of a going of the wind on the tops of these trees, making a rustling upon them, and that in such a manner
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:24
The sound of a going; a noise as it were of persons walking upon the tops of them, which I shall cause; and by this sign, both thou shalt be assured that I am coming to help thee, and the Philistines shall be affrighted and amused, and not perceive the noise of thy army until thou art upon them. Then thou shalt bestir thyself; do thou fall upon them.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:24
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.Ver. 24. The sound of a going.] A hurry noise made by God’ s angels, as 2 Kings 7:6, who are come to thy help. Then thou shalt bestir thyself.] Break forth presently and set upon the enemy. We must also, in the spiritual warfare, observe and obey the motions of the Spirit, when he setteth up his standard; for those are the sound of God’ s goings, the footsteps of his anointed.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:24
(24) The sound of a going.—After David has gone to the rear of his enemies, he is to wait by “the mulberry trees,” or, as now generally understood, baca-shrubs, a plant resembling the balsam. Here a Divine signal was to be given him in “the sound of a going,” or, rather, of a march. The word is used of the march of the hosts of the Lord in Judges 5:4; Psalms 68:7. Then David was to “bestir himself,” literally, be sharp; he was to act quickly and vigorously.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:24
Verse 24. When thou hearest the sound of a going] If there had not been an evident supernatural interference, David might have thought that the sleight or ruse de guerre which he had used was the cause of his victory. By the going in the tops of the mulberry trees probably only a rustling among the leaves is intended. The Targum says, a noise; the Arabic has it, the noise of horses' hoofs.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 5:24
24. the sound of a going] The sound of marching. The cognate verb is used of Jehovah “marching” (so to speak) before His people in Judges 5:4; Psalms 68:7; Habakkuk 3:12. A rustling in the tops of the trees like the marching of an army was to be the signal that Jehovah Himself would lead David’s army to victory. Cp. 2 Kings 7:6. bestir thyself] In Chron. less forcibly “go out to battle.” then shall the Lord go out before thee] The use of the perfect tense in the original gives an emphasis to the assurance. “Then hath Jehovah gone forth before thee.” The E. V. renders it rightly in Chron.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:24
24. The sound of a going — Like the noise of a moving army. It was the sound of Jehovah’s host moving before the army of Israel and leading David on to victory; and though, like Elisha’s servant, his
Sermons on 2 Samuel 5:24
| Sermon | Description | |
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(2 Samuel) King David in Triumph by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing when the Lord is at work and being ready to advance quickly in our spiritual battles. Using the example of Davi |
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Listen for the Signal by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of being attentive to the signs of God's movement, as illustrated by the sound in the tops of the mulberry trees, which signaled David to ac |
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When God Says "Trust Me," He Means It! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes God's unwavering faithfulness throughout history, illustrating how He has met the needs of His people, from providing manna in the wilderness to miraculo |
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An Example of God’s Purpose in Our Taking Spoils by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the spiritual warfare faced by David when the Amalekites attacked Ziklag, illustrating that such attacks are aimed at undermining God's eternal purpose. |
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Lighthouses of Faith by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the role of faith as a guiding light during dark times, using examples from the Old Testament such as Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, and Samuel. Ea |
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A Biscuit at a Banquet by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and believing in His supernatural power to work through ordinary, weak individuals. It highlights the need for the chur |
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The Call of Gideon by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges. Gideon was uncertain if God was really with him, so he asked for a sign. He put a fleece o |