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2 Samuel 5:24 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."
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Samuel 5:24 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."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/5-24.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/10_2Sa_05_24.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 5:24 - Two Victories over the Philistines" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_samuel/5-24.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_samuel/5-24.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/">2 Samuel</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 24</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_samuel/5-23.htm" title="2 Samuel 5:23">◄</a> 2 Samuel 5:24 <a href="/2_samuel/5-25.htm" title="2 Samuel 5:25">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move quickly, because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When you hear a sound like marching feet in the tops of the poplar trees, be on the alert! That will be the signal that the LORD is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistine army.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then rouse yourself, for then the LORD has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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 gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And it shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall advance quickly. For then the LORD will go out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And it shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the baka-shrubs, then you shall act promptly, for then the LORD will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />“It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall act promptly, for then the LORD will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And it shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall act promptly, for then the LORD will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And it will be that when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall act promptly, for then Yahweh will have gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall pay attention <i>and</i> act promptly, for at that time the LORD will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, act decisively, for then the LORD will have gone out ahead of you to strike down the army of the Philistines.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, act decisively, for then the LORD will have marched out ahead of you to attack the camp of the Philistines.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Wait until you hear a sound in the treetops like marching troops. Then attack quickly! That sound will mean I have marched out ahead of you to fight the Philistine army. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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 the LORD gone out before thee to smite the host of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, act immediately because the LORD has gone ahead of you to defeat the Philistine army."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When you hear the sound of marching in the treetops, then attack because I will be marching ahead of you to defeat the Philistine army." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When you hear the sound of marching coming from the tops of the balsam trees, then be sure to act quickly, since the LORD will have gone out ahead of you to cut down the Philistine army." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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 gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the trees, act decisively. For at that moment the LORD is going before you to strike down the army of the Philistines."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And it shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, that then you are to act decisively; for then the LORD has gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then stir yourself up; for then Yahweh has gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and it comes to pass, in your hearing the sound of a stepping in the tops of the mulberries, then you move sharply, for then YHWH has gone out before you to strike in the camp of the Philistines.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 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.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it shall be in thy hearing the voice of the going in the heads of the weepings, then thou shalt be active, for then Jehovah will go forth before thee to strike upon the camp of the rovers.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when you hear the sound of something going forth from the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall begin the battle. For then the Lord will go forth, before your face, so that he may strike the army of the Philistines.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, act decisively, for then the LORD has already gone before you to strike the army of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then be on the alert; for then the LORD has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And when you hear the sound of marching on the top of the mountain of Bachim, then you shall become strong; for then shall the LORD go out before you to smite the army of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And when you have heard the sound of those walking on the top of the mountain of Bakim, then be strong, because then LORD JEHOVAH has gone out before you to strike the encampment of the Philistines”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />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 the LORD gone out before thee to smite the host of the Philistines.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And it shall come to pass when thou hearest the sound of a clashing together from the grove of weeping, then thou shalt go down to them, for then the Lord shall go forth before thee to make havoc in the battle with the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/5-24.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=1399" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/5.htm">Two Victories over the Philistines</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">23</span>So 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. <span class="reftext">24</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wî·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.Jus-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">As soon as</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: bə·šå̄·mə·ʿă·ḵå̄ (Prep-k:: V-Qal-Inf:: 2ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">you hear</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6963.htm" title="6963: qō·wl (N-msc) -- Sound, voice. Or qol; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound.">the sound</a> <a href="/hebrew/6807.htm" title="6807: ṣə·‘ā·ḏāh (N-fs) -- A march, an, ankle-chain. Feminine of tsa'ad; a march; an ankle-chain.">of marching</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: bə·rā·šê (Prep-b:: N-mpc) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">in the tops</a> <a href="/hebrew/1057.htm" title="1057: hab·bə·ḵā·’îm (Art:: N-mp) -- Balsam tree. The same as Baka'; the weeping tree.">of the balsam trees,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2782.htm" title="2782: te·ḥĕ·rāṣ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To cut, sharpen, decide. A primitive root; properly, to point sharply, i.e. to wound; figuratively, to be alert, to decide.">move quickly,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/227.htm" title="227: ’āz (Adv) -- At that time. A demonstrative adverb; at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore.">this will mean that</a> <a href="/hebrew/227.htm" title="227: ’āz (Adv) -- At that time. A demonstrative adverb; at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: yā·ṣā (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">has marched out</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lə·p̄ā·ne·ḵā (Prep-l:: N-cpc:: 2ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before you</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: lə·hak·kō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">to strike</a> <a href="/hebrew/4264.htm" title="4264: bə·ma·ḥă·nêh (Prep-b:: N-csc) -- An encampment, camp. From chanah; an encampment; hence, an army, whether literal or figurative.">the camp</a> <a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: p̄ə·liš·tîm (N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">of the Philistines.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">25</span>So David did as the LORD had commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/6-2.htm">Joshua 6:2-5</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Joshua, “Behold, I have delivered Jericho into your hand, along with its king and its mighty men of valor. / March around the city with all the men of war, circling the city one time. Do this for six days. / Have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark. Then on the seventh day, march around the city seven times, while the priests blow the horns. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/14-15.htm">1 Chronicles 14:15</a></span><br />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 gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/4-14.htm">Judges 4:14</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/14-13.htm">Exodus 14:13-14</a></span><br />But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. / The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-21.htm">Isaiah 30:21</a></span><br />And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-9.htm">1 Samuel 14:9-10</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/7-6.htm">2 Kings 7:6</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/18-29.htm">Psalm 18:29</a></span><br />For in You I can charge an army, and with my God I can scale a wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/28-21.htm">Isaiah 28:21</a></span><br />For the LORD will rise up as at Mount Perazim. He will rouse Himself as in the Valley of Gibeon, to do His work, His strange work, and to perform His task, His disturbing task.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/52-12.htm">Isaiah 52:12</a></span><br />For you will not leave in a hurry nor flee in haste, for the LORD goes before you, and the God of Israel is your rear guard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-19.htm">Acts 5:19-20</a></span><br />But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying, / “Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/28-20.htm">Matthew 28:20</a></span><br />and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-26.htm">John 14:26</a></span><br />But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-14.htm">Romans 8:14</a></span><br />For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/1-14.htm">Hebrews 1:14</a></span><br />Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And let it be, when you hear the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then you shall bestir yourself: for then shall the LORD go out before you, to smite the host of the Philistines.</p><p class="hdg">sound</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/7-6.htm">2 Kings 7:6</a></b></br> For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, <i>even</i> the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.</p><p class="hdg">thou shalt bestir</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/4-14.htm">Judges 4:14</a></b></br> And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this <i>is</i> the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/7-15.htm">Judges 7:15</a></b></br> And it was <i>so</i>, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and the interpretation thereof, that he worshipped, and returned into the host of Israel, and said, Arise; for the LORD hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/14-9.htm">1 Samuel 14:9-12</a></b></br> If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/2-6.htm">Act</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-23.htm">Army</a> <a href="/joel/3-12.htm">Bestir</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-3.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-20.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-17.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-9.htm">Hearest</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-17.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-23.htm">Host</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-29.htm">Marching</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-3.htm">Mean</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-48.htm">Move</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-23.htm">Mulberries</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-23.htm">Mulberry</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-23.htm">Mulberry-Trees</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-22.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/romans/13-7.htm">Promptly</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-23.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-10.htm">Sharply</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-22.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-10.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-14.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/judges/5-4.htm">Stepping</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-8.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-21.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/judges/9-36.htm">Tops</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-23.htm">Trees</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/6-7.htm">Act</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-9.htm">Army</a> <a href="/psalms/35-23.htm">Bestir</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-28.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-6.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-16.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-35.htm">Hearest</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-7.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-9.htm">Host</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-9.htm">Marching</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-2.htm">Mean</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-10.htm">Move</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/14-14.htm">Mulberries</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/14-14.htm">Mulberry</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/14-14.htm">Mulberry-Trees</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-25.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/mark/16-20.htm">Promptly</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-14.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-13.htm">Sharply</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-28.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-18.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-15.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/14-15.htm">Stepping</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-28.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-24.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-16.htm">Tops</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-33.htm">Trees</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/5-1.htm">The tribes come to Hebron and anoint David over Israel,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/5-4.htm">David's age</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/5-6.htm">Taking Zion from the Jebusites, he dwells in it</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/5-11.htm">Hiram sends to David,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/5-13.htm">Eleven sons are born to him in Jerusalem</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/5-17.htm">David, directed by God, smites the Philistines at Baal-perazim</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/5-22.htm">And again at the mulberry trees</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The "sound of marching" suggests a supernatural event, possibly the movement of angelic hosts. Balsam trees, known for their fragrant resin, were common in the region, and their tops would catch the wind, making a rustling sound. This sound was to be interpreted as a sign from God, emphasizing His direct involvement in the battle. The use of natural elements to convey divine messages is seen elsewhere in Scripture, such as the burning bush in <a href="/exodus/3-2.htm">Exodus 3:2</a>.<p><b>move quickly</b><br>The instruction to "move quickly" underscores the importance of immediate obedience to God's commands. In the context of ancient warfare, timing was crucial, and hesitation could lead to defeat. This urgency reflects the need for faith and trust in God's timing and guidance. Similar calls for prompt action are seen in <a href="/joshua/6-10.htm">Joshua 6:10</a>, where the Israelites are instructed to shout when they hear the trumpet sound.<p><b>because this will mean that the LORD has gone out before you</b><br>This phrase assures David and his men of God's leadership and presence in battle. The concept of God going before His people is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, symbolizing His role as a divine warrior. In <a href="/deuteronomy/31-8.htm">Deuteronomy 31:8</a>, God promises to go before Israel, providing assurance of victory and protection. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, where He acts as their protector and guide.<p><b>to strike the camp of the Philistines.</b><br>The Philistines were a persistent enemy of Israel, often representing opposition to God's purposes. God's intervention to "strike the camp" signifies His judgment against those who oppose His chosen people. This act of divine warfare is reminiscent of other instances where God directly intervenes to deliver Israel, such as in <a href="/exodus/14-14.htm">Exodus 14:14</a> during the crossing of the Red Sea. The defeat of the Philistines here prefigures the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death, as seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/15-57.htm">1 Corinthians 15:57</a>, where believers are assured of victory through Jesus Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The anointed king of Israel, who seeks God's guidance in battle.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The God of Israel, who provides divine strategy and assurance of victory.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a></b><br>The perennial enemies of Israel, representing opposition to God's people.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/b/balsam_trees.htm">Balsam Trees</a></b><br>The location where David is instructed to listen for the sound of marching, symbolizing divine intervention.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/v/valley_of_rephaim.htm">Valley of Rephaim</a></b><br>The geographical setting of the battle, known for its historical significance in Israel's military campaigns.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_guidance_in_decision-making.htm">Divine Guidance in Decision-Making</a></b><br>Just as David sought God's direction, believers should seek divine guidance in their decisions, trusting that God knows the best course of action.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a></b><br>David's success was contingent on his obedience to God's specific instructions. Similarly, our victories often depend on our willingness to follow God's commands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_battles.htm">God's Sovereignty in Battles</a></b><br>The passage reminds us that God is actively involved in the battles we face, both physical and spiritual. We can trust Him to lead us to victory.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/listening_for_god's_voice.htm">Listening for God's Voice</a></b><br>The sound in the balsam trees symbolizes the need to be attentive to God's voice. In our lives, we must cultivate a sensitivity to His leading.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/acting_in_faith.htm">Acting in Faith</a></b><br>Once David heard the sound, he acted decisively. Faith requires action; when God gives us a sign or direction, we must move forward confidently.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/ark_to_jerusalem__before_or_after_philistines.htm">When did David bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem? Before defeating the Philistines or after? After (2 Samuel 5 and 6) Before (I Chronicles 13 and 14)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/israel's_fighting_men_count.htm">How many fighting men were in Israel? (2 Samuel 24:9 vs. 1 Chronicles 21:5)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_many_fighting_men_in_israel.htm">In that count how many fighting men were found in Israel? Eight hundred thousand (2 Samuel 24:9) One million, one hundred thousand (I Chronicles 21:5)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/judah's_fighting_men__500k_or_470k.htm">How many fighting men were found in Judah? Five hundred thousand (2 Samuel 24:9) Four hundred and seventy thousand (I Chronicles 21:5)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(24) <span class= "bld">The sound of a going.</span>--After David has gone to the rear of his enemies, he is to wait by "the mulberry trees," or, as now generally understood, <span class= "ital">baca-shrubs, </span>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 <a href="/judges/5-4.htm" title="LORD, when you went out of Seir, when you marched out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water.">Judges 5:4</a>; <a href="/psalms/68-7.htm" title="O God, when you went forth before your people, when you did march through the wilderness; Selah:">Psalm 68:7</a>. Then David was to "bestir himself," literally, <span class= "ital">be sharp; </span>he was to act quickly and vigorously.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 24.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The sound of a going;</span> Hebrew, <span class="accented">a marching.</span> Under the cover of this thicket David was to wait until he heard the sound as of the regular tramp of an army in the tops of the baca trees. It would be in the morning that the wind would shake the treetops, but the sound was to be something more than the soft whispers of a gentle breeze. A gale was to put them into sudden motion, and then the soldiers would know that their Jehovah had gone forth to battle, and David must immediately <span class="accented">bestir</span> himself. The enthusiasm of his men must not cool down, but as soon as the wind rustled he must charge the enemy, and his warriors, feeling that they were going with the host of God, would break down all resistance by their impetuous onset. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/5-24.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">As soon as</span><br /><span class="heb">וִ֠יהִי</span> <span class="translit">(wî·hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you hear</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּֽשָׁמְעֲךָ֞</span> <span class="translit">(kə·šā·mə·‘ă·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the sound</span><br /><span class="heb">ק֧וֹל</span> <span class="translit">(qō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6963.htm">Strong's 6963: </a> </span><span class="str2">A voice, sound</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of marching</span><br /><span class="heb">צְעָדָ֛ה</span> <span class="translit">(ṣə·‘ā·ḏāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6807.htm">Strong's 6807: </a> </span><span class="str2">A march, an, ankle-chain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the tops</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּרָאשֵׁ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·rā·šê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> </span><span class="str2">The head</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the balsam trees,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַבְּכָאִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(hab·bə·ḵā·’îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1057.htm">Strong's 1057: </a> </span><span class="str2">The weeping tree</span><br /><br /><span class="word">move quickly,</span><br /><span class="heb">תֶּחֱרָ֑ץ</span> <span class="translit">(te·ḥĕ·rāṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2782.htm">Strong's 2782: </a> </span><span class="str2">To point sharply, to wound, to be alert, to decide</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this will mean</span><br /><span class="heb">אָ֗ז</span> <span class="translit">(’āz)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_227.htm">Strong's 227: </a> </span><span class="str2">At that time, place, therefore</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has marched out</span><br /><span class="heb">יָצָ֤א</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ṣā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before you</span><br /><span class="heb">לְפָנֶ֔יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·p̄ā·ne·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to strike</span><br /><span class="heb">לְהַכּ֖וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(lə·hak·kō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the camp</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּמַחֲנֵ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ma·ḥă·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4264.htm">Strong's 4264: </a> </span><span class="str2">An encampment, an army</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the Philistines.”</span><br /><span class="heb">פְלִשְׁתִּֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(p̄ə·liš·tîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> </span><span class="str2">Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/5-24.htm">2 Samuel 5:24 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/5-24.htm">2 Samuel 5:24 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/5-24.htm">2 Samuel 5:24 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/5-24.htm">2 Samuel 5:24 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/5-24.htm">2 Samuel 5:24 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/5-24.htm">2 Samuel 5:24 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/5-24.htm">2 Samuel 5:24 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/5-24.htm">2 Samuel 5:24 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/5-24.htm">2 Samuel 5:24 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/5-24.htm">2 Samuel 5:24 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/5-24.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 5:24 It shall be when you hear (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/5-23.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 5:23"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 5:23" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/5-25.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 5:25"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 5:25" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>