1 Chronicles 14:15
New International Version
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.”

New Living Translation
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.”

English Standard Version
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.”

Berean Standard Bible
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.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
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.”

New American Standard Bible
When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the baka-shrubs, then you shall go out to battle, for God will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.”

NASB 1995
“It shall be when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall go out to battle, for God will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.”

NASB 1977
“And it shall be when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall go out to battle, for God will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And it will be that when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall go out to battle, for God will have gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.”

Amplified Bible
It shall be when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike the Philistine army.”

Christian Standard Bible
When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then go out to battle, for God will have gone out ahead of you to strike down the army of the Philistines.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then march out to battle, for God will have marched out ahead of you to attack the camp of the Philistines.”

American Standard Version
And it shall be, when thou hearest the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry-trees, that then thou shalt go out to battle; for God is gone out before thee to smite the host of the Philistines.

Contemporary English Version
Wait there until you hear the treetops making the sound of marching troops. That sound will mean I have marched out ahead of you to fight the Philistine army. So you must then attack quickly!"

English Revised Version
And it shall be, when thou hearest the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt go out to battle: for God is gone out before thee to smite the host of the Philistines;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
As you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then go out and fight because God has gone ahead of you to defeat the Philistine army."

Good News Translation
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."

International Standard Version
When you hear the sound of marching coming from the tops of the balsam trees, then go out to battle, because God will have gone out ahead of you to destroy the Philistine army."

Majority Standard Bible
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.?

NET Bible
When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the trees, then attack. For at that moment the LORD is going before you to strike down the army of the Philistines."

New Heart English Bible
And it shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, that then you shall go out to battle; for God has gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines."

Webster's Bible Translation
And it shall be, when thou shalt hear a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees, then thou shalt go out to battle: for God hath gone forth before thee to smite the host of the Philistines.

World English Bible
When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then go out to battle; for God has gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and it comes to pass, when you hear the sound of the stepping at the heads of the mulberries, then you go out into battle, for God has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.”

Young's Literal Translation
and it cometh to pass, when thou hearest the sound of the stepping at the heads of the mulberries, then thou goest out into battle, for God hath gone out before thee to smite the camp of the Philistines.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be in thy hearing a voice of the goings in the heads of the weepings, then thou shall go forth in war: for God will go forth before thee to strike the camp of the rovers.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when thou shalt hear the sound of one going in the tops of the pear trees, then shalt thou go out to battle. For God is gone out before thee to strike the army of the Philistines.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when you hear a sound approaching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall go forth to war. For God has gone forth before you, so that he may strike down the army of the Philistines.”

New American Bible
When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then go forth to battle, for God has already gone before you to strike the army of the Philistines.

New Revised Standard Version
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.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And it shall be, when you hear the sound of howling in the top of the mountain, then you shall go out to battle; for the LORD has gone forth before you to smite the army of the Philistines.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when you will hear the sound of wailing on the top of the mountain, then go out for battle, because then LORD JEHOVAH will have gone out before you to destroy the encampment of the Philistines.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And it shall be, when thou hearest the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry-trees, that then thou shalt go out to battle; for God is gone out before thee to smite the host of the Philistines.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it shall be, when thou shalt hear the sound of their tumult in the tops of the pear trees, then thou shalt go into the battle: for God has gone out before thee to smite the army of the Philistines.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Two Victories over the Philistines
14So David again inquired of God, who answered him, “Do not march up after them, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. 15As 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.” 16So David did as God had commanded him, and they struck down the army of the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.…

Cross References
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 gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.”

Joshua 6:2-5
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. ...

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.

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.”

Isaiah 28:21
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.

Isaiah 30:21
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.”

Isaiah 37:36
Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!

Exodus 14:14
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

2 Chronicles 20:17
You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’”

Psalm 46:10
“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.”

Psalm 144:1
Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.

Matthew 10:20
For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

John 14:26
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.

Acts 2:2
Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.

Acts 5:19-20
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.”


Treasury of Scripture

And it shall be, when you shall hear a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then you shall go out to battle: for God is gone forth before you to smite the host of the Philistines.

Leviticus 26:36
And upon them that are left alive of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.

2 Kings 7:6
For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even 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.

2 Kings 19:7
Behold, I will send a blast upon him, and he shall hear a rumour, and shall return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.

then thou

Judges 4:14
And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is 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.

Judges 7:9,15
And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Arise, get thee down unto the host; for I have delivered it into thine hand…

1 Samuel 14:9-22
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…

for God

Isaiah 13:4
The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the LORD of hosts mustereth the host of the battle.

Isaiah 45:1,2
Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; …

Micah 2:12,13
I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as the flock in the midst of their fold: they shall make great noise by reason of the multitude of men…

Jump to Previous
Army Battle Camp Fight Footsteps Forth Front Goest Heads Hear Hearest Host Marching Mean Move Mulberries Mulberry Mulberry-Trees Overcome Philistine Philistines Smite Soon Sound Stepping Strike Tops Trees
Jump to Next
Army Battle Camp Fight Footsteps Forth Front Goest Heads Hear Hearest Host Marching Mean Move Mulberries Mulberry Mulberry-Trees Overcome Philistine Philistines Smite Soon Sound Stepping Strike Tops Trees
1 Chronicles 14
1. Hiram's kindness to David
2. David's fortune in people, wives, and children
8. His two victories against the Philistines














As soon as you hear
This phrase emphasizes the immediacy and readiness required in responding to God's guidance. The Hebrew root for "hear" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but also understanding and obeying. In the biblical context, hearing is often linked with obedience, suggesting that the people of Israel were to be attentive and responsive to God's instructions.

the sound of marching
The "sound of marching" is a divine signal, indicating God's presence and action. The Hebrew word for "sound" is "קוֹל" (qol), which can mean voice, sound, or noise. This supernatural phenomenon signifies God's intervention, reminiscent of other biblical instances where God uses natural elements to communicate His will, such as the sound of a mighty wind or a trumpet.

in the tops of the balsam trees
The "balsam trees" are significant in the ancient Near Eastern context. The Hebrew word "בְּכָאִים" (bekhaim) refers to a type of tree known for its aromatic resin. These trees were common in the region and their mention here may symbolize a place of divine encounter. The imagery of the sound in the treetops suggests a heavenly army moving above, reinforcing the idea of divine intervention from above.

move out to battle
This command to "move out" is a call to action based on divine timing. The Hebrew verb "יָצָא" (yatsa) means to go out or come forth. It underscores the necessity of aligning human action with God's timing. The Israelites were to act in faith, trusting that God had prepared the way for victory.

because God has gone out before you
This phrase assures the Israelites of God's leadership and presence. The Hebrew name for God here is "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), emphasizing His power and sovereignty. The concept of God going "before you" is a recurring biblical theme, indicating His role as a divine warrior leading His people to victory, as seen in other scriptures like Deuteronomy 31:8.

to strike the camp of the Philistines
The "camp of the Philistines" represents the enemy stronghold. The Hebrew word for "strike" is "נָכָה" (nakah), meaning to smite or defeat. This phrase highlights God's active role in delivering His people from their enemies. Historically, the Philistines were a persistent threat to Israel, and this victory would have been a significant demonstration of God's power and faithfulness to His covenant people.

(15) A sound of going.--Rather, the sound of marching. The sign may have been a natural one. David was to listen for the wind rustling in the tops of the bacas--a sound like that of walking on dead leaves--and then to make his attack. (But comp 2Kings 7:6.) But we are reminded, in connection with this fragment of David's history, that all ancient people attached a prophetic import to the motion and rustling of leaves. Omens from trees are mentioned in the table of contents of the great Assyrian work on terrestrial omens, compiled by order of Sargon of Agade or Accad (about 2200 B.C.). Comp. also the speaking oaks of Dodona, the laurel of Delos (Virg. 'n. iii. 91), and that of Delphi (Hymn to Apollo, 393). The "oak of the diviners" (Judges 9:37), and perhaps Deborah's palm-tree, and even the burning bush, must be referred to the same order of ideas. The Arabs believe the thorny bushes of the gharqad capable of uttering prophetic words; and with them the sam-ra, or Egyptian thorn, is sacred. These analogies, however, do not militate against the reality or the miraculous character of the Biblical occurrence. The Divine communications with man always assume the form best adapted for striking the mind amidst reigning ideas. Biblical visions, e.g., always have the colour of the seer's environment: those of Joseph are Egyptian; those of Ezekiel in the Exile, Assyrian. (See, further, Lenormant, La Divination en Chaldee).

Then thou shalt go out to battle.--A paraphrase of the term used in Samuel.

For God is gone forth.--"Then" (Samuel), viz., "when thou hast heard the signal."

Verse 15. - A sound of going. This is net a mere generic or longer form of expression to signify a sound itself. There is significance in the word "going." The sense of the Hebrew word would be thrown out more emphatically by such a rendering as, the sound of steps (literally, stepping). When the motion of the agitated leaves simulated the sound of steps, the stepping of men, then David and his army were to step forth to battle. Though the root of the "stepping" spoken of as heard in the trees is not identical with that of the "going" repeated twice in the remainder of the verse - Then thou shalt go out... for God is gone forth - yet it does alliterate to some extent with it, and rather creates the impression that it was intended to do so. However, the parallel place does not sustain this impression, inasmuch as a different word, "Thou shalt bestir thyself," is there employed, in place of the first occurrence of our supposed alliteration, in the clause, "Thou shalt go out." There is something stirring to the imagination, and probably it was felt so by David and his men, in the signal unseen yet not unheard, and in a sense not of earth, but midway between earth and heaven. The very various voices of the various trees, according to the character of their foliage, may well set poetry going, and startle or fascinate imagination, as the case may be. The music of one tree or grove is as different from that of another as can be - listen to the difference between the melancholy plaint so unceasing of some plantation of firs, and the multitudinous, silvery, rippling of but one white poplar of good size. Presumably the sound in the present ease more resembled that of the steady tramp of them that march.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
As soon as
וִ֠יהִי (wî·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

you hear
כְּֽשָׁמְעֲךָ֞ (kə·šā·mə·‘ă·ḵā)
Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

the sound
ק֤וֹל (qō·wl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6963: A voice, sound

of marching
הַצְּעָדָה֙ (haṣ·ṣə·‘ā·ḏāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6807: A march, an, ankle-chain

in the tops
בְּרָאשֵׁ֣י (bə·rā·šê)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7218: The head

of the balsam trees,
הַבְּכָאִ֔ים (hab·bə·ḵā·’îm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1057: The weeping tree

then
אָ֖ז (’āz)
Adverb
Strong's 227: At that time, place, therefore

move out
תֵּצֵ֣א (tê·ṣê)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

to battle,
בַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה (ḇam·mil·ḥā·māh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war

because this will mean that
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

God
הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙ (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

has marched out
יָצָ֤א (yā·ṣā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

before you
לְפָנֶ֔יךָ (lə·p̄ā·ne·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

to strike
לְהַכּ֖וֹת (lə·hak·kō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5221: To strike

the camp
מַחֲנֵ֥ה (ma·ḥă·nêh)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 4264: An encampment, an army

of the Philistines.”
פְלִשְׁתִּֽים׃ (p̄ə·liš·tîm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 14:15 It shall be when you hear (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
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