Mulberries
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Biblical References:
Mulberries are mentioned in the Bible primarily in the context of King David's military strategies. The specific references to mulberry trees are found in 2 Samuel 5:23-24 and 1 Chronicles 14:14-15. In these passages, the mulberry trees play a significant role in God's guidance to David during his battles against the Philistines.

2 Samuel 5:23-24 : "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. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because this will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.'"

1 Chronicles 14:14-15 : "So David again inquired of God, and God answered him, 'Do not march up after them; circle around and attack them in front of the balsam trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move out to battle, because God has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.'"

Historical and Cultural Context:
The term "mulberry" in these passages is translated from the Hebrew word "bekhaim," which is often rendered as "balsam" or "mulberry" trees. The exact species of tree referred to is a matter of some debate among scholars. Some suggest it may refer to the mulberry tree (Morus species), while others propose it could be a type of balsam or poplar tree. Regardless of the specific species, these trees were significant in the ancient Near East for their shade and possibly for their fruit or resin.

Symbolic and Theological Significance:
In the biblical narrative, the mulberry trees are not merely botanical references but carry a deeper symbolic meaning. They represent God's direct intervention and guidance in the affairs of His chosen leader, David. The sound of marching in the tops of the trees was a divine signal for David to advance, indicating God's presence and assurance of victory. This underscores the theme of divine providence and the importance of seeking God's guidance in decision-making.

Practical Applications:
The account of the mulberry trees serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and attentiveness to God's instructions. Just as David waited for the specific sign from God before engaging in battle, believers are encouraged to seek and heed God's guidance in their own lives. The account illustrates the principle that success and victory come not from human strength or strategy alone but from reliance on God's direction and timing.

Conclusion:
The mention of mulberry trees in the Bible, though brief, carries significant theological weight. It highlights the relationship between God and His people, emphasizing trust, obedience, and the assurance of His presence in the midst of life's battles.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(n.) Plural of Mulberry.
Library

Whether Wine of the Grape is the Proper Matter of this Sacrament?
... Therefore this sacrament can be celebrated in any kind of wine, such as of pomegranates,
or of mulberries; since vines do not grow in some countries. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether wine of the grape.htm

The Adventures of Saint Denis of France.
... While yet wondering and mechanically finishing his mulberries, he felt a very
uncomfortable sensation coming over his own head and legs. ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter five the adventures of.htm

A Provision Ground
... The Provencal, the model farmer, can retreat on his almonds if his mulberries fail;
on his olives, if his vines fail; on his maize, if his wheat fails. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xvi a provision ground.htm

The American Experiments, 1734-1762.
... Instead of the wildness of the desert were nut trees, plums, cherries, mulberries
and all manner of fruits; instead of scattered wigwams, orderly streets of ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xiv the american experiments.htm

Concerning Persecution
... As they show elephants the blood of grapes and mulberries to make them fight the
better, so the Holy Ghost shows us the blood of saints and martyrs to infuse a ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

Thesaurus
Mulberries (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Mulberry. Multi-Version Concordance
Mulberries (4 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 5:23 and David ...
/m/mulberries.htm - 7k

Mulberry (6 Occurrences)
... 34)): The Syrians at Bathzacharias "to the end they might provoke the elephants
to fight, they, shewed them the blood of grapes and mulberries." This reference ...
/m/mulberry.htm - 11k

Stepping (13 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 5:24 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 ...
/s/stepping.htm - 10k

Asketh (40 Occurrences)
... 5:23 and David asketh of Jehovah, and He saith, 'Thou dost not go up, turn round
unto their rear, and thou hast come to them over-against the mulberries, (YLT). ...
/a/asketh.htm - 18k

Over-against (156 Occurrences)
... 5:23 and David asketh of Jehovah, and He saith, 'Thou dost not go up, turn round
unto their rear, and thou hast come to them over-against the mulberries, (YLT). ...
/o/over-against.htm - 38k

Trees (179 Occurrences)
... 34)): The Syrians at Bathzacharias "to the end they might provoke the elephants
to fight, they, shewed them the blood of grapes and mulberries." This reference ...
/t/trees.htm - 45k

Mufflers (1 Occurrence)

/m/mufflers.htm - 6k

Sycamine (1 Occurrence)
... Maccabees 6:34 (moron), "the blood of.... mulberries," which was shown to the
elephants of the Syrians. The white mulberry, M. alba, has ...
/s/sycamine.htm - 8k

Sharply (20 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 5:24 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 ...
/s/sharply.htm - 12k

Gather (251 Occurrences)
... Version (British and American) "a dresser of sycomore-trees" ("a nipper of sycomore
figs, ie helping to cultivate a sort of figs or mulberries produced by the ...
/g/gather.htm - 47k

Resources
Mulberries: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Mulberries (4 Occurrences)

2 Samuel 5:23
and David asketh of Jehovah, and He saith, 'Thou dost not go up, turn round unto their rear, and thou hast come to them over-against the mulberries,
(YLT)

2 Samuel 5:24
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.'
(YLT)

1 Chronicles 14:14
and David asketh again of God, and God saith to him, 'Do not go up after them, turn round from them, and thou hast come to them from over-against the mulberries;
(YLT)

1 Chronicles 14:15
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.'
(YLT)

Subtopics

Mulberries

Related Terms

Mulberry-trees (4 Occurrences)

Mulberry-tree (1 Occurrence)

Black-mulberry-tree (1 Occurrence)

Sycamine (1 Occurrence)

Balsam (10 Occurrences)

Trees (179 Occurrences)

Tops (37 Occurrences)

Marching (17 Occurrences)

Sycamore (9 Occurrences)

Phoenicians

Phoenicia (6 Occurrences)

Circle (32 Occurrences)

Tree (245 Occurrences)

Blackness (13 Occurrences)

Lebanon (66 Occurrences)

Inquired (74 Occurrences)

Philistine (63 Occurrences)

Hearest (18 Occurrences)

Graft (1 Occurrence)

Irrigation

Botany

Totter (9 Occurrences)

Topple (3 Occurrences)

Tear (97 Occurrences)

Roots (31 Occurrences)

Mulberries (4 Occurrences)

Mulcted

Promptly (4 Occurrences)

Baca (1 Occurrence)

Bee (1 Occurrence)

Bestir (4 Occurrences)

Blackish (1 Occurrence)

Calf (39 Occurrences)

Silkworm

Selects (3 Occurrences)

Sycomore (3 Occurrences)

Silk (4 Occurrences)

Instantly (39 Occurrences)

Sheep (413 Occurrences)

Circuit (27 Occurrences)

Stir (57 Occurrences)

Mean (93 Occurrences)

Front (327 Occurrences)

Compass (51 Occurrences)

Soft (36 Occurrences)

Naphtali (51 Occurrences)

Command (442 Occurrences)

Fetch (45 Occurrences)

Strike (168 Occurrences)

Looks (76 Occurrences)

Idol (56 Occurrences)

Food (2953 Occurrences)

Selection (71 Occurrences)

Syria (73 Occurrences)

Move (113 Occurrences)

Proper (62 Occurrences)

Names (133 Occurrences)

Mufflers
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