Mulberry-Tree
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Topical Encyclopedia
The mulberry tree, referenced in the Bible, is a significant plant that appears in the context of ancient Israel's landscape and culture. The Hebrew word often translated as "mulberry" is "bekhaim," which some scholars suggest may refer to the balsam tree or a similar species. However, traditional interpretations have long associated it with the mulberry tree.

Biblical References:

The mulberry tree is mentioned in the context of King David's military strategies. In 2 Samuel 5:23-24 , we read: "So David inquired of the LORD, and He 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.'" This passage highlights the strategic use of the mulberry trees as a signal for divine intervention and guidance in battle.

Similarly, 1 Chronicles 14:14-15 recounts the same event: "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.'"

Cultural and Symbolic Significance:

In the biblical narrative, the mulberry tree serves as a symbol of God's presence and guidance. The rustling of the leaves in the tops of the trees was a divine signal for David to advance, indicating that God was actively participating in the battle. This underscores the belief in God's sovereignty and His direct involvement in the affairs of His chosen people.

The mulberry tree's mention in these passages also reflects the agrarian context of ancient Israel, where trees and plants were integral to daily life and often carried symbolic meanings. The mulberry tree, with its broad leaves and sturdy nature, may have been seen as a representation of strength and resilience, qualities that were essential for the Israelites in their military campaigns and spiritual journey.

Botanical Considerations:

While the exact species of the tree mentioned in the Bible is debated, the mulberry tree known today (Morus species) is a deciduous tree valued for its fruit and leaves. In the ancient Near East, similar trees would have been common and utilized for various purposes, including food, shade, and possibly medicinal uses.

In summary, the mulberry tree in the Bible is more than just a plant; it is a testament to God's providence and a reminder of His active role in guiding and protecting His people. The passages involving the mulberry tree encourage believers to seek divine guidance and to trust in God's timing and methods, even in the face of formidable challenges.
ATS Bible Dictionary
Mulberry-Tree

The word-translated mulberry-tree signifies literally weeping, and indicates some tree, which distils balsam or gum. The particular species is not known; though some think the popular, or aspen, may be intended, 2 Samuel 5:23-24; 1 Chronicles 14:14-15.

Greek
4807. sukaminos -- the mulberry tree, the sycamine
... the mulberry tree, the sycamine. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration:
sukaminos Phonetic Spelling: (soo-kam'-ee-nos) Short Definition: a sycamore ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4807.htm - 7k

4809. sukomorea -- the fig-mulberry tree, sycamore fig
... the fig-mulberry tree, sycamore fig. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration:
sukomorea Phonetic Spelling: (soo-kom-o-rah'-yah) Short Definition: a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4809.htm - 7k

Strong's Hebrew
1057. baka -- balsam tree
... mulberry tree. The same as Baka'; the weeping tree (some gum- distilling tree, perhaps
the balsam) -- mulberry tree. see HEBREW Baka'. 1056, 1057. baka. 1058 ...
/hebrew/1057.htm - 6k
Library

The Adventures of Saint Denis of France.
... their swords. After living many months on this hard fare a mulberry-tree, loaded
with luscious fruit, appeared before them. "Ah!" exclaimed ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter five the adventures of.htm

Second Great Group of Parables.
... The sycamine tree is the well-known black mulberry tree, which belongs to the same
natural order as the fig-tree, and is a tree distinguished for being deeply ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xcii second great group of 7.htm

The Tears of Christ.
... Even to-day they point to the mulberry tree of Isaiah, where one of the
greatest of the prophets was slain in the Valley of Kedron. ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon xlv the tears of.htm

How to Pray
... said to Jesus, "Help us to have greater faith." But he said, "If you had faith even
the size of a mustard-seed and said to this mulberry-tree, 'Be rooted up ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/how to pray.htm

The Ascension of Isaiah.
... It is marked by an ancient mulberry tree standing at the side of the Red, or Lower,
Pool, a reservoir formed by the overflow from Siloam. [283] Epiphan. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the ascension of isaiah.htm

B. The Second Stages. Chs. 13:22 to 17:10
... nature, namely, "a grain of mustard seed," they would be able by a word to accomplish
incredible results, speaking figuratively, to cause a mulberry tree to be ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/b the second stages chs.htm

Thesaurus
Mulberry-tree (1 Occurrence)
Mulberry-tree. Mulberry, Mulberry-tree. Mulberry-trees .
Multi-Version Concordance Mulberry-tree (1 Occurrence). Isaiah ...
/m/mulberry-tree.htm - 6k

Black-mulberry-tree (1 Occurrence)
Black-mulberry-tree. Blackish, Black-mulberry-tree. Blackness .
Multi-Version Concordance Black-mulberry-tree (1 Occurrence). ...
/b/black-mulberry-tree.htm - 6k

Mulberry (6 Occurrences)
... Luke 17:6 "If your faith," replied the Lord, "is like a mustard seed, you might
command this black-mulberry-tree, 'Tear up your roots and plant yourself in the ...
/m/mulberry.htm - 11k

Sycamine (1 Occurrence)
... Sycamine tree. Mentioned only in Luke 17:6. It is rendered by Luther "mulberry
tree" (qv), which is most probably the correct rendering. ...
/s/sycamine.htm - 8k

Blackness (13 Occurrences)

/b/blackness.htm - 12k

Totter (9 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 40:20 The wise workman makes selection of the mulberry-tree of the offering,
a wood which will not become soft; so that the image may be fixed to it and ...
/t/totter.htm - 8k

Topple (3 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 40:20 The wise workman makes selection of the mulberry-tree of the offering,
a wood which will not become soft; so that the image may be fixed to it and ...
/t/topple.htm - 7k

Tear (97 Occurrences)
... Luke 17:6 "If your faith," replied the Lord, "is like a mustard seed, you might
command this black-mulberry-tree, 'Tear up your roots and plant yourself in the ...
/t/tear.htm - 37k

Roots (31 Occurrences)
... Luke 17:6 "If your faith," replied the Lord, "is like a mustard seed, you might
command this black-mulberry-tree, 'Tear up your roots and plant yourself in the ...
/r/roots.htm - 16k

Mulberry-trees (4 Occurrences)
Mulberry-trees. Mulberry-tree, Mulberry-trees. Mulcted . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See JPS ASV DBY). Mulberry-tree, Mulberry-trees. Mulcted . ...
/m/mulberry-trees.htm - 7k

Resources
What is the Valley of Baca in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to have mustard seed faith? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Jesus curse the fig tree? | GotQuestions.org

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