King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 14:15 Mean?

1 Chronicles 14:15 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Chronicles 14:15 · KJV

Context

13

And the Philistines yet again spread themselves abroad in the valley.

14

Therefore David enquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.

15

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.

16

David therefore did as God commanded him: and they smote the host of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gazer.

17

And the fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations.

Read 1 Chronicles 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on David's kingdom established - royal success. The Hebrew term מַמְלָכָה (mamlakah) - kingdom is theologically significant here, pointing to God establishes and blesses obedient leaders. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about God establishes and blesses obedient leaders. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Kingdom of God inaugurated by Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of David's kingdom established - royal success occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on God establishes and blesses obedient leaders challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Kingdom of God inaugurated by Christ teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וִ֠יהִי1 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּֽשָׁמְעֲךָ֞2 of 18

“And it shall be when thou shalt hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶת3 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

ק֤וֹל4 of 18

“a sound”

H6963

a voice or sound

הַצְּעָדָה֙5 of 18

“of going”

H6807

a march; (concretely) an (ornamental) ankle-chain

בְּרָאשֵׁ֣י6 of 18

“in the tops”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הַבְּכָאִ֔ים7 of 18

“of the mulberry trees”

H1057

the weeping tree (some gum-distilling tree, perhaps the balsam)

אָ֖ז8 of 18
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

יָצָ֤א9 of 18

“is gone forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

בַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה10 of 18

“to battle”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

כִּֽי11 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יָצָ֤א12 of 18

“is gone forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙13 of 18

“for God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לְפָנֶ֔יךָ14 of 18

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

לְהַכּ֖וֹת15 of 18

“thee to smite”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת16 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מַֽחֲנֵ֥ה17 of 18

“the host”

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

פְלִשְׁתִּֽים׃18 of 18

“of the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 14:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 14:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 13:4Acts 2:2Isaiah 45:1-22 Kings 19:7Micah 2:12-13Philippians 2:12-13

Test Your Knowledge

1 Chronicles 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Chronicles 14 with CommentaryAll 1 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 1 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes