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. — 2 Samuel 5:24

For many months, I had a particular burden on my heart concerning one of my children. I wept many tears and prayed for hours. Often in the night, I woke and beseeched the Lord on behalf of my child. I would remind the Lord of promises in His Word. I rebuked Satan and claimed victory through Christ. At times the burden eased, but then it would come again.

One night, as I lay in bed talking to the Lord about my child, it felt like the Spirit of the Lord came down and suddenly a wonderful peace filled my being. It was my personal indication — my going in the mulberry trees — and somehow I knew God was going to work. Instantly, my burden was completely gone. The worry and anxiety that had oppressed me was totally lifted. I felt light and free — similar to the feeling after salvation. Only this time, it was not the burden of sin that was gone but the burden for my child. For days afterward a wonderful joy filled my heart.

There have been good days and hard days in my life since then, but never has the certainty left me that the Lord will work out every need for my child. Instead of entreating, I now thank the Lord for what He is doing. The peace of knowing the Lord is in control of the situation has never left me. His Spirit has witnessed to my spirit that He has begun to work in answer to my prayers.

God let David know that there would be clear indications when he and his army should move. Similarly, God let me know that He had heard and would answer my prayers. What a great encouragement the focus verse is for any one seeking the Lord! There is a time of searching the heart, a time of consecration, but then when God has shown His acceptance of the sacrifice, and His Spirit hovers near, it is like the going in the mulberry trees. The evidence of His Spirit is there with the promise of victory. It is then we can move forward and claim the promise!

BACKGROUND

The chapter begins after Saul’s death, with elders from all of the tribes in Israel gathering in Hebron to anoint David as king over all Israel. This was the third time David had been anointed, the first being by Samuel, and the second when David was made King over the tribe of Judah.

David determined to establish his kingdom in Jerusalem, which was still inhabited and controlled by the Jebusites, a Canaanite tribe of people. The city was well fortified and the Jebusites taunted David saying that even the blind and the lame could defend the city and prevail because it was so impregnable. David’s men were able to enter Jerusalem by a water tunnel. In just the last century, a shaft has been discovered in Jerusalem, connecting to a water tunnel forty-feet deep and leading outside the walls of the city. After this victory, Jerusalem was called the City of David.

When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they set out to stop him from taking control of the land. They camped in the Valley of Rephaim, which was only a short distance from Jerusalem. After enquiring of the Lord and receiving instruction to go against the Philistines, David defeated them. When they came again, God told David to go to battle only when he heard the sound in the mulberry trees. David obeyed, and won the victory over the Philistines.

AMPLIFIED OUTLINE

(Hannah’s Bible Outlines - Used by permission per WORDsearch)
I.   The success of King David
     B.   His reign over all Israel
           1.   The anointing of David as king (5:1-5)
           2.   The securement of David as king (5:6-25)
                 a.   The conquest of Zion, the new capitol (5:6-10)
                 b.   The friendship of King Hiram (5:11-12)
                 c.   The increased family of David (5:13-16)
                 d.   The defeat of the Philistines (5:17-25)
                       (1)   At Baal-perazim (5:17-21)
                       (2)   From Geba to Gazer (5:22-25)

A CLOSER LOOK

1. Why did God exalt David’s kingdom?
   
   
2. Why do you think God asked David to wait until he heard the sound in the mulberry trees before going to battle?
   
   
3. How can we be sure the Spirit of God will lead us to victory in the battles we will face?

CONCLUSION

It may take seeking, consecration, and time spent in prayer, but God will come with His Spirit and lead us to victory!