As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam treesThis phrase indicates a divine signal for action. The "sound of marching" suggests a supernatural event, possibly the movement of angelic hosts. Balsam trees, known for their fragrant resin, were common in the region, and their tops would catch the wind, making a rustling sound. This sound was a sign from God, reminiscent of other biblical instances where God used natural phenomena to communicate, such as the burning bush in
Exodus 3:2. The use of trees as a medium for divine communication underscores God's sovereignty over creation.
move out to battle
This command to "move out" signifies obedience and readiness to act upon God's timing. It reflects the principle that victory in battle is contingent upon divine guidance rather than human strength alone. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that success comes from following God's instructions, as seen inJoshua 6 with the fall of Jericho. The call to action emphasizes faith and trust in God's plan.
because this will mean that God has gone out before you
The assurance that "God has gone out before you" highlights the concept of God as a warrior leading His people. This imagery is consistent with passages likeExodus 14:14, where God fights for Israel. It reassures the Israelites of divine presence and support, reinforcing the covenant relationship where God promises to protect and deliver His people. This phrase also prefigures Christ, who goes before believers as the ultimate leader and protector.
to strike the camp of the Philistines
The Philistines were a recurring enemy of Israel, representing opposition to God's people. The phrase "strike the camp" indicates a decisive victory orchestrated by God. Historically, the Philistines were a formidable force, often challenging Israel's security and faith. This victory is a testament to God's power over Israel's enemies and serves as a reminder of His faithfulness to His promises. It also foreshadows the ultimate defeat of spiritual enemies through Christ's victory on the cross.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DavidThe King of Israel, anointed by God, who seeks divine guidance in battle.
2.
PhilistinesA recurring enemy of Israel, representing opposition to God's people.
3.
Balsam TreesThe location where David is instructed to listen for God's signal, symbolizing divine intervention.
4.
GodThe ultimate commander and deliverer, who goes before Israel to ensure victory.
5.
BattleThe context of the event, highlighting the spiritual and physical warfare faced by God's people.
Teaching Points
Divine Guidance in Decision-MakingJust as David sought God's direction before battle, believers should seek God's guidance in all decisions, trusting His timing and methods.
Listening for God's SignalThe sound in the balsam trees represents the importance of being attentive to God's voice. Believers must cultivate a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading in their lives.
God Goes Before UsThe assurance that God goes before us in our battles provides comfort and confidence. We are not alone in our struggles, and His presence ensures victory.
Spiritual Warfare AwarenessRecognizing that our battles are not just physical but spiritual, we must equip ourselves with prayer and the Word of God, relying on His strength.
Obedience to God's InstructionsDavid's success was contingent on his obedience to God's specific instructions. Similarly, our victories are tied to our willingness to follow God's commands.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 14:15?
2.How does 1 Chronicles 14:15 demonstrate God's guidance in spiritual battles today?
3.What does "sound of marching" signify about God's presence and timing?
4.How can we discern God's instructions like David in 1 Chronicles 14:15?
5.Connect 1 Chronicles 14:15 with other instances of divine guidance in Scripture.
6.How can we apply the lesson of waiting for God's signal in life?
7.What does 1 Chronicles 14:15 reveal about God's guidance in battles?
8.How does 1 Chronicles 14:15 demonstrate the importance of listening for God's instructions?
9.Why does God use the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 14?
11.1 Chronicles 14:15 – Are there natural or archaeological explanations for the sound “in the tops of the balsam trees” that signaled God’s assistance in battle?
12.In 1 Kings 15:14, why are the high places said to remain, yet 2 Chronicles 14:3 claims Asa removed them?
13.What natural or historical evidence supports the sudden 'panic' that supposedly afflicted the Philistine army (1 Samuel 14:15)?
14.When did David bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem? Before defeating the Philistines or after? After (2 Samuel 5 and 6) Before (I Chronicles 13 and 14)What Does 1 Chronicles 14:15 Mean
As soon as you hear the sound of marching• David is given a precise audible cue: God will signal the moment to act.
• This is the second Philistine encounter in the Valley of Rephaim (1 Chronicles 14:13–14).
• Similar divine signals appear in Scripture—Gideon’s jars and trumpets (Jud 7:15–22) and Joshua’s ram’s horns at Jericho (Joshua 6:2–5).
• The Lord remains consistent: He speaks at the right time, and obedience to His timing brings victory (Psalm 27:14).
in the tops of the balsam trees• The unusual location underscores supernatural origin: footsteps where no soldier could march.
• God often uses creation as His instrument—thunder on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16), a whisper on Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:11–12), an earthquake and wind for Elijah.
• The specific mention of “balsam trees” roots the event in real geography, reminding us this is literal history, not allegory.
move out to battle• Divine initiative never negates human responsibility; David must still advance.
• Faith acts on God’s word (Hebrews 11:8).
• Waiting until God speaks, then stepping immediately, illustrates disciplined obedience (Proverbs 3:5–6).
• Spiritual parallel: we resist the enemy when God’s Spirit prompts (Ephesians 6:10–13).
because this will mean that God has gone out before you• The battle is won in heaven before it is fought on earth (2 Chronicles 20:15–17).
• “Gone out before you” echoes the pillar of cloud and fire leading Israel (Exodus 13:21–22).
• Assurance of the Lord’s presence removes fear (Deuteronomy 31:8;Romans 8:31).
• Victory depends on His advance, not ours (Psalm 44:3).
to strike the camp of the Philistines• God targets the real, historical enemy threatening His covenant people.
• The Philistines had just plundered idols (1 Chronicles 14:12); God’s judgment exposes their impotence (Isaiah 46:1–2).
• When the Lord strikes, He delivers completely—see the Red Sea (Exodus 14:30) and the Assyrian army (2 Kings 19:32–35).
• David’s swift compliance brings a rout, securing Israel’s borders and God’s honor (1 Chronicles 14:16–17).
summary1 Chronicles 14:15 records a literal, divinely orchestrated signal that guarantees David’s victory. God speaks through an unmistakable sound, demonstrating His sovereignty over nature and warfare. David’s role is simple: wait, listen, then act in faith. The passage reminds believers that the Lord still leads, still fights ahead of His people, and still calls us to obedient partnership in every battle.
(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 asוִ֠יהִי(wî·hî)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, beyou hearכְּֽשָׁמְעֲךָ֞(kə·šā·mə·‘ă·ḵā)Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlythe soundק֤וֹל(qō·wl)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6963:A voice, soundof marchingהַצְּעָדָה֙(haṣ·ṣə·‘ā·ḏāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6807:A march, an, ankle-chainin the topsבְּרָאשֵׁ֣י(bə·rā·šê)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7218:The headof the balsam trees,הַבְּכָאִ֔ים(hab·bə·ḵā·’îm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1057:The weeping treethenאָ֖ז(’āz)Adverb
Strong's 227:At that time, place, thereforemove outתֵּצֵ֣א(tê·ṣê)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3318:To go, bring, out, direct and proximto battle,בַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה(ḇam·mil·ḥā·māh)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421:A battle, warbecause this will mean thatכִּֽי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionGodהָֽאֱלֹהִים֙(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativehas marched outיָצָ֤א(yā·ṣā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318:To go, bring, out, direct and proximbefore youלְפָנֶ֔יךָ(lə·p̄ā·ne·ḵā)Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6440:The faceto strikeלְהַכּ֖וֹת(lə·hak·kō·wṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5221:To strikethe campמַחֲנֵ֥ה(ma·ḥă·nêh)Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 4264:An encampment, an armyof the Philistines.”פְלִשְׁתִּֽים׃(p̄ə·liš·tîm)Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430:Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia
Links
1 Chronicles 14:15 NIV1 Chronicles 14:15 NLT1 Chronicles 14:15 ESV1 Chronicles 14:15 NASB1 Chronicles 14:15 KJV
1 Chronicles 14:15 BibleApps.com1 Chronicles 14:15 Biblia Paralela1 Chronicles 14:15 Chinese Bible1 Chronicles 14:15 French Bible1 Chronicles 14:15 Catholic Bible
OT History: 1 Chronicles 14:15 It shall be when you hear (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr) 
