Mulberry Tree
Summary
A tree mentioned in connection with David's battle strategy against the Philistines, though its precise identification remains uncertain.
☩Uncertain Identification
The Hebrew word baka is supposed to derive from a root signifying 'weeping,' possibly referring to a tree that distills an odoriferous gum. The particular species is unknown, though some suggest the poplar or aspen. The true mulberry is believed to be the tree called sycamine in the New Testament.
☩David's Victory
When the Philistines spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim, God instructed David: 'Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. 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 5:23-24; 1 Chronicles 14:14-15). David was to wait for this secret sign from God before attacking.
☩Valley of Baca
Psalm 84:6 mentions the 'valley of Baca,' which pilgrims passed through on their way to Jerusalem. This valley was likely named for the prevalence of these trees. Celsius describes it as 'rugged and embarrassed with bushes and stones, which could not be passed through without labor and tears.' Some identify this with 'the rough valley' mentioned in Deuteronomy 21:4.
References
- 1.George Morrish, "Mulberry Tree," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 2.American Tract Society, "Mulberry-Tree," in American Tract Society Bible Dictionary (American Tract Society, 1859).
- 3.Richard Watson, "Mulberry Tree," in A Biblical and Theological Dictionary (John Mason, 1831).