Marching in the tops of the mulberry trees

by Granny Girl

I read in II Samuel chapter 5 this morning about King David going against the Philistines. As soon as the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they deployed their army to attack. David asked God, "Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?" and the Lord said to David, "Go up, for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into your hands."

David obeyed, God delivered, the Philistines were defeated. But one trouncing wasn't enough. The Philistines deployed against the Israelites again.  When David asked God to direct him, God told him, "You shall not go up; circle around behind them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees. And it shall be when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall advance quickly. For then the Lord will go out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines."

Is that not the coolest command ever? Wait until you hear marching in the tops of the mulberry trees! God knew the terrain, the time, and the enemy's position. And it sure sounds like He sent his army of angels to lead the battle. Who else would march at the top of the mulberry trees?

We all face battles in our lives. The same God who sent a heavenly army to help David and the Israelites has not changed. He still sends instructions for the fight and His heavenly warriors to lead the fight. And He delivers us in victory! So next time I face a battle, I'm going to listen for the sound of marching in the tops of the trees!