Day 25 – Mulberry
(Morus)
“And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, 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 KJV
After David was anointed King over all Israel and conquered Jerusalem (which he called the City of David) from the Jebusites, the Philistines gathered their forces against him. David asked the Lord if Israel should attack, and they won. But instead of running for the hills defeated, the Philistines regrouped and march against him for a second time. David enquired from the Lord once more and God gave him the instruction to “compass behind them” to the mulberry trees and wait until he hears the rustling sound of leaves in the treetops. (The Rabbis refers to this as the celestial footsteps of God and His armies who went into battle on behalf of Israel.)
The mulberry symbolises God’s direction, our compass of where we should follow to gain the victory. Our obedience in God will never lead to destruction, but always to the triumph in Jesus Christ for God’s glory. I know, that when things get tough, we want to run in the opposite direction of the battle – but ask God (like David did), obey God (like David did) and wait on Him while you listen for His celestial footsteps.
Prayer: Father, thank You for being our compass and going before us to destroy our enemies. Show us that every step in obedience to Your Word guides us to victory. Quiet our hearts to listen for Your rustle in the tops of the mulberry trees to where You direct us. Amen.
Love, Pastor Iriza
