The sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry-trees— "This may be rendered, among the first of the mulberry-trees; i.e. among the trees which were the first in order, and by which they entered into the grove; so that God gives David for a sign, the sound of many men's feet, walking on the ground amidst the trees, though nobody should be seen among those trees, which were before the eyes of all David's army." Houb. The Hebrew might be rendered, when thou hearest the sound of a moving in the tops, &c. Which implies nothing more than a ruling and extraordinary sound among the trees, which was to be the signal for David's attack.
REFLECTIONS.—1st, The Philistines, alarmed at David's success, the union of the kingdoms under him, and the friendship of Hiram, thought it high time to fall upon him before he was thoroughly settled in his throne, lest afterwards they should attempt it too late. They invade Israel with a numerous army, and pitch near Jerusalem, in the valley of Rephaim. David is ready to receive them, and goes down to the hold, some fortress which was below Jerusalem, where probably was the general rendezvous of his army. Before he goes forth, however, he inquires of God, and is sent with assurance of success. Confidently, therefore, he attacks and defeats their army, seizes their gods, whom they had brought into the field as their protectors, and, according to the Divine command, cast them into the fire. From this signal victory, the place is called Baal-perazim; God having broken forth as a resistless torrent upon his enemies, and thrown them down slain before him. Note;
(1.) Though the enemies of God's people think to crush them with their numerous forces, they assemble only to their own confusion. (2.) When we inquire of God upon our knees, we may expect an answer of peace, and go forth with confidence to oppose our spiritual enemies, assured that God will bruise sin and Satan shortly under our feet. (3.) They who put their trust in creature-supports, will find them as vain as the images of the Philistines.
2nd, One repulse abates not their courage, but rather kindles their desire of revenge. They dare a second time renew their invasions, and encamp on the very spot where they had been before routed: so foolishly and wilfully do sinners rush on their own destruction. David again has recourse to God for direction; and, as before he was ordered to march and meet them with the drawn sword, now he must fetch a compass behind them, and God will fight for him; so that he shall have nothing to do, but pursue their flying hosts. A rushing noise among the trees is to be the signal for him to fall on; he obeys, and the Philistines are smitten and pursued to their borders, as far as Gazer. Note; (1.) When we wait God's motions, our warfare must prosper. (2.) The repeated efforts of corruption and temptation in the faithful soul, though grievous for the present, weaken the root of sin, lead to an entire conquest, and strengthen the graces in the hearts of believers. (3.) On a sound like a rushing mighty wind, the Holy Ghost descended upon the Apostles, and then Satan's kingdom fell before the sword of the Spirit, the word of God in their mouths.