Bible Dictionary
Mulbury Trees
The “mulberry trees” of 2 Samuel 5 and 1 Chronicles 14 were probably poplars, aspens, or another uncertain species. Their rustling foliage was associated with the sign of God’s movement before David’s army.
Definition
The “mulberry trees” mentioned in the accounts of David’s battles are of uncertain identity. Proposed identifications include pear trees, aspens, and poplars, especially trees whose leaves tremble and rustle in a light breeze.
Biblical Usage
The “going in the tree tops” may refer to the rustling of these leaves, which accompanied the divine signal connected with David’s attack.
Historical Background
The Hebrew word does not permit a certain botanical identification. The interpretation depends chiefly on the possibility that trembling leaves produced the reported sound.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(Heb. becaim). Mention of these is made only in (2 Samuel 5:23,24) and 1Chr 14:14 We are quite unable to determine what kind of tree is denoted by the Hebrew word. Some believe pear trees are meant; others the aspen or poplar, whose leaves tremble and rustle with the slightest breeze, even when the breeze is not otherwise perceptible. It may have been to the rustling of these leaves that the “going in the tree tops” refers. (2 Samuel 5:23,24)