“When you hear a sound like marching feet in the tops of the poplar trees, be on the alert! That will be the signal that the Lord is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistine army.”
— 2 Samuel 5:24 (NLT)
Some moments in life require action. Others demand waiting. But there are rare, sacred times when we must do both—watch and wait—and be ready to move when God moves.
In 2 Samuel 5, David finds himself facing the Philistines once again. He’s already tasted victory in the earlier verses, but the enemy returns, and David doesn’t presume the same strategy will work twice. He does what great leaders do—he inquires of the Lord.
This time, God gives him a peculiar instruction: don’t attack immediately. Circle around. Wait. And listen.
Wait for what? For the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees. That sound would be the unmistakable sign that God Himself was moving ahead to bring the victory.
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
We’re not battling Philistines. But we are in a battle—spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and often, physically. We fight discouragement, temptation, doubt, fear, and weariness. Sometimes we’re tempted to rush in, to fix things ourselves, to use yesterday’s strategy for today’s problem.
But here’s the truth: We need to hear the marching in the trees.
We need the signal that God is ahead of us, preparing the way.
That sound might be:
- A confirmation in Scripture that jumps off the page.
- A wise word from a friend or mentor.
- A sense of peace in prayer.
- An open door after a long season of closed ones.
- The gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit
However it comes, when God moves, we move.
The Waiting Is Not Wasted
David waited. He listened. And then he acted at the right time. That’s the key.
Too often we think waiting means passivity. But waiting in God’s presence is active. It’s prayerful. It’s alert. It’s tuned in. Like David, we listen for God’s timing—not just His will, but His when.
Because victory isn’t just in knowing what to do. It’s in knowing when to do it.
For Believers Today
There are moments in life when I have sensed the Spirit moving in a unique way—maybe not in the way I planned. When that happens, I’ve learned to pause and pay attention. I listen for the sound in the trees.
The same applies to parenting, to pastoring, to making decisions about ministry, finances, relationships. God goes ahead of us, but only if we let Him lead.
Final Thought
What are you facing today? A battle? A decision? A confusing season?
Take a moment. Quiet your heart. Don’t rush in.
Wait. Ask the Lord. Listen. Obey.
The sound of marching in the trees may be closer than you think.
And when you hear it—move with courage, knowing God is already there.
