בָּכָא (ba.kah)
ba.kah
balsam
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun baḵāh refers to the balsam tree, a shrub known for dripping aromatic sap when its bark is cut. This distinctive feature gave the plant a reputation for producing valuable ointments and perfumes in the ancient Near East. The term appears only four times in the Hebrew Bible, making it a rare lexical item.
Most occurrences link the word to royal or military contexts, specifically describing the balsam trees found near Jericho. In 2 Samuel 5:23 and 1 Chronicles 14:14, God instructs David to wait for the sound of marching in the tops of these trees before attacking the Philistines. The specific mention of this tree suggests it was a notable landmark or perhaps part of the terrain’s acoustic properties.
One source also suggests that baḵāh might be the name of a valley filled with these trees, mentioned in Psalm 84:6 as the "valley of Baca." In this poetic context, the location represents a place of trial or weeping that pilgrims transform into a spring. The word’s rarity underscores the unique significance of the balsam tree in biblical geography and symbolism.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word baḵāh points to the balsam tree, a plant known for its sweet-smelling sap. In the Bible, it appears in stories where King David faced powerful enemies. God did not tell David to charge forward immediately. Instead, He gave specific instructions about the trees, showing that divine guidance often comes with precise details.
These verses remind us that waiting is part of faith. When you feel unsure about your next step, remember that God can use ordinary things—like a tree or a sound—to direct your path. You do not need to force outcomes. Trusting His timing brings peace, even when the battle seems overwhelming.
Whether you face a small daily challenge or a large life decision, this word encourages patience. God goes before you, preparing the way. Rest in that promise, knowing He guides your steps with care and wisdom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ balsam trees3×
- [the] balsam trees1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/בְּכָאִֽים\׃1×
- הַ/בְּכָאִ֖ים1×
- הַ/בְּכָאִ֔ים1×
- בְּכָאִֽים\׃1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 5:23
When David inquired of Yahweh, he said, “You shall not go up. Circle around behind them, and attack them in front of the mulberry trees.
This verse establishes the initial divine instruction to avoid a direct attack, highlighting the strategic importance of the balsam trees in David's military planning.
-
II Samuel 5:24
When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then stir yourself up; for then Yahweh has gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.”
Here, the sound in the tree tops signals God's active presence going before Israel, turning a natural phenomenon into a clear sign for battle.
-
I Chronicles 14:14
David inquired again of God; and God said to him, “You shall not go up after them. Turn away from them, and come on them opposite the mulberry trees.
The parallel account reinforces that David consistently sought God's specific guidance regarding the terrain and timing of the engagement.
-
I Chronicles 14:15
When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then go out to battle; for God has gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.”
This occurrence confirms the repeated nature of the sign, assuring David that God's victory is secured by His command rather than human strength.