Two Victories over the Philistines
After hearing of David’s anointing, the Philistines spread through the Valley of Rephaim. David asks the LORD whether to attack, receives assurance, defeats them at Baal-perazim, and carries away the idols they leave behind.
W17hen the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went down to the stronghold. 18Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. 19So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” 20So David went to Baal-perazim, where he defeated the Philistines and said, “Like a bursting flood, the LORD has burst out against my enemies before me.” So he called that place Baal-perazim. 21There the Philistines abandoned their idols, and David and his men carried them away.
When the Philistines return, David asks the LORD again and receives a different plan: circle behind them and wait for the sound in the balsam trees. David obeys that command and strikes them from Gibeon to Gezer.
22Once again the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. 23So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. 24As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because this will mean that the LORD has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” 25So David did as the LORD had commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.