Of course the Philistines hated that David had been named King over Israel. They came up to defeat him, but David caught word that they were coming. He went into the stronghold and was protected. The Philistines then spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. The word Rephaim means “lofty beings, or giants.” These Philistines were recruiting the giants of the land to help out with their battles. With these giants in their ranks the Philistine army must have looked vicious. Here comes David’s first test as King. Would God bring Israel deliverance from enemies?
King David did what any good King would do. He inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?”
The Lord answered King David and said “Go, for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hands.”
REMOVING THE IDOLS
So David traveled to Baal Perazim and defeated the Philistines. After conquering these armies David proclaimed, “As waters break out, the Lord has broken out against my enemies before me.”
I’ve heard this description interpreted as “the enemy kept coming back over and over again, like the waves of the ocean.” For every wave of the enemy, God provided.
Have you ever experienced such times? Waves and waves of troubles happen over and over again. However, just when everything looks totally impossible, God comes through. It is always clear that God makes these victories possible.
EVENING AND MORNING GOD IS THERE
Clearly David is speaking of God’s divine intervention. This was not just a military victory, it was an example to the people of the land of God’s power and provision. David’s acknowledgement of this victory was proclaiming a message. When God’s people face opposition, God fights their battles for them.
A humble heart, such as the one David exemplifies here, reflects dependence on God for any of the successes of life. When God’s people face huge challenges, God breaks through for them and removes any insurmountable obstacles in the way.
One is led to remember the words of Isaiah 59:19; So shall they fear the name of the LORD where the sun sets, and His glory where it rises. For He will come like a raging flood, driven by the breath of the LORD.
THE PLACE OF BREAKTHROUGH
David was clearly teaching the people of Israel to depend on God’s providence. Here again we hear of a familiar referral to “waters.” This association of water is described as the justice of God. The place was called Baal Perazim after this battle. Baal Perazim means “the place of breakthrough.”
Don’t make the mistake of thinking the Baal in the first portion of that new name refers to the idol Baal. It simply means “Lord.” The implication is the same as David’s above proclamation meaning The Lord broke through for His people.
As the Philistines fled before David, they had to abandon their worthless idols. David and his men carried the idols out of the land. They made sure no idols were left anywhere in this valley. This was truly a great breakthrough for Israel, to be able to rid the land of these idols. God had commanded this when they first entered the land, years and years ago.
REPEATING THE BATTLE IN A DIFFERENT WAY
After regrouping and gaining some strength, the Philistines came back and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim again. So once more David inquired of the Lord. God answered David in a very different way than before.
Notice that David did not assume he already knew what to do because he had been through this before. David ALWAYS remembered to inquire of the Lord. In this case, that was a very good thing because even though they had the same situation, God had a different battle strategy.
The Lord answered, “Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the poplar trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move quickly, because that will mean the Lord has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.”
A DIFFERENT STRATEGY
Different translations of the bible have different names for the trees referred to as the hiding place of Israel’s enemies. Some say poplar. Others say mulberry. A few say boka-shrubs. A few Catholic writings even say pear trees. I’m not sure it matters. What matters is that the wind in the tops of those trees was the sign from God to go forth into battle. Were there angels up there waiting for the right moment for David’s army to attack? Did they go first and begin the destruction then signal for David’s men to come next? It is all left up to our imagination. All we know is the miracle happened. David’s men followed God’s instructions and the battle was won.
The Israelites struck down Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. Many have noted that this battle was won because David was careful to consult with God on his next move. David never fought a battle without consulting God. He waited patiently in those trees until God signaled for them to go.
This time God told David not to approach from the front but to walk around and approach from the other side. God told David to wait and listen for the sound in the tops of the trees before he went into battle. David listened carefully to the Lord and followed his instructions perfectly. When he heard the sound in the tops of the trees David advanced and defeated the foes. Many suppose the sound spoken of in this passage was the sounds of the footsteps of a heavenly army which God sent as reinforcements for Israel.
ALL IS WELL
Even as he was barely proclaimed a King, David had already been forced to fight two battles against the Philistines. Both times, with God’s help and instructions, Israel was victorious. The different strategies made it even more clear that God was the One who was leading Israel. David was a faithful servant implementing God’s plan.
Not only that, but others had also noticed and become allies with Israel. The nation was growing and becoming prosperous. Best of all, the idols had been removed from the land of The People of God.
PRAYER: God teach us to do battle like David. Let us never enter into a conflict without your approval and your guidance. Please show us how we should approach our enemies. Give us Your strategy and not our own. Thank you that you will send armies of angels to protect us if needed. Show us how to live righteously in the land where you have planted us. Help us to see and remove all idols. Thank you for always going before us. Amen
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