David Seeks Guidance Before Battle

17When the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David. When David heard of it, he went down to the stronghold.

18And the Philistines came and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim.

19And David inquired of Yahweh, saying, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And Yahweh said to David, “Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.”

20So David came to Baal-perazim, and there David struck them down. He said, “Yahweh has broken through my enemies before me like a breakthrough of waters.” Therefore he called the name of that place Baal-perazim.

21And they left their idols there, and David and his men carried them away.

22And the Philistines came up again and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim.

23So David inquired of Yahweh, and he said, “You shall not go up; circle around behind them, and come against them opposite the balsam trees.”

24And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then act decisively, for then Yahweh has gone out before you to strike down the camp of the Philistines.

25And David did so, just as Yahweh had commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines from Geba as far as Gezer.