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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadPaul Kretzmann Commentary - 2 Samuel 5:17 - 5:25
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Two Victories of David over the Philistines
v. 17. But when the Philistines heard that they, the people of Israel, had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines, all the armies of the confederate city-states, came up to seek David, marching up from the lowlands, where they had mobilized their forces, to the highlands of Judah, to attack and subdue this new king before he had become too strong. And David heard of it, and went down, from his palace, to the hold, the citadel of Mount Zion, where he could make preparations for either an offensive or a defensive campaign.
v. 18. The Philistines also came and spread themselves in, occupied and used for their camp, the Valley of Rephaim, a fruitful plain southwest of Jerusalem, well suited for military maneuvers.
v. 19. And David enquired of the Lord, in the usual manner, by means of the Urim and Thummim, Exo_28:30, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines, venture to attack them? Wilt Thou deliver them in to mine hand? And the Lord said unto David, Go up; for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines in to thine hand.
v. 20. And David came to Baal-perazim. And David smote them there, in a sudden, violent attack, and said, The Lord hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me as the breach of waters, as when a strong torrent breaks down all obstructions and sweeps everything before it. Therefore he called the name of that place Baal-perazim (plain of breaches).
v. 21. And there they, the Philistines, left their images, the figures of their idols, which they had taken along to assure them the victory. And David and his men burned them. Thus the disgrace of the capture of the Ark of the Covenant by the Philistines was avenged.
v. 22. And the Philistines came up yet again, venturing a second campaign in their anxiety to regain their power over Israel, and spread themselves in the Valley of Rephaim, as upon the first invasion.
v. 23. And when David enquired of the Lord, as before, he said, Thou shalt not go up, not in a direct attack in the front; but fetch a compass behind them, make a wide detour around to their rear, and come upon them over against the mulberry-trees, the baca-trees, small, shrublike trees which exude sap like tears when their twigs or leaves are bruised.
v. 24. And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going, as of an advancing army, in the tops of the mulberry-trees, they being moved as by a strong wind, while there was no mind blowing, that then thou shalt bestir thyself, be sharp, rush quickly to the attack; for then shall the Lord go out before thee, with His own invincible army, to smite the host of the Philistines.
v. 25. And David did so, as the Lord had commanded him, and smote the Philistines from Geba, northwest of Jerusalem, until thou come to Gazer, on the northern edge of the Philistine plain. It was the Lord who gave the enemies into the hands of David. Note: David is a type of Christ. Those who accept Him as their King are assured of His blessing. But all the kings and nations that rebel against His rule will not continue. The King of Grace blesses, strengthens, and protects His kingdom on earth.