1 Chronicles 14:8-17

David Defeats the Philistines

⁸ The minute the Philistines heard that David had been made king over a united Israel, they went out in force to capture David. When David got the report, he marched out to confront them. ⁹ On their way, the Philistines stopped off to plunder the Valley of Rephaim. ¹⁰ David prayed to God: "Is this the right time to attack the Philistines? Will you give me the victory?" God answered, "Attack; I'll give you the victory." ¹¹ David attacked at Baal Perazim and slaughtered them. David said, "God exploded my enemies, as water explodes from a burst pipe." That's how the place got its name, Baal Perazim (Baal-Explosion). ¹² The Philistines left their gods behind and David ordered that they be burned up. ¹³ And then the Philistines were back at it again, plundering in the valley. ¹⁴ David again prayed to God. God answered, "This time don't attack head-on; circle around and come at them out of the balsam grove. ¹⁵ When you hear a sound like shuffling feet in the tops of the balsams, attack; God will be two steps ahead of you, slaughtering the Philistines." ¹⁶ David did exactly as God commanded, slaughtering Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. ¹⁷ David was soon famous all over the place, far and near; and God put the fear of God into the godless nations.