The battle at the Valley of Rephaim

When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they launched an attack. (1) Until then, they had considered David to be a vassal. But now he had established Jerusalem as his new capital and even built a royal palace. They felt an urgent need to strike him down before his power became too great. (2) The Philistines likely thought they could defeat David just as they had during the days of King Saul. However, there was a vast difference between Saul, who had been separated from the Lord’s protection and presence, and David, who walked in trust and obedience to the Lord. The Philistines failed to recognize that crucial difference. (3) David took refuge in the stronghold located between Jerusalem and Bethlehem, and there he sought the Lord’s guidance. (4) The Philistines came up to Jerusalem through the Valley of Rephaim. This valley lies between Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

David’s strategy

Let us take note of David’s strategy. (1) He inquired of the Lord, asking, “Shall I go up against the Philistines?” (2) The Lord answered, “Go up, for I will certainly hand the Philistines over to you.” (3) Following the Lord’s guidance, David went up and achieved an overwhelming victory. David testified, “The Lord has broken through my enemies before me like the breakthrough of waters.” (4) That battlefield was called “Baal-perazim (the place where idols were broken).” The idols that the Philistines left behind were gathered, discarded, and burned. This time, it was not the Israelites abandoning the ark of the covenant and fleeing, but rather the Philistines who fled, abandoning their idols. The Lord triumphed over the idols. As soon as David ascended to the throne, his enemies moved to destroy him. In the same way, Jesus, the Son of David, was attacked by the devil immediately after being baptized in the Jordan River. This is also true for us as Christians. Let us learn from David’s experience. After a blessing, the enemy’s attacks often follow, but if we walk with the Lord Jesus, we will have overwhelming victory.