2 Samuel 5 recounts a number of events in the life of David. It begins with all the tribes of Israel acknowledging him as king. It tells of his taking of the “stronghold of Zion,” and of his getting wives and concubines and having sons and daughters born to him.
The Philistines, however, were not so happy with David’s successes and went in search to eliminate him. David went down to the stronghold and the Philistine came and spread out against him in the Valley of Rephaim. [vss 17-18]
When David asked if he should go to war against the Philistines, the Lord told him to do so. David defeated them at Baal—perazim but the Philistines returned again to the Valley of Rephaim. David once again inquired of the LORD if he should attack.
The LORD this time told him, “Do not make a frontal assault. Circle around behind them and attack them opposite the balsam (mulberry) trees. When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, act decisively, for then the LORD will have marched out Ahead of you to attack the camp of the Philistines.” [vss 23-24 HCSB]
David obeyed exactly as the LORD commanded him and defeated the Philistines.
The thing that amazes me about this event is not that the LORD went ahead of David, nor that God gave David the victory. What amazes me the most is David waiting until he heard the LORD move in the treetops. I would be out there shaking those trees trying to get them to sound like someone was marching in them. I am not so good at waiting!
I know, however, that victory comes only in God’s timing, and sometimes, it is preceded by waiting. Oh LORD, teach me to wait until I hear You telling me it is time to move!
