2 Samuel 5:17-21
Verse 17 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went down to the stronghold.
While the people of Judah and Israel were rejoicing over their new king we know that the surrounding nations were also taking notice. We of course know that the King of Tyre had taken notice and made his connection with the new king to build friendly relations but he wasn’t the only one that had taken notice of who was on the throne in Jerusalem.
David had already been king for 7 years in Hebron and yet the Philistines hadn’t felt threatened by that small empire of their old rival. Now that David had more than quadrupled his kingdom they couldn’t stand quietly by any longer. They may have been expecting it and had already been setting up the needed provisions to go to war against him, they were professional warriors after all.
David was also a professional warrior but he didn’t see himself as the general of his army. He saw the army of Israel as God’s and so it wasn’t up to him to answer the battle cry. Before leading the men out to war he went before God and asked Him if it was the right move. God assured him that He would deliver them into David’s hands. With the go ahead David and his men went out to Baal Perazim to meet their enemy. This location may have been to the northeast of Jerusalem although its exact location is unknown.
David’s declaration at the end of the battle shows his army that it was God who was fighting for them. This was important for them to know as it was confirmation for them that God had chosen David to be their king and lead them in all ways. He had led them into battle many times in the past, even against the Philistines but this was different because had proven he was leading in the name of the Lord.
This was further evidenced by the fact the Philistines left their idols on the battlefield. This battle wasn’t about killing the enemy, it was showing who the Lord truly was. The name of the valley became Baal Perazim which means the lord who breaks out. It is no coincidence the name of the place is where the enemy left their gods behind. The God of Israel showed up and the enemy fled. David’s men removed the idols so the Philistines couldn’t return for them. God Almighty had won the battle of gods.
Making It Personal
Is your acknowledgement of God causing you to lay down the idols in your life? What idol do you struggle with? What are some ways you can show God is your only Lord?
Making It Personal Kids
What are some idols you can have? Do you love Jesus more than any of those things? How can you show Jesus you love Him the most?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for being God Almighty. Please help us see when things are coming into our lives and taking a place which should only Yours. Give us the courage to put them out of our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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