8 Now when the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. And David heard of it and went out against them. 9 Then the Philistines went and made a raid on the Valley of Rephaim. 10 And David inquired of God, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” The Lord said to him, “Go up, for I will deliver them into your hand.” 11 So they went up to Baal Perazim, and David defeated them there. Then David said, “God has broken through my enemies by my hand like a breakthrough of water.” Therefore they called the name of that place Baal Perazim. 12 And when they left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire. 13 Then the Philistines once again made a raid on the valley. 14 Therefore David inquired again of God, and God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; circle around them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees. 15 And it shall be, when you hear a sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” 16 So David did as God commanded him, and they drove back the army of the Philistines from Gibeon as far as Gezer. 17 Then the fame of David went out into all lands, and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations. 1 Chronicles 14:8-17 NKJV
As I was reading through this passage one morning, one verse caught my attention. I will point that one out in a minute, but first, let’s look at what is taking place.
David had already asked God one time if he was to go to battle against the Philistines and God said yes. David and his army soundly defeated the enemy and burned the idols they left behind. One might would think that when the Philistines showed up again looking for another fight, David would just assume God still wanted him to fight that battle. Afterall, God gave David the victory one time, wouldn’t He give him the victory again? But instead of advancing against the enemy, once again David took the time and asked God before making a move.
We should never be quick to assume anything with God. We may have felt led to do the very same thing many times, but there is always the chance that God wants to use us in a new way. Maybe there is a deeper level of faith and trust He is wanting us to experience. David took the time to ask for God to guide him, just like we all should as stated in this proverb:
In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:6 NKJV
Although God still wanted David to fight the Philistines, this time God revealed a different military tactic. Instead of going out to face the army, God gave the instructions to circle around to the rear and wait for the signal. And what was the signal? The verse that caught my attention:
15 “And it shall be, when you hear a sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.”
God’s Angel Army went to battle on behalf of His people. We are not told exactly what happened or what the enemy may have seen or experienced, but when the sound of the marching was heard, David’s army was there to battle the Philistines as they retreated to the rear. Somehow, God’s Spirit sent the enemy fleeing directly into the hands of the waiting Israelite army. God had already won that battle for them; they just cleaned up the mess.
That verse just got me thinking. As believers, we are constantly in a spiritual battle. I firmly believe that God has His angel army around us and is helping us in those spiritual battles but we just cannot see all that is taking place. If we only had the spiritual eyesight to see, I believe we would be totally amazed!
When Paul was teaching the Ephesians how to live a Christian life, he gave them instructions on how to prepare for battle.
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—” Ephesians 6:10-18 NKJV
Four different times in this passage, Paul says we are to stand. We are not to advance, we are not to retreat. We are to stand. We are to stand knowing that God has already won the battle. We are to stand knowing He has already gone before us, and behind us. (Psalm 139) We are to stand ready to listen for His orders.
Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47 NKJV
David had learned as a young boy going up against Goliath that the battle was the Lord’s. When he became king over Israel, he continued to look to his God for direction.
Maybe this doesn’t touch you like it did me. I just know that in this fallen world in which we live, with all of the fussing and fighting over issues that are clearly labeled as right or wrong in the Bible, but are deemed as a personal choice to the world, it’s hard to know what battles to fight; when to speak and when to be silent; whether to advance or circle to the rear.
Do I fight the fight, or stand firm? Yes. We do both.
We put on the armor of God. We acknowledge Him as our Lord and King. We ask Him for direction. And then we listen for the sound of marching. God’s already won!