“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. Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; so David inquired of the Lord, ‘Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?’ The Lord answered him, ‘Go, for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hands.’ So David went to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them. He said, ‘As waters break out, the Lord has broken out against my enemies before me.’ So that place was called Baal Perazim. The Philistines abandoned their idols there, and David and his men carried them off. Once more the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; so David inquired of the Lord, and he answered, ‘Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the poplar trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move quickly, because that will mean the Lord has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.’ So David did as the Lord commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.”—2 Samuel 5:17–25 (NIV)

Are you waiting for a breakthrough, waiting for God to give you some kind of direction or guidance? Do you feel like you’re in a battle with the enemy pressing in on all sides? Oh, man, I sure do! Let’s observe these passages and learn David’s pattern to wait, listen, and move.  

The war zone rages with mighty warriors. The Philistine army was known for its advanced military technology and organization, which included chariots, infantry, and archers—they were a formidable adversary. David inquires of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?” The Lord answers him, “Go, for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hands.” 

David displays wisdom and patience as Israel’s enemy floods over the Valley of Rephaim in full force. He waits for God. He’s not rushing into battle without first seeking the One that sees all. He’s looking for God’s strategy, NOT his own. 

As I struggle in this season of life with more battles than I can handle, I don’t understand why I keep trying to rush ahead of God with my own plans . . . I’m honestly humbled by David’s example. His trust isn’t from head knowledge; his trust pours forth from his heart. Oh, forgive me Lord, when I don’t trust You like this!

God gives him the game plan: “Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the poplar trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move quickly, because that will mean the Lord has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.” David listens, and he moves quickly. 

There’ve been battles before this, and although it’s the same enemy, God gives him a different war strategy. We don’t see arrogance in David, by this time he’s a seasoned warrior. He could have thought, “I know how the Philistines think and how they move, sit back I got this Lord.”

God honored David’s dependence and obedience. The Nation of Israel was victorious!  David’s deeply grateful. As an act of worship, he gives the battlefield a new name—blood-soaked grounds of triumph became Baal Perazim, which according to the Strong Lexicon means the Lord of the breakthroughs. The name celebrates the Lord’s mighty and divine intervention. 

This story reflects a greater biblical pattern: suffering and glory. Jesus Himself breaks into human history to deliver us from sin and eternal suffering—that redemptive thread weaves through David’s battle and into our lives today. But notice . . . breakthrough didn’t come through striving; it came through surrender. 

David waited, he listened, and then he moved in obedience. That’s often the rhythm of breakthroughs in our own lives, too. God has a purpose, even in the struggle, and when the breakthrough comes, it’s not just about our victory—it’s about His glory.

Pause: Wait, listen, and move. Which one is the hardest for you? Do you trust when the pressure is on?

Practice: Seek out at least one more story in either David’s life or in the Bible where you see a pattern of suffering and glory.

Pray: Dear Lord, as the spiritual wars rages inside me, I want the heart of David to trust and obey. Forgive me when I think I know better. I’m not in control, You are. Your ways are higher than my ways. I know all that I struggle with has a redemptive purpose. No tear I shed will go to waste. You will have victory in my life! Amen.