1 Chronicles 14:8-17

Modern English Version

David Defeats the Philistines

⁸ Now when the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek out David, but David heard and went out to them. ⁹ So the Philistines came and raided the Valley of Rephaim. ¹⁰ Then David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You give them into my hand?”

The Lord answered, “Go up against them, and I will give them into your hand.”

¹¹ And they went up to Baal Perazim, and David struck them down there. Then David said, “God broke through my enemies by my hand as the breaking through of waters.” Therefore they named that place Baal Perazim. ¹² They abandoned their gods there, and David said that they should be burned with fire.

¹³ Now the Philistines raided the valley once more. ¹⁴ And David again inquired of God, and God answered him: “Do not go up after them, but turn around behind them and come to them in front of the balsam trees. ¹⁵ Whenever you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, you will advance the battle, for God has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” ¹⁶ David did just as God commanded him, and they struck the camp of the Philistines from Gibeon as far as Gezer.

¹⁷ So the fame of David went out in all the lands, and the Lord put the dread of him on all the nations.