I defeated my enemies because God broke through them like a mighty flood

David's Palace in Jerusalem

(2 Samuel 5.11-16)

1 King Hiram of Tyre sent some officials to David. They brought along carpenters and stone workers, and enough cedar logs to build David a palace. 2 David now knew that the Lord had made him a powerful king of Israel for the good of his people.

3 After David moved to Jerusalem, he married more women and had more sons and daughters. 4-7 His children born there were Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Beeliada, and Eliphelet.

David Defeats the Philistines

(2 Samuel 5.17-25)

8 When the Philistines heard that David had become king of Israel, they came to capture him. But David heard about their plan and marched out to meet them in battle. 9 The Philistines had already camped in Rephaim Valley and were raiding the nearby villages.

10 David asked God, “Should I attack the Philistines? Will you help me win?”

The Lord told David, “Yes, attack them! I will give you victory.”

11 David and his army marched to Baal-Perazim, where they attacked and defeated the Philistines. He said, “I defeated my enemies because God broke through them like a mighty flood.” So he named the place “The Lord Broke Through.” 12 Then David ordered his troops to burn the idols that the Philistines had left behind.

13 Some time later, the Philistines came back into the hill country and camped in Rephaim Valley. 14 David asked God what he should do, and God answered, “Don't attack them from the front. Circle around behind them where the balsam trees are. 15 Wait there until you hear the treetops making the sound of marching troops. That sound will mean I have marched out ahead of you to fight the Philistine army. So you must then attack quickly!”

16 David obeyed God and he defeated the Philistines. He even chased them all the way from Gibeon to the entrance to Gezer.

17 From then on, David became even more famous, and the Lord made all the nations afraid of him.

Comment Devotional:

One of the great joys in life is to build or purchase a home. After many years as a fugitive, wandering from one place to another, David is now living in Jerusalem protected from his enemies. This privileged position allows him to devote time and resources to build a permanent house for himself and his family.

As a representative of the nation, it was expected of him to have not only a comfortable home, but a palace. Countless workers from his own people as well as business partners, as the king of Tyre, helped in completing the project.

While building his palace, David had to defend the nation against dangerous enemies, like the Philistines. It was the king’s custom before leaving for battle, to consult the Lord about what he should do.

On one occasion God instructed him to strike the Philistines with a frontal attack and gave him the victory. On another occasion, God told him to attack them from the rear in front of the poplar trees. David received detailed instructions and was obedient to execute them; as a result, achieved significant victories against his enemies.

Think about the battles you need to face. Have you consulted the Lord for instructions, completely willing to follow His directions?

God is intensely interested in guiding you and granting you victory, just as He did for David. You have only to trust Him and obey!

Jobson Santos

Adventist Media Center

Brazil