22-23 Later there was a repeat performance. The Philistines came up again and deployed their troops in the Rephaim Valley. David again prayed to God.

23-24 This time God said, “Don’t attack them head-on. Instead, circle around behind them and ambush them from the grove of sacred trees. When you hear the sound of shuffling in the trees, get ready to move out. It’s a signal that God is going ahead of you to smash the Philistine camp.”

25 David did exactly what God told him. He routed the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.

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23 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. 24 As soon as you hear the sound(A) of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move quickly, because that will mean the Lord has gone out in front(B) of you to strike the Philistine army.” 25 So David did as the Lord commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines(C) all the way from Gibeon[a](D) to Gezer.(E)

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Samuel 5:25 Septuagint (see also 1 Chron. 14:16); Hebrew Geba