1Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 2The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying, 3“Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” Psalm 2:1-3 (ESV)
17When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. But David heard of it and went down to the stronghold. 18Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. 2 Samuel 5:17-18 (ESV)
1. The Inquiry before the Lord.
19And David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?”…2 Samuel 5:19 (ESV)
We should inquire of the Lord in the circumstances that we face.
30 “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. John 5:30 (ESV)
2. The Answer from the Lord.
19…And the LORD said to David, “Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.” 2 Samuel 5:19 (ESV)
We should be alert and sober-minded to the answer of the Lord in our circumstances.
6I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words. Psalm 17:6 (ESV)
15But for you, O LORD, do I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer. Psalm 38:15 (ESV)
3. The Obedience to the Lord
20And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, “The LORD has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood.”…2 Samuel 5:20 (ESV)
23Love the LORD, all you his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride. Psalm 31:23 (ESV)
We should be obedient to the will of the Lord when it is revealed, even in times we do not fully understand.
22And the Philistines came up yet again and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. 23And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, “You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees. 24And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then rouse yourself, for then the LORD has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” 25And David did as the LORD commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba to Gezer. 2 Samuel 5:22-25 (ESV)
4. The Remembrance of the Lord.
20…Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim. 2 Samuel 5:20 (ESV)
We should intentionally remember God’s Victory.
5I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands. Psalm 143:5 (ESV)
21And the Philistines left their idols there, and David and his men carried them away. 2 Samuel 5:21 (ESV)