5 ¹⁷ When the Philistines learnt that David had been anointed king over Israel, they came up in force to seek him out. David, hearing of this, took refuge in the stronghold. 5 ¹⁸ The Philistines had come and overrun the Vale of Rephaim. 5 ¹⁹ So David inquired of the LORD, 'If I attack the Philistines, wilt thou deliver them into my hands?' And the LORD answered, 'Go, I will deliver the Philistines into your hands.' 5 ²⁰ So he went up and attacked them at Baal-perazim and defeated them there. 'The LORD has broken through my enemies' lines,' David said, 'as a river breaks its banks.' That is why the place was named Baal-perazim That is Baal of Break-through. 5 ²¹ The Philistines left their idols behind them there, and David and his men carried them off.

5 ²² The Philistines made another attack and overran the Vale of Rephaim. 5 ²³ David inquired of the LORD, who said, 'Do not attack now but wheel round and take them in the rear opposite the aspens. 5 ²⁴ As soon as you hear a rustling sound in the tree-tops, then act at once; for the LORD will have gone out before you to defeat the Philistine army.' 5 ²⁵ David did as the LORD had commanded, and drove the Philistines in flight all the way from Geba to Gezer.