David Settles in Jerusalem

(2 Samuel 5:11-16)

1After this, King Hiram of Tyre sent a delegation to David, accompanied by cedara logs, stone masons, and wood workers, to construct a palace for him. 2David realized that the LORD was affirming him as king over Israel, and that his government was being exalted in order to benefit his people Israel. 3But while he was living in Jerusalem, David married more wives and fathered more sons and daughters. 4Here’s a list of the children whom he fathered while in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, 5Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, 6Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, 7Elishama, Beeliada, and Eliphelet.

David Defeats the Philistines

(2 Samuel 5:17-25)

8When the Philistines learned that David had been anointed king over all of Israel, all of the Philistines invaded to look for David. David heard about it and went out to fight them. 9Meanwhile, the Philistines had invaded and raided the Rephaim Valley. 10So David asked God, “Am I to go out against the Philistines? Will you give me victory over them?”b

“Go out,” the LORD replied to him, “and I’ll put them right into your hand.”

11So Davidc went out to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistinesd there. David observed, “Like an overwhelming flood, God has overwhelmede my enemies, using me to do it.”f That’s why that place is called Baal-perazim.g 12The Philistinesh abandoned their gods there, so David ordered that their idols be incinerated.

13Later the Philistines invaded the Rephaimi Valley again. 14When David asked God about it, God told him, “Don’t directly attack them. Instead, go around them and come up against them opposite those balsam trees. 15When you hear the sound of marching coming from the tops of the balsam trees, then go out to battle, because God will have gone out ahead of you to destroy the Philistine army.” 16So David did just as God had ordered, and they struck down the Philistine army from Gibeon to Gezer. 17Then David’s reputation spread through all of the neighboring countries,j and the LORD caused all nationsk to be afraid of David.