And the Philistines came up yet again and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. And 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. And 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.” And David did as the Lord commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba to Gezer. (II Samuel 5:22-25 ESV)
The Right Answer
David, in keeping with his practice, once again asks the Lord to approve (or not) his battle plans. Often the Lord said to David (and Joshua, and Elijah, and SO many others) simply “yes,” or “no.”
But this time, God orders a different plan.
A surprising plan, more reminiscent of David’s guerilla days, that involves hiding, flanking, and sneaking.
But this unusual tactic is the Right Answer.
Not because it was logical at the time… not because it came from David’s experiences… not because David and his men had the skills to pull it off.
But because it was GOD’S answer.
His answers are like that quite often. Examples include: Love your enemies. Fear not. Forgive early and often. Trust God’s Word more than you trust our own eyes.
David listened to the right answer. Let’s do that, too.