17 When the Philistines heard that David had been proclaimed as king over all Israel, their army set off to capture him, but David heard and retreated[fn] to the stronghold. 18 The Philistines moved in and took over the Rafa valley, 19 and David inquired from Yahweh, “Should I attack the Philistines? Will you help me defeat them?”

“Yes, attack them,” Yahweh replied, “because I’ll certainly help you to defeat them.”

20 So David attacked and defeated them, and said, “Yahweh broke through my enemies in front of me like breaking a dam.” So he called the place ‘Baal-Peratsim’ (which means ‘Master of breaking through’). 21 The Philistines left their idols there, and David and his men took them away.

22 Then the Philistines returned to the Rafa valley and took over it again. 23 Again David inquired from Yahweh who replied, “No, don’t go straight in. Move around behind them and then attack them from opposite the trees. 24 Then when you hear a sound in the tops of the trees that sounds like marching, then you’ll know that Yahweh has gone ahead to strike the Philistines’ camp.” 25 So David followed Yahweh’s instructions they attacked the Philistines from Geva all the way to Gezer.