“The P’lishtim came up again and deployed in the Refa’im Valley. When David consulted Adonai, he said, ‘Don’t attack! Circle behind them, and engage them opposite the balsam trees. When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, advance; because then Adonai has gone out ahead of you to defeat the army of the P’lishtim.'”-2 Samuel 5:22-24
Verse 22 tells us the Philistines tried once again to take control over David and Israel.
In response, David demonstrated what we should all do when attacked by the enemy.
He quietly sought the Lord’s guidance.
In this case, he used the Urim and Thummim.
The strategy he received was different this time around.
Instead of a head-on frontal attack, David was told to circle behind the Philistines.
He and his men were to hide in a grove of trees and wait.
The signal to attack?
The sound of marching in the treetops.
That sound meant God had gone ahead of David and already defeated the Philistines.
Most Rabbis say the sound of marching in the treetops was the Lord’s heavenly angels heading into war, rustling the leaves as they moved.
Is that true?
Maybe, maybe not.
But one thing for sure is God was in charge here.
In Scripture, the sound of wind often symbolizes a movement of God.
So, the rustling could have been angels fighting against the evil spirits helping the Philistines.
Or it might have been the Lord’s Spirit clearing the way for victory.
I think it was both.
Either way, it was Yahweh who won the battle before David’s men even shot off one arrow.
The bottom line is that David faithfully followed the Lord’s instructions, and the result was a huge victory.
After centuries of being attacked and controlled, the rule of the Philistines over Israel was finally broken.
Pretty awesome, isn’t it?
Here’s you’re takeaway for today.
When you’re attacked, take a cue from David—don’t rush in blindly.
Stay calm and cool…
Maybe get a Cafe latte or something…
Then seek God’s guidance…
Seek out his voice…
He may lead you in unexpected ways…
But rest assured His plans ALWAYS bring victory.
Remember, the fight isn’t yours alone…
God goes ahead of you to clear the way.
All you need to do is follow His lead.
Ya feel me?
Winston Churchill said that the people should stay calm, and carry on.
Before him, James said that we should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
And long before Jimmy said that, Isaiah said that those who wait upon the Lord will be victorious.
So, as you point out here, Rich, being patient as the path to success has been something people have known for a long time.
BTW… with regard to the sound of marching in the treetops possibly being the spirit of God, or angels, moving to the battle, I know that you know in Hebrew, “Holy Spirit” is “Ruach HaKodesh”, where ruach means spirit.
But did you know that the actual translation of the word “ruach” is “wind”?
Yup! Totally knew “ruach” meant wind.