And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
After their earlier defeat, the Philistines came up yet again with a larger force and took up position once more, spreading themselves out in the valley of Rephaim near Jerusalem. Their renewed advance came as Israel was growing stronger under David, springing from their hostility toward him and his kingdom. Faced with this second invasion, David did not rely on his former victory but sought the Lord's direction again. God answered by telling him not to go up and meet them directly, but to circle around behind them and hold back until the appointed signal was given, and only then to strike.
After their earlier defeat, the Philistines came up yet again with a larger force and took up position once more, spreading themselves out in the valley of Rephaim near Jerusalem. Their renewed advance came as Israel was growing stronger under David, springing from their hostility toward him and his kingdom. Faced with this second invasion, David did not rely on his former victory but sought the Lord's direction again. God answered by telling him not to go up and meet them directly, but to circle around behind them and hold back until the appointed signal was given, and only then to strike.