10
David prayed to God: "Is this the right time to attack the Philistines? Will you give me the victory?" God answered, "Attack; I'll give you the victory."
11
David attacked at Baal Perazim and slaughtered them. David said, "God exploded my enemies, as water explodes from a burst pipe." That's how the place got its name, Baal Perazim (Baal-Explosion).
12
The Philistines left their gods behind and David ordered that they be burned up.
13
And then the Philistines were back at it again, plundering in the valley.
14
David again prayed to God. God answered, "This time don't attack head-on; circle around and come at them out of the balsam grove.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.