17 When the Philistinesheard that they had anointedDavidkingoverIsrael, 1all the Philistineswent up to seek out David; and when Davidheard of it, he wentdown to the 2stronghold.
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Now the Philistinescame and spread themselves out in 3the valley of Rephaim.
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Then 4Davidinquired of the LORD, saying, "Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You give them into my hand?" And 5the LORDsaid to David, "Go up, for I will certainlygive the Philistines into your hand."
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So Davidcame to 6Baal-perazim and defeated them there; and he said, "The LORD has brokenthrough my enemiesbefore me like the breakthrough of waters." Therefore* he named* that placeBaal-perazim.
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They abandoned their idolsthere, so 7David and his mencarried them away.
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Now 8the Philistinescame up once*again and spread themselves out in the valley of Rephaim.
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When 9Davidinquired of the LORD, He said, "You shall not go directly up; circlearoundbehind them and come at them in front of the balsamtrees.
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"It shall be, when 10you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsamtrees, then you shall actpromptly, for then11the LORD will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines."
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Then Daviddidso, just as the LORD had commanded him, and struckdown the Philistines from 12Geba as far as 13Gezer.