[1] Tyre’s King Hiram sent messengers to David with cedar logs, bricklayers, and carpenters to build David a palace. [2] Then David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel, and that his kingship was held in great honor for the sake of his people Israel. [3] David married more secondary wives in Jerusalem and fathered more sons and daughters. [4] The names of his children in Jerusalem were as follows: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, [5] Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, [6] Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, [7] Elishama, Beeliada, and Eliphelet. [8] When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they all marched up to find him. David heard this and went out to confront them. [9] The Philistines had invaded and were plundering the Rephaim Valley. [10] David asked God for advice: “Should I attack the Philistines, and will you hand them over to me?” The LORD answered, “Attack them, and I’ll definitely hand them over to you.” [11] So they marched up to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. “By my strength,” David exclaimed, “God has burst out against my enemies, the way water bursts out.” That’s why the place is called Baal-perazim. [12] The Philistines left their divine images behind, and David ordered them burned. [13] When the Philistines plundered the valley a second time, [14] David again asked God’s advice, but God answered, “Don’t attack them directly. Circle around behind them and come at them from in front of the balsam trees. [15] As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the trees, then attack, for God has attacked in front of you to defeat the Philistine army.” [16] David followed God’s orders exactly, and they defeated the Philistine army from Gibeon all the way to Gezer. [17] David’s fame spread throughout all lands, and the LORD made all the nations fear him.
