17The Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, so all the Philistines went up to seek David. When David heard of it, he went down to the fortress.18The Philistines came and deployed themselves in the valley of Rephaim.19David inquired of the LORD, saying, "Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hand?" The LORD answered David, "Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand."20David came to Baal-perazim, and David struck them there. He said, "The LORD has broken through my enemies before me like a breach of waters." Therefore that place was called Baal-perazim.21They abandoned their idols there, and David and his men carried them away.22The Philistines again went up and deployed themselves in the valley of Rephaim.23David inquired of the LORD, and he said, "Do not go up; circle around behind them and approach them opposite the balsam trees."24When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then act decisively, for at that moment the LORD will have gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.25David acted exactly as the LORD had commanded him and struck the Philistines from Geba as far as Gezer.