David’s reputation preceded his being anointed king of Israel. This was not lost on the Philistines. They remembered the saying, “Saul has slain his thousands, David his tens of thousands.” When Saul was king, the Philistines prevented the Israelites from making weapons of war. They even required Israelites to come to them for sharpening their farming tools. They didn’t want this to change just because there was a new king in Israel. What to do, they thought? Teach him who’s boss!
So the Philistines assembled a large force to search for David. While they were searching for him, David asked God if he should attack the Philistines and would He deliver the Philistines into his hands. David received assurance from God that the Philistines would be defeated. [Reflection based on the Bible Reference – 2 Samuel 5:17-19]
