Dependance
“And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.” -2 Samuel 5:24
David had just been crowned king over Israel. Saul was dead and a new era had begun for God’s people. Just after the coronation the Philistines received word of the new king and thinking of attacking him now before he had time to become established with his army could produce a great victory. They first approached the valley of Rephaim and David enquired of the Lord asking if he should attack and the Lord confirmed He would deliver them into David’s hands.
The Philistines gathered again in the valley of Rephaim and David enquired again about the Lord if he should attack them. This time God responded with verse 24. It’s interesting how God deals with man in critical situations. God didn’t just tell David to go and victory would come; He told him to wait this time and follow the stirring in the treetops. The first enquiry resulted in immediate confirmation while the second required patience. Why does God work in diverse ways?
The answer, I believe, is rooted in building our continued trust and dependance in Christ. I am reminded of the battle of Jericho. Joshua sought God for direction and God responded with clear directions and victory was just as God had said. The next city was Ai. Rather than seek God’s plan Joshua just sent a few thousand men to clear them out and they were beaten by the small city of Ai. Joshua learned as David did that, we must seek God in everything. Just because the battle seems familiar or the situation seems simple enough to handle does not mean we can manage without His direction.
Never get so confident that you act or move without counsel from the Spirit of God. Had David entered the second battle before the Spirit moved in the trees his defeat would have been eminent.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding.