King David was the mortal enemy of the Philistines. The last thing in the world they wanted was for David to be king over all Israel! So, they came in full force against David in the Valley of Rephaim. Then David inquired of the Lord as to whether he should go up against them. The Lord said yes, and he gave David victory over the Philistines. David recognized the Lord’s work and that his victory was only because “the Lord has broken out against his enemies before me.”

The Philistine army made one more attempt to defeat David in the Valley of Rephaim. Again, David sought the Lord and followed the Lord’s instruction. Because he did this, the Lord gave him victory once again. David defeated the Philistines from Gibeon all the way to Gezer. When we humble ourselves to the Lord and follow his words, he gives us victory.
Application: Father, help us that we may depend, not on ourselves, but on you alone, for victory over our enemies, no matter who or what those enemies are.
One Word: The victory belongs to the Lord.