Charles Spurgeon Commentary 2 Samuel 5

Charles Spurgeon Commentary

2 Samuel 5

1834–1892
Baptist
Charles Spurgeon
Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon Commentary

2 Samuel 5

1834–1892
Baptist
Verse 17

"And when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the stronghold." — 2 Samuel 5:17 (ASV)

But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David,

To thrust him down, and kill him if they could, and so put an end to his prosperous reign.

Verses 17-20

"And when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the stronghold. Now the Philistines had come and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. And David inquired of Jehovah, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into my hand? And Jehovah said unto David, Go up; for I will certainly deliver the Philistines into thy hand. And David came to Baal-perazim, and David smote them there; and he said, Jehovah hath broken mine enemies before me, like the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baal-perazim." — 2 Samuel 5:17-20 (ASV)

And David heard of it, and went down to the hold. The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand. And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters.

As a flood breaks forth, and carries all before it.

Verses 20-21

"And David came to Baal-perazim, and David smote them there; and he said, Jehovah hath broken mine enemies before me, like the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baal-perazim. And they left their images there; and David and his men took them away." — 2 Samuel 5:20-21 (ASV)

Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim. And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them.

The Philistines brought their gods with them, in the hope of being defended by them; but David and his men burned them. That was the very best thing to do with them. What a pity they did not save them for aesthetic purposes!

This is what people do with fine old works of art, like pictures of the Virgin Mary. No, no, burn them; for that is the very best thing to do with anything that has ever been worshipped by humans.

If they have ever been set up in the place of God, they are cursed from that moment. Let them be burned, or dashed in pieces, or in some way destroyed. There they left their images, and David and his men burned them.

Verses 22-24

"And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. And when David inquired of Jehovah, he said, Thou shalt not go up: make a circuit behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry-trees. And it shall be, when thou hearest the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry-trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself; for then is Jehovah gone out before thee to smite the host of the Philistines." — 2 Samuel 5:22-24 (ASV)

And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.

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:

Or be quick and ready, and go at them.

Verses 24-25

"And it shall be, when thou hearest the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry-trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself; for then is Jehovah gone out before thee to smite the host of the Philistines. And David did so, as Jehovah commanded him, and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gezer." — 2 Samuel 5:24-25 (ASV)

For then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines. And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him:

I hope that may be said of you and me all our lives long.

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