They Heard an Army

There is a story in II Samuel 5 which is truly remarkable.
David had just been recognized as king over Israel entire and anointed. For the previous 7 ½ years he had only been king over Judah. When the Philistines heard of this, they gathered their troops and arrayed themselves for battle in the Valley of Rephaim. David inquired of the Lord “Shall I go up against the Philistines and will you give them into my hand?”
The Lord answered: “Go up, for I will certainly give them into your hand.”

David, along with his army go up, defeat the Philistines and carry off all the idols the Philistines left behind.

This next part is what I want to draw your attention to.
Verse 22: ‘Then the Philistines came up yet again and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. When David inquired of the Lord, he said, “You shall not go up [as before]; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees. And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then rouse yourself, for then the Lord has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” And David did as the Lord commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba to Gezer.’

Did you catch that? They heard the army of the Lord marching. Incredible. Preposterous!
What do you think went through David’s mind as he briefed his commanders? “All right guys, this is the deal: God said to attack from the rear, but to wait for a signal of ‘the sound of marching troops in the top of the trees.”
Imagine yourself as one of the commanders; what would you have thought? “We are to wait for what?! Can you repeat that, General?”

I imagine David and his army hiding out in the low hills surrounding the valley, breathlessly quiet. Waiting. Straining their ears to catch the slightest sound. They didn’t know when the Lord would move his angel armies through, but not a man or lackey among them wished to miss the signal. It doesn’t say how long they waited: maybe a couple hours, maybe a couple of days.
Imagine the suspense. The anticipation. The tangible silence.
Then it happens: a sound of marching troops. Faintly at first, then louder and louder until it became a thunderous noise as the Armies of Heaven advanced. I guarantee that every man’s head snapped up to check out the tops of those trees.
The men of David roused themselves, grinning like fools, I’m sure. They up and routed the Philistines, knowing victory was already theirs.

Wow. Just wow.
Why don’t we often experience supernatural assistances and communications today?
Because they are not asked for; and they are not asked for because they are not expected; and they are not expected because men do not exercise faith.

Faith comes (grows) by hearing and hearing through the Word of God. Romans 10:17
This hearing is not only talking about hearing with the ears, but also hearing/acknowledging/implementing the Word of God.

If you find yourself in the middle of a battle, or in the throes of a trial, take heart. Our Mighty God, the Lord of Angel Armies is for you – not against you. Raise your sword, Warrior. Take up that shield of faith, put on your armor and fight for what is rightfully yours.
The victory has already been declared.

Perhaps you are in the position of David and the army: waiting for the Lord to show up. Don’t give up! Expect His faithfulness, trust His word. A wise person once said: “Do not doubt in the darkness what God has told you in the light.”
Get up Warrior! Victory is close at hand.

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:28b-31

This story of David and his men encourages me today.
Our household has been under attack recently with various members of the family experiencing nightmares, terrors at night, fear and discouragement. We take courage today because this same Lord of Angel Armies who met David is fighting for us.
We take courage because His words are true and God cannot lie.
We stand as Warriors in our home because victory has already been declared.
We take up the shield of faith and the Sword of the Spirit and we fight for what is rightfully ours.

Take courage Warrior in your battle today. The Lord fights for you.