1 Chronicles 14 Devotional

Asking a Second Time

“As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move out to battle, because this will mean that God has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.””1 Chronicles 14:15 (BSB)

David understands that the LORD has established him as king for the sake of his people (14:2). Then the Philistines come looking for him. David's first move is to ask God whether to go up, and God tells him to go (14:10). After the victory, David names the place for the way God burst out against his enemies (14:11).

Then the Philistines raid the same valley again, and David asks again. He does not assume that what worked last time is the plan this time. The answer is different: do not march straight up, but circle around and wait for the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, because that will mean God has gone out ahead to strike the enemy (14:14-15). God's guidance is not a method to repeat but a voice to follow. Moses told Israel that the LORD himself goes before them and will never leave them (Deuteronomy 31:8). Yesterday's answer is reason to trust him, and today's decision is reason to ask again.

To think about: Is there a situation where you are relying on what worked before instead of asking God again what he wants now?