David’s predecessor had been hung on the wall of the Philistine city of Beth-shean. Now word came that their army was gathered in the “Valley of the Giants”—just outside his freshly founded capital of Jerusalem. And when I say “just outside” I mean the 4 or 5 mile long valley that ends at Jerusalem’s gates.
Have you ever felt under pressure to act and act now? David’s house, family, career and life were threatened. Where we might flail or flee, David bowed the knee. David quietly asks the Lord if He would give him the victory. With God’s blessing, David fought and won.
But enemies of God’s people don’t give up easily. So when the battle threatened again, the solution was obvious wasn’t it? Not the tactics of attack of course, prayer was still the solution and God’s timing was everything. Now patience was required. David had to wait for the sound of the marching in the mulberries. Imagine sitting while the enemy is free to march on your home! David’s predecessor couldn’t sit and wait for the prophet Samuel when the Philistines were gathering.
When sitting seems silly and the giants are marching to your door, remember that David waited for God’s special signal and Saul “forced” himself.