What does it mean that the Lord had gone out before David?
2 Samuel 5:24 (ESV)
24And 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.”
The Lord is the one who fought for his people and delivered the Philistines into the hands of David. By going in front of them, he made it clear that he leads in battle and he is the one who is responsible for victory.
24 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.”