1 Chronicles 14:10

KJV

And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} enquired {H7592} of God {H430}, saying {H559}, Shall I go up {H5927} against the Philistines {H6430}? and wilt thou deliver {H5414} them into mine hand {H3027}? And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto him, Go up {H5927}; for I will deliver {H5414} them into thine hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David consulted God, asking, "Should I attack the P'lishtim? Will you hand them over to me?"ADONAI answered David, "Attack; I will hand them over to you."

Berean Standard Bible

So David inquired of God, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go,” replied the LORD, “for I will deliver them into your hand.”

American Standard Version

And David inquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into my hand? And Jehovah said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thy hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 14:10 captures a defining moment in King David's reign, illustrating his profound spiritual discipline and humble dependence on God. Faced with an imminent Philistine invasion after establishing Jerusalem as his capital, David, rather than relying on his own military might or strategic wisdom, immediately and earnestly seeks divine counsel. He poses a direct, two-part question to God: whether to engage the Philistines and if victory would be assured. The Lord responds with an unambiguous affirmation, commanding David to advance and promising to deliver the enemy into his hands, thereby underscoring God's active sovereignty in the affairs of His people and the indispensable nature of seeking His guidance for true success.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is situated within a broader narrative detailing David's consolidation of power and the establishment of his kingdom. Following his anointing as king over all Israel and the strategic capture of Jerusalem (as recounted in [1 Chronicles 11-12](/1_chronicles/11-12 "1 Chronicles 11-12 - David Becomes King and Captures Jerusalem")), David receives aid from Hiram, King of Tyre, to build his palace ([1 Chronicles 14:1-2](/1_chronicles/14-1-2 "1 Chronicles 14:1-2 - David's House and Family")). This ascent to prominence inevitably provokes the Philistines, Israel's long-standing adversaries, who mobilize for an attack ([1 Chronicles 14:8-9](/1_chronicles/14-8-9 "1 Chronicles 14:8-9 - Philistines Attack David")). David's inquiry in verse 10 initiates a divinely sanctioned military campaign, culminating in a decisive victory at Baal-perazim ([1 Chronicles 14:11-12](/1_chronicles/14-11-12 "1 Chronicles 14:11-12 - David's Victory at Baal-perazim")). The Chronicler then highlights a second Philistine incursion and David's subsequent, distinct inquiry and triumph ([1 Chronicles 14:13-17](/1_chronicles/14-13-17 "1 Chronicles 14:13-17 - Second Philistine Attack and Victory")), establishing a powerful pattern of ongoing reliance on God. This entire account closely parallels and expands upon the narrative found in [2 Samuel 5:17-25](/2_samuel/5-17-25 "2 Samuel 5:17-25 - David Defeats the Philistines").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a formidable military and political entity, occupying the southwestern coastal plain of Canaan. Their advanced iron weaponry and organized military structure frequently gave them a significant advantage over the Israelites throughout the periods of the Judges and early monarchy. David's rise to kingship and the unification of Israel, with Jerusalem as its capital, represented a direct challenge to Philistine regional hegemony, making conflict inevitable. Culturally, the practice of "inquiring of God" (Hebrew: *sha'al b'Elohim*) was a recognized and essential means of discerning divine will in ancient Israel. This was typically facilitated through the high priest using the Urim and Thummim, or through a prophet. David's consistent adherence to this practice stands in stark contrast to King Saul, who, in his later years, tragically failed to inquire of the Lord and resorted to forbidden practices, leading to his downfall (as seen in [1 Samuel 28:6-7](/1_samuel/28-6-7 "1 Samuel 28:6-7 - Saul and the Medium of Endor")). David's exemplary conduct in this regard underscores a fundamental aspect of righteous Israelite leadership and trust in Yahweh.

* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully articulates several core themes central to the Chronicler's theological agenda. Firstly, **Dependence on God** is paramount, as David, despite his proven military skill and newly consolidated authority, does not presume victory but immediately seeks divine counsel. This highlights a leadership model rooted in profound humility and unwavering reliance on a higher power, a theme consistently emphasized throughout the Chronicler's work, which frequently calls attention to the importance of seeking the Lord. Secondly, **Divine Guidance** is clearly demonstrated through God's direct and unambiguous response, assuring David of His active involvement and providing specific instructions. This underscores God's willingness to lead His people when they genuinely seek Him, a promise often reiterated in the wisdom literature, such as [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart"). Thirdly, **God's Sovereignty in Victory** is central; the explicit promise "I will deliver them into thine hand" unequivocally attributes the impending triumph not to David's might or strategy but to God's omnipotence. This theme resonates deeply with Israel's historical understanding, where victories were consistently portrayed as divine acts (e.g., [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - The Lord Fights for You")). Finally, **Obedience and Blessing** are intrinsically linked, as David's inquiry and subsequent adherence to God's instruction directly lead to promised success, establishing a pattern where seeking and following God's will results in divine favor and triumph.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Enquired (Hebrew, _shâʼal_):** From H7592, this primitive root signifies "to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand." In this context, it denotes a formal and earnest seeking of divine counsel, not merely a casual question. David's use of *shâʼal* here indicates a profound recognition of God's authority and a desire for direct revelation regarding a specific course of action, demonstrating a posture of submission and dependence, often involving established means like the high priest or a prophet.
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _nâthan_):** From H5414, this primitive root means "to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)." When God promises to "deliver" an enemy, it signifies His active role in granting decisive and overwhelming victory, making the enemy utterly vulnerable and subject to the victor's power. It emphasizes God's sovereign initiative in battle, attributing success to His intervention rather than human strength.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd_):** From H3027, this primitive word refers to "a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.))." In the idiom "deliver them into thine hand," *yâd* functions metaphorically to represent power, control, and dominion. The phrase signifies complete subjugation, where the enemy is brought entirely under the power and authority of David, by God's direct action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines?":** This opening clause immediately establishes David's exemplary spiritual leadership. Despite his recent military successes and the consolidation of his kingdom, he does not act presumptuously or rely solely on his own strategic acumen. Instead, his immediate response to the Philistine threat is to humbly seek divine counsel. The question "Shall I go up?" indicates a desire for explicit strategic direction and divine authorization for military engagement, demonstrating both humility and profound dependence on God's will.
* **"and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand?":** This second part of David's inquiry is a specific and crucial request for assurance of victory. It's not merely about whether to initiate battle, but whether God will guarantee the outcome and grant decisive triumph. This reveals David's deep theological understanding that true victory comes solely from the Lord, and he seeks confirmation of God's active involvement and favor in the impending conflict, recognizing that human effort alone is insufficient.
* **"And the LORD said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand.":** This is God's direct, clear, and unequivocally affirmative response. The command "Go up" provides the necessary divine authorization and strategic direction, validating David's proposed course of action. The subsequent declaration, "for I will deliver them into thine hand," serves as the divine guarantee of victory. The emphatic use of "I will" underscores God's sovereign initiative and omnipotent power, assuring David that the triumph will be a direct result of God's intervention and not merely human strength or military prowess.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Dialogue** is central, presenting a direct, concise, and impactful exchange between David and God. This immediate back-and-forth underscores the accessibility of God to those who genuinely seek Him and His willingness to provide clear, actionable guidance. The device of **Repetition** is also prominent, specifically with the phrase "deliver them into thine hand." David asks if God "wilt thou deliver them into mine hand?", and God responds, "I will deliver them into thine hand." This precise repetition serves to confirm and emphasize the certainty of the divine promise, reinforcing God's unwavering commitment to grant victory. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** with the previous king, Saul, who often failed to inquire of God or did so improperly, leading to his downfall. David's consistent and proper inquiry highlights his righteous character and sets him apart as a leader who truly walks in humble obedience and dependence on God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 14:10 stands as a profound testament to the principle of divine sovereignty and the necessity of human dependence. It teaches that true success, particularly in the face of daunting challenges, does not stem from human strength, wisdom, or military might, but from seeking and obeying God's specific guidance. David's inquiry exemplifies a leader who understands that God is the ultimate source of victory and authority, and that His will must precede any human endeavor. This posture of humility and reliance is consistently rewarded in Scripture, affirming that God actively involves Himself in the lives of those who honor Him, providing direction and ensuring triumph according to His purposes. The verse thus serves as a timeless model for all believers, urging a consistent and earnest seeking of God's counsel in every decision and conflict.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Some Trust in Chariots, Some in Horses, But We Trust in the Name of the Lord")
* [Isaiah 30:1-2](/isaiah/30-1-2 "Isaiah 30:1-2 - Woe to the Rebellious Children Who Make Plans Without God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's example in 1 Chronicles 14:10 offers timeless principles for navigating life's challenges in any era. In a world that often encourages self-reliance, strategic planning devoid of divine input, and a "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" mentality, David's immediate and humble inquiry reminds us that true wisdom and lasting success flow from a posture of profound dependence on God. Whether facing personal crises, making significant career choices, dealing with relational conflicts, or simply discerning daily steps, our first and most critical response should be to "enquire of God." This involves consistent prayer, diligent study of His inspired Word, seeking the illuminating guidance of the Holy Spirit, and listening to wise, godly counsel from trusted spiritual mentors. When God gives a clear direction, even if it seems counter-intuitive, requires courage, or demands sacrifice, we are called to trust in His faithfulness to fulfill His promises. Our obedience then becomes the channel through which His sovereign power is unleashed, transforming potential defeat into divinely orchestrated victory. This fosters a spirit of profound humility and gratitude, recognizing that all our successes are ultimately gifts of His enabling grace and perfect guidance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How consistently do I seek God's counsel through prayer and His Word before making significant decisions in my life?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I tempted to rely primarily on my own strength, wisdom, or resources instead of God's?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more consistent habit of inquiring of the Lord in my daily walk?**
* **How does my response to God's clear guidance demonstrate my trust in His promises and His ultimate sovereignty over my circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for David to "enquire of God" in this situation?**

Answer: David's inquiry was crucial because it demonstrated his profound recognition of God's absolute sovereignty over Israel's battles and his own reign. Unlike his predecessor, King Saul, who often acted presumptuously, impulsively, or even consulted forbidden sources in his later years (as detailed in [1 Samuel 28:6-7](/1_samuel/28-6-7 "1 Samuel 28:6-7 - Saul and the Medium of Endor")), David consistently sought divine approval and strategic direction. This practice ensured that his actions aligned with God's will, secured divine blessing, and established a pattern of righteous leadership rooted in humble dependence on the Lord for every victory. It was a testament to his character and a model for future kings.

**Does God still give such direct guidance today?**

Answer: While God may not always speak audibly or through Urim and Thummim as He did to David, He continues to provide clear and sufficient guidance for His people. His primary and most authoritative means of guidance is His inspired Word, the Bible, which is "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" ([2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed")). Additionally, God guides through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who illuminates Scripture, prompts our consciences, and leads us into truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Will Guide You")). He also uses prayer, wise counsel from godly mentors, and providential circumstances to direct our steps. The principle remains: God guides those who genuinely seek Him with a surrendered heart, desiring to walk in His ways.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty and human responsibility?**

Answer: This verse beautifully illustrates the dynamic interplay between God's sovereignty and human responsibility. David, as a responsible leader, takes the initiative to inquire and prepare for battle (human responsibility). He doesn't passively wait for God to act but actively seeks God's will. Yet, the victory is entirely attributed to God's sovereign act: "I will deliver them into thine hand." This demonstrates that human effort and obedience are not negated by God's sovereignty but are, in fact, the very means through which His sovereign will is accomplished. God's plan unfolds through the obedient actions of His people, highlighting that true success comes from aligning our will with His and trusting in His power to bring about the desired outcome. It's a partnership where God's power is perfected in human weakness and dependence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 14:10, with its profound emphasis on David's humble inquiry and God's unwavering promise of victory, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David, as a king who consistently sought God's will and relied on divine power for triumph over physical enemies, profoundly foreshadows Christ, the ultimate King and Victor over all. Where David fought against earthly Philistines, Jesus engaged in a cosmic battle against sin, death, and the spiritual forces of evil, triumphing over them "by the cross" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph over Principalities and Powers")). Just as God promised to deliver David's enemies into his hand, so too did God deliver all of humanity's spiritual enemies into the hands of His Son through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. Jesus, the perfect Son, perfectly inquired of His Father's will, even to the point of agonizing prayer in Gethsemane, declaring "not my will, but yours, be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives")). His victory is not merely a promise but a finished work, enabling all who believe in Him to share in His triumph over sin and death ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")). We, as believers, are now called to "draw near with confidence to the throne of grace" ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")) to inquire of our victorious King, knowing that in Him, we have overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming the World")) and are "more than conquerors through Him who loved us" ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")). The ultimate "deliverance into thine hand" is the spiritual victory Christ secured for His people, making Him the "King of kings, and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")) forevermore.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 3:6

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

1 Chronicles 14:14

Therefore David enquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.

1 Chronicles 13:3

And let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we enquired not at it in the days of Saul.

1 Samuel 30:8

And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake [them], and without fail recover [all].

2 Samuel 2:1

¶ And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron.

1 Samuel 23:9

And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.

1 Samuel 23:12

Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver [thee] up.