1 Chronicles 14:17

Translation
King James Version
And the fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And the fame H8034 of David H1732 went out H3318 into all lands H776; and the LORD H3068 brought H5414 the fear H6343 of him upon all nations H1471.
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Complete Jewish Bible
So David's reputation spread to all countries, and ADONAI brought the fear of him on all nations.
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Berean Standard Bible
And David’s fame went out into every land, and the LORD caused all nations to fear him.
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American Standard Version
And the fame of David went out into all lands; and Jehovah brought the fear of him upon all nations.
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World English Bible Messianic
The fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him on all nations.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And the fame of Dauid went out into all landes, and the Lord brought the feare of him vpon all nations.
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Young's Literal Translation
and the name of David goeth out into all the lands, and Jehovah hath put his fear on all the nations.
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See also
Deuteronomy 2:25Joshua 6:27Exodus 15:14Exodus 15:162 Chronicles 26:8Psalms 18:44Joshua 2:9
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In the KJVVerse 10,792 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 14:17 serves as a powerful declaration of God's active role in establishing David's kingdom and solidifying Israel's position among its neighbors. It proclaims that David's renown spread throughout all lands, and, more significantly, that the Lord Himself instilled a profound dread of David in all surrounding nations. This verse underscores that David's widespread influence and the fear he commanded were not merely products of his military prowess or political acumen, but direct results of Yahweh's intervention and empowerment, thereby attributing ultimate sovereignty and success to God.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse acts as the climactic conclusion to a crucial narrative segment in 1 Chronicles, detailing David's ascent to full kingship and his initial, divinely-backed military triumphs. It follows his anointing by all Israel in Hebron, marking the unification of the tribes under his leadership (1 Chronicles 11:1-3). The narrative then swiftly moves to David's strategic capture of Jerusalem, establishing it as his capital and the "City of David" (1 Chronicles 11:4-9). Chapter 14 specifically highlights Hiram's assistance in building David's palace, symbolizing the consolidation of his royal authority (1 Chronicles 14:1-2). The core of the chapter, leading to verse 17, recounts two decisive victories over the Philistines. Critically, before each engagement, David diligently seeks the Lord's counsel, demonstrating his dependence on divine guidance (1 Chronicles 14:10, 1 Chronicles 14:14). These victories at Baal-perazim and Gibeon (1 Chronicles 14:8-16) are presented as direct outcomes of David's obedient faith and God's active involvement, culminating in the declaration of his far-reaching fame and the divinely-instilled fear among nations. The Chronicler meticulously emphasizes God's faithfulness to David and the blessings that flow from seeking and obeying Him, setting the theological stage for the subsequent narratives concerning the Ark of the Covenant and the preparations for the temple.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: David's reign signifies a pivotal transformation for ancient Israel, transitioning from a loosely organized tribal confederacy to a unified monarchy with a centralized capital in Jerusalem. During this period, the Philistines represented a formidable and persistent existential threat to Israel, a challenge that had plagued the nation throughout Saul's reign and into David's early kingship. Their decisive defeat was absolutely essential for Israel's security, sovereignty, and the establishment of its national identity. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, the "fame" (reputation) of a king and the "fear" he inspired were not merely abstract concepts but tangible indicators of his power, the stability of his kingdom, and, crucially, the favor of his deity. Kings routinely boasted of the terror they inflicted upon their adversaries, and it was a widely held belief that a nation's patron deity actively fought on its behalf. Consequently, the widespread fear of David was not simply an acknowledgment of his military prowess; it was, more profoundly, a recognition of the overwhelming power of the God of Israel who fought for him. This divinely-orchestrated influence firmly established Israel as a significant regional power, fulfilling God's earlier covenant promises to make Israel a great nation (Genesis 12:2).
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully articulates several foundational themes woven throughout 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it prominently features Divine Sovereignty and Empowerment, explicitly stating that "the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations." This unequivocally underscores that David's success, influence, and authority were not merely human achievements but divinely orchestrated, demonstrating God's active hand in establishing His chosen king and securing His people. Secondly, it highlights the Widespread Influence of God's Chosen Leader, as David's "fame" extended "into all lands." This illustrates the far-reaching impact of a leader who walks in obedience and is blessed by God, serving as a powerful testament to God's power working through human vessels. This theme resonates deeply with God's earlier promises to Abraham that his descendants would be a blessing to all nations (Genesis 12:3). Lastly, the concept of Fear as Respect and Awe is profoundly significant. While "fear" (Hebrew: pachad) can certainly denote terror, in this specific context, it also implies a profound respect, awe, and even a deterrent apprehension for David and, by extension, for the formidable God who fought for Israel. This divinely instilled apprehension served as a crucial protective measure against potential enemies and solidified Israel's position among surrounding nations, echoing how God instilled fear in the enemies of Israel during the Exodus and conquest narratives (Exodus 15:16, Deuteronomy 2:25).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Fame (Hebrew, shêm', H8034): While literally meaning "name," shêm in this context carries the profound connotation of reputation, renown, character, and authority. It signifies more than mere celebrity; it speaks to David's established identity and the widespread recognition of his power and legitimacy as king. When David's "fame went out," it meant his established authority and formidable reputation were acknowledged far beyond Israel's borders, signifying his prominence on the geopolitical stage.
  • Fear (Hebrew, pachad', H6343): This word denotes a strong sense of dread, terror, or apprehension. Unlike a general "respect," pachad suggests a profound and unsettling awe that leads to avoidance or submission. The text explicitly states that "the LORD brought" this fear, indicating it was a supernatural, divinely orchestrated phenomenon, not merely a natural reaction to David's military victories. It implies that the nations recognized a formidable, even terrifying, power behind David – the power of Yahweh.
  • Lands/Nations (Hebrew, ʼerets' and gôwy', H776): And H1471. The use of "all lands" (ʼerets) and "all nations" (gôwy) emphasizes the universal scope and comprehensive reach of David's renown and the fear he inspired. This is not restricted to immediate neighbors but suggests a far-reaching influence, highlighting the magnitude of God's blessing and the extent to which He elevated David and, by extension, Israel on the world stage. The combination of these terms underscores the totality of this widespread impact.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And the fame of David went out into all lands;": This clause describes the widespread recognition and renown that David achieved. His reputation, built upon his anointing, his capture of Jerusalem, and especially his decisive, divinely-assisted victories over the Philistines, spread far and wide. It signifies that David's identity as a powerful and successful king was firmly established and acknowledged beyond Israel's borders, making him a figure of international significance.
  • "and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations.": This second clause reveals the ultimate source and nature of David's influence. It is not merely David's military might or political skill that caused nations to fear him, but the direct, active intervention of Yahweh. God Himself supernaturally instilled a profound dread or awe of David (and by extension, of Israel and its formidable God) in the hearts of surrounding peoples. This divine action served as a powerful protective measure for Israel, a deterrent to potential enemies, and a clear demonstration that David's kingdom was divinely sanctioned and empowered.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several potent literary devices to enhance its meaning and theological impact. Divine Agency is paramount, explicitly stating "the LORD brought," which unequivocally attributes David's widespread influence and the fear he commanded directly to God's intervention rather than solely to human effort. This reinforces the Chronicler's theological agenda, emphasizing God's sovereignty and active involvement in Israel's history. The use of Hyperbole with phrases like "all lands" and "all nations" serves to emphasize the truly vast and comprehensive extent of David's fame and the fear he inspired, even if not every single nation on earth literally trembled before him. This exaggeration underscores the profound and far-reaching impact of God's blessing. Furthermore, Synthetic Parallelism is evident between the two clauses, where "fame... went out into all lands" is syntactically paralleled and intensified by "the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations." The second clause deepens and explains the first, revealing the divine cause behind David's renown and its protective effect. Finally, Metonymy is present where "fame of David" stands not just for David's personal reputation but for the power, authority, and divine backing of the kingdom of Israel under God's chosen king.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This verse is profoundly theological, underscoring God's active involvement in the affairs of His people and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. It demonstrates that true power, influence, and security originate from God, not from human might, strategic brilliance, or military strength alone. David's victories and subsequent renown are presented as a direct consequence of his consistent obedience and diligent seeking of the Lord's counsel, illustrating the timeless biblical principle that God honors those who honor Him. The widespread fear divinely instilled in the nations serves as a tangible protective measure for Israel, fulfilling earlier promises that God would put dread and fear of His people upon their enemies. It also foreshadows the ultimate universal dominion of God's chosen king, a theme that finds its ultimate and perfect expression in the Messiah.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

1 Chronicles 14:17 offers profound and enduring insights for believers today, serving as a powerful reminder of the ultimate source of true influence and lasting success. It challenges us to shift our focus from self-reliance and human strategies to humble dependence on God. David's consistent practice of inquiring of the Lord before every significant undertaking, particularly before battle, serves as a compelling model for our own lives: when we prioritize seeking God's will and guidance in our decisions, He is able to amplify our impact far beyond our natural abilities or perceived limitations. Our "fame" or influence in the world, particularly in our service to God and our witness for Christ, is not primarily a result of our charisma, talent, or diligent work alone, but a direct reflection of God's empowering presence and active work through us. This verse encourages us to walk in obedience and integrity, trusting that God will establish and defend us, and that He can use even our perceived weaknesses to display His magnificent strength. It calls us to live in a way that consistently brings glory to Him, fostering a spirit of profound humility and gratitude, recognizing that any good we achieve is ultimately His doing and for His purposes.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what areas of your life or ministry are you tempted to rely on your own strength or strategies rather than consistently seeking God's counsel and empowerment?
  • How does recognizing God as the ultimate source of all true influence and authority change your perspective on personal success, professional achievement, and ministry impact?
  • What might it mean for God to "bring the fear" of His people upon others in a contemporary context, and how might this manifest in a positive, redemptive, and impactful way for the advancement of His kingdom?

FAQ

What is the significance of "fame" and "fear" in this context?

Answer: In the ancient Near East, "fame" (Hebrew: shêm) was much more than mere celebrity; it signified established reputation, authority, and power. It communicated a king's legitimacy, effectiveness, and divine backing. "Fear" (Hebrew: pachad) was not just terror, but a profound awe, dread, and respectful apprehension that acknowledged the formidable power of a king and, more importantly, the deity who empowered him. For David, his widespread fame and the fear he inspired were direct indicators of God's active presence and blessing, solidifying his kingdom and deterring potential enemies. It meant that nations recognized that the God of Israel was fighting for David, making him a force to be reckoned with, as seen in Rahab's confession in Joshua 2:9-11.

How does this verse relate to the Chronicler's overall purpose?

Answer: The Chronicler's primary purpose was to encourage the post-exilic community by reminding them of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the Davidic covenant. This verse powerfully illustrates that faithfulness. By emphasizing that "the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations," the Chronicler highlights God's sovereignty and His active, providential role in establishing David's kingdom and securing Israel's position among the nations. It serves to legitimate the Davidic line, demonstrates the blessings that flow from obedience and diligently seeking God's will (as David consistently did before battle, 1 Chronicles 14:10), and provides a profound message of hope that God would once again restore His people and their rightful leadership, ultimately pointing to the enduring nature of God's covenant with David.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

1 Chronicles 14:17, while celebrating David's earthly dominion and God's establishment of his kingdom, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and universal reign of Jesus Christ. David, as God's anointed king, serves as a significant type of the Messiah. His fame spreading "into all lands" and the Lord bringing "the fear of him upon all nations" points directly to the cosmic authority and universal renown of Christ, who, after His resurrection, declared that He has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18). The "fear" David inspired, a recognition of God's formidable power working through him, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the awe, reverence, and ultimate submission due to Christ, before whom "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10-11). While David's kingdom was earthly and temporal, Christ's kingdom is eternal and spiritual, yet its influence is truly universal, transcending all boundaries and ultimately subduing all opposition and enemies (1 Corinthians 15:25). The fame of David, established by God for the security and blessing of Israel, pales in comparison to the incomparable glory of Christ, whose name is above every name (Philippians 2:9), and through whom God reconciles all things to Himself, whether on earth or in heaven (Colossians 1:19-20).

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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 14 verses 8–17

This narrative of David's triumph over the Philistines is much the same with that, Sa2 5:17, etc. 1. Let the attack which the Philistines made upon David forbid us to be secure in any settlement or advancement, and engage us to expect molestation in this world. When we are most easy something or other may come to be a terror or vexation to us. Christ's kingdom will thus be insulted by the serpent's seed, especially when it makes any advances. 2. Let David's enquiry of God, once and again, upon occasion of the Philistines' invading him, direct us in all our ways to acknowledge God - in distress to fly to him, when we are wronged to appeal to him, and, when we know not what to do, to ask counsel at his oracles, to put ourselves under his direction, and to beg of him to show us the right way. 3. Let David's success encourage us to resist our spiritual enemies, in observance of divine directions and dependence on divine strength. Resist the devil, and he shall flee as the Philistines did before David. 4. Let the sound of the going in the tops of the mulberry trees direct us to attend God's motions both in his providence and in the influences of his Spirit. When we perceive God to go before us let us gird up our loins, gird on our armour, and follow him. 5. Let David's burning the gods of the Philistines, when they fell into his hands, teach us a holy indignation against idolatry and all the remains of it. 6. Let David's thankful acknowledgment of the hand of God in his successes direct us to bring all our sacrifices of praise to God's altar. Not unto us, O Lord! not unto us, but to thy name give glory. 7. Let the reputation which David obtained, not only in his kingdom, but among his neighbours, be looked upon as a type and figure of the exalted honour of the Son of David (Ch1 14:17): The fame of David went out into all lands; he was generally talked of, and admired by all people, and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations. All looked upon him as a formidable enemy and a desirable ally. Thus has God highly exalted our Redeemer, and given him a name above every name.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 8–17. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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