TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Chronicles 14 verses 1–7
We may observe here, 1. There is no man that has such a sufficiency in himself but he has need of his neighbours and has reason to be thankful for their help: David had a very large kingdom, Hiram a very little one; yet David could not build himself a house to his mind unless Hiram furnished him with both workmen and materials, Ch1 14:1. This is a reason why we should despise none, but, as we have opportunity, be obliging to all. 2. It is a great satisfaction to a wise man to be settled, and to a good man to see the special providences of God in his settlement. The people had made David king; but he could not be easy, nor think himself happy, till he perceived that the Lord had confirmed him king over Israel, Ch1 14:2. "Who shall unfix me if God hath fixed me?" 3. We must look upon all our advancements as designed for our usefulness. David's kingdom was lifted up on high, not for his own sake, that he might look great, but because of his people Israel, that he might be a guide and protector to them. We are blessed in order that we may be blessings. See Gen 12:2. We are not born, nor do we live, for ourselves. 4. It is difficult to thrive without growing secure and indulgent to the flesh. It was David's infirmity that when he settled in his kingdom he took more wives (Ch1 14:3), yet the numerous issue he had added to his honour and strength. Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord. We had an account of David's children, not only in Samuel, but in this book (Ch1 3:1, etc.) and now here again; for it was their honour to have such a father.
Continue studying 1 Chronicles 14:7 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 14:7 meticulously enumerates three more sons born to King David in Jerusalem: Elishama, Beeliada, and Eliphalet. This verse is an integral part of the Chronicler's detailed record of David's expanding family and the establishment of his royal household in the newly secured capital, underscoring the divine blessing, stability, and legitimacy bestowed upon his reign as he consolidates power and prepares for the future of the kingdom.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated within a crucial passage (1 Chronicles 14:1-7) that details the consolidation of David's kingdom in Jerusalem. Following the capture of the city and the construction of David's palace by Hiram of Tyre, which signifies international recognition and divine favor (1 Chronicles 14:1-2), the narrative shifts to David's personal life. The enumeration of his wives and children born in Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 14:3-7) immediately precedes David's significant military victories against the Philistines (1 Chronicles 14:8-17), suggesting that the stability and flourishing of his household are foundational to the strength and success of his kingdom. The Chronicler's careful attention to David's lineage sets the stage for the pivotal Davidic covenant, a central theme in both 2 Samuel 7 and its parallel in 1 Chronicles 17, emphasizing the divine promise of an enduring dynasty.
Historical & Cultural Context: David's relocation to Jerusalem and the subsequent expansion of his family were acts laden with significance in the ancient Near East. For a king, having numerous sons was a potent symbol of divine favor, prosperity, and the promise of a secure and lasting dynasty. Monarchs often engaged in polygamy, taking multiple wives and concubines, not only for personal reasons but also to forge political alliances and produce abundant heirs, thereby ensuring a stable succession. The practice of naming children frequently carried deep theological or commemorative significance, reflecting the parents' faith, hopes, or experiences. Jerusalem, recently captured from the Jebusites, was in the process of being transformed from a foreign stronghold into the political and religious capital of Israel. The growth of David's family within its walls thus powerfully symbolized the flourishing and divine endorsement of the new kingdom under God's chosen king, marking a pivotal transition from a tribal confederacy to a centralized monarchy.
Key Themes: The meticulous listing of David's sons in this passage contributes to several overarching themes central to the Chronicler's theological agenda. Firstly, Lineage and Succession are paramount, emphasizing the importance of a legitimate and divinely sanctioned royal line, which is crucial for validating the Davidic dynasty for the post-exilic community. This theme is foundational for understanding the future of Israel and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises through the Davidic covenant. Secondly, the growing number of David's children signifies Divine Blessing and Prosperity, indicating God's favor upon David's reign and the stability of his kingdom in Jerusalem. This aligns with the Chronicler's broader emphasis on the blessings that accompany obedience and faithfulness to God, a recurring motif throughout 1 Chronicles. Lastly, the detailed Historical Record and genealogical information reflect the Chronicler's commitment to preserving the accurate history of Israel, highlighting God's faithfulness through generations and His meticulous involvement in the affairs of His people, from the earliest genealogies in 1 Chronicles 1 to the establishment of the kingdom.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 14:7, and indeed in the broader passage of 1 Chronicles 14:3-7, is Enumeration or List. The Chronicler meticulously records names, emphasizing the order, structure, and divine blessing upon David's expanding family. This detailed listing serves several crucial purposes: it provides a precise historical record, validates the legitimacy of David's burgeoning lineage, and underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to build David a "house" or enduring dynasty. The repetition of such genealogical lists throughout 1 Chronicles (e.g., 1 Chronicles 3 and 1 Chronicles 8) highlights the Chronicler's deep concern for Order and Continuity, demonstrating God's faithfulness across generations. Furthermore, the very act of naming each child, often with a Theophoric Element (a divine name within the personal name), functions as a subtle yet profound Theological Statement, embedding expressions of faith and divine attributes directly into the fabric of the historical record, turning a simple list into a confession of God's character.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While a simple list of names, 1 Chronicles 14:7 profoundly contributes to the overarching biblical narrative of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The expansion of David's family in Jerusalem is a tangible sign of God's blessing and the establishment of the Davidic dynasty, a crucial step in the unfolding of redemptive history. Each name, with its inherent theological meaning ("God of hearing," "Lord knows," "God of deliverance"), subtly reinforces the attributes of the God who is actively involved in the lives of His people and their leaders. This meticulous record underscores the divine sovereignty that orchestrates even the seemingly mundane details of lineage to achieve His grand purposes, ultimately pointing towards the coming Messiah, the true Son of David.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly simple verse, a mere list of names, invites us to consider the profound theological truth that God is intimately involved in the details of our lives, just as He was in the meticulous establishment of David's household. The names themselves serve as mini-confessions of faith: "God of hearing," "Lord knows," "God of deliverance." This reminds us that our very existence and the circumstances of our lives are not random, but are known and overseen by a sovereign God who hears our prayers, knows our paths, and is our ultimate deliverer. We are called to trust in His meticulous care, even when our lives feel like a mere list of events or when our circumstances seem insignificant. Furthermore, this verse highlights the importance of spiritual lineage and the legacy of faith. What "names" or testimonies of God's character are we building into our own lives and passing on to future generations? Our lives, like these names, can become living declarations of God's faithfulness and active presence in the world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does the Chronicler list David's sons in such detail?
Answer: The Chronicler's primary purpose in writing 1 Chronicles was to affirm the legitimacy and importance of the Davidic dynasty, especially for the post-exilic community. Listing David's sons in detail, as seen in 1 Chronicles 14:3-7, serves several crucial functions. It establishes the continuity and stability of David's "house" (dynasty), which was foundational to God's covenant promise to David in 2 Samuel 7. It also demonstrates divine blessing and prosperity upon David's reign, as a large family was a sign of favor and divine approval in ancient cultures. Furthermore, it provides a meticulous historical record, emphasizing the Chronicler's commitment to accurate genealogy, which was vital for understanding lineage, land rights, and the priestly succession in Israel, ensuring the proper order and identity of the restored community.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 14:7 is a simple list of names, it contributes profoundly to the grand narrative of God's faithfulness in establishing the Davidic line, which ultimately culminates in Jesus Christ. The very existence of these sons, born to David in Jerusalem, signifies the stability and growth of the dynasty from which the Messiah would come. Each name, with its inherent theological meaning, subtly foreshadows aspects of Christ's person and work: "Elishama" ("God of hearing") points to Jesus as the one through whom God fully hears and answers the cries of humanity, offering salvation and reconciliation, for He is the Word made flesh who perfectly reveals the Father. "Beeliada" ("Lord knows" or "God knows") speaks to Christ's divine omniscience and His intimate knowledge of every individual, as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep and is known by them. "Eliphalet" ("God of deliverance") powerfully prefigures Jesus as the ultimate deliverer, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, providing freedom from sin, death, and the power of darkness. Thus, this seemingly mundane verse, by meticulously tracing the lineage of David, quietly yet profoundly points to the coming of the Son of David, Jesus Christ, through whom all God's promises find their resounding "Yes" and "Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20).