1 Chronicles14

King Hiram of Tyre aided David in building his house, a sign David recognized as divine confirmation of his kingship. David subsequently expanded his family in Jerusalem. When the Philistines twice attacked, David sought God's counsel, receiving specific battle instructions each time, which led to decisive victories and spread his fame throughout the lands.
Listen to this chapter
0:00 0:00

David's Kingdom Established in Jerusalem

1
Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an house. ​
2
And David perceived that the LORD had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel. ​
3
And David took more wives at Jerusalem: and David begat more sons and daughters. ​
4
Now these are the names of his children which he had in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon, ​
5
And Ibhar, and Elishua, and Elpalet,
6
And Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia,
7
And Elishama, and Beeliada, and Eliphalet.

Victory over the Philistines at Baal-perazim

8
And when the Philistines heard that David was anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David. And David heard of it, and went out against them. ​
9
And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
10
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. ​
11
So they came up to Baalperazim; and David smote them there. Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies by mine hand like the breaking forth of waters: therefore they called the name of that place Baalperazim. ​
12
And when they had left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire. ​

The Second Defeat of the Philistines

13
And the Philistines yet again spread themselves abroad in the valley. ​
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. ​
15
And it shall be, when thou shalt hear a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt go out to battle: for God is gone forth before thee to smite the host of the Philistines. ​
16
David therefore did as God commanded him: and they smote the host of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gazer.
17
And the fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations. ​

Study Notes for 1 Chronicles 14

Verse 1

Hiram, King of Tyre, provided essential materials (cedar) and skilled labor, signifying an important political alliance and confirming David’s status as a powerful, established monarch.

Verse 2

The Chronicler emphasizes the theological understanding of David’s reign: his success and exaltation are not due to political maneuvering but are a direct divine confirmation by the LORD, intended for the benefit of Israel.

Verse 3

The taking of multiple wives and the subsequent birth of many children served to solidify the royal dynasty and ensure the continuity of the royal line established in Jerusalem.

Verse 4

The list of sons is crucial for the Chronicler, establishing the legitimate heirs born in the capital city. Nathan and Solomon are key figures, linking David to later messianic and royal narratives.

Verse 8

The Philistines recognized David’s anointing over all Israel as a direct military threat to their regional dominance, prompting an immediate and coordinated attack to neutralize the newly unified kingdom.

Verse 10

David modeled righteous leadership by consistently 'enquiring of God' (likely via the high priest or a prophet) before battle, seeking divine strategy rather than relying solely on his own military judgment.

Verse 11

Baal-perazim means 'Master of Breakings Through.' David recognized that God, like a sudden flood, had broken through the enemy lines, attributing the decisive victory entirely to divine power.

Verse 12

The burning of the enemy's idols demonstrates David's commitment to Yahweh and the elimination of pagan worship from the territory, underscoring the spiritual nature of the conflict.

Verse 13

The Philistines’ renewed attack necessitated a second consultation with God, demonstrating that past success does not negate the need for continuous divine guidance in new situations.

Verse 14

God commanded a new, non-traditional strategy, emphasizing that divine guidance is specific and must be obeyed exactly. David was told not to attack frontally but to circle around.

Verse 15

The 'sound of going' in the trees served as the sign that God’s heavenly army had deployed ahead of David’s forces, guaranteeing victory and requiring David to act in faith upon hearing the signal.

Verse 17

This verse concludes the narrative by stressing that David’s expanding fame and the fear he inspired in surrounding nations were ultimately the result of the LORD’s work on his behalf.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate
Settings

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Options