Read 1 Chronicles 14
David’s House and Family
14 Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar logs, stonemasons and carpenters to build a palace for him. 2 And David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and that his kingdom had been highly exalted for the sake of his people Israel.
3 In Jerusalem David took more wives and became the father of more sonsand daughters. 4 These are the names of the children born to him there:Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, 5 Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, 6 Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, 7 Elishama, Beeliada and Eliphelet.
David Defeats the Philistines
8 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went out to meet them. 9 Now the Philistines had come and raided the Valley of Rephaim; 10 so David inquired of God: “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?”
The Lord answered him, “Go, I will deliver them into your hands.”
11 So David and his men went up to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them. He said, “As waters break out, God has broken out against my enemies by my hand.” So that place was called Baal Perazim. 12 The Philistines had abandoned their gods there, and David gave orders to burnthem in the fire.
13 Once more the Philistines raided the valley; 14 so David inquired of God again, and God answered him, “Do not go directly after them, but circle around them and attack them in front of the poplar trees. 15 As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move out to battle, because that will mean God has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.” 16 So David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army, all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.
17 So David’s fame spread throughout every land, and the Lord made all the nations fear him.
Go Deeper
There are three main sections (or movements) to this chapter of scripture. Let’s look at each of them today.
The first movement comes in verses 1-2. The Lord not only established David as king over Israel, but He also put him in a place of great influence and importance. Neighboring kings sent materials for the establishment of the house of David which evidenced the fact that David was more than a man of war; he also knew how to build important political alliances. David knew two things that godly leaders should know. First, he knew that he was called by the Lord. On top of that, he knew he was not lifted up for his own sake, but for the sake of the people of Israel.
Then, in verses 3-7, David fell short by disobeying the law in Deuteronomy 17:17 by taking multiple wives. Second Samuel 5:13 tells us that David also took more concubines when he lived in Jerusalem. This sinful behavior is a main part of the trouble in his life now and later (Bathsheba). While David seemed anointed and powerful, he sowed seeds of trials in his life through his relationships with multiple women and their children.
Finally, we read in verses 8-17 about the victory over the Philistines. David was obviously known as a success when it came to war. God delivered many victories during David’s reign, including three in this chapter. David repeatedly demonstrated his faith and dependence on the Lord. David sought the Lord’s leadership before going into battle. David obeyed in the destruction of all of the idols left behind at Baal Perazim and David followed instructions to wait on the Lord before giving himself completely to the battle.
Focusing on David’s obedience is a good place to land in this text. His ability to wait for God’s plan to unfold and not take matters into his own hands is exactly what we should do as believers as we work to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Waiting for God looks like us committing to prayer and devotion, believing in the Holy Spirit, and being open to confession and repentance.
As David worked to align himself with the Lord, he prospered and was protected by Him. Isn’t this what we want for our walk with the Lord? God wants to bless us when we submit to a right relationship with Him and are used as lights to those around us. Even through David’s imperfection, we can see a Holy Lord who built a physical house for David. We also know that He is preparing a much better place for us in eternity. In this text God has shown us David going through trials and how, through obedience and patience, he was ultimately lifted up in his relationship with God. In Jesus, we have a “better” David who is not only close to God, but is God, and allows us to find Him and be in right relationship through tests and trials. The “better” David has prepared a place for us, through grace, in His glory.
Questions
- When can you find a time and place to listen for the voice of the Lord and His Holy Spirit before acting of your accord?
- How was a young King David vastly different from King Saul?
- How can we work to make our tests our testimonies?
Listen Here
Sometimes listening to a text improves our understanding of a text we just read. It also can remove our distractions when we read and get pulled away by our thoughts. Listen to this audio version of 1 Chronicles 14.
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4 responses to “1 Chronicles 14”
“And David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and that his kingdom had been highly exalted for the sake of his people Israel”(v2).
David credited God for his success and he knew why he had been honored in such a manner. It was for his chosen people that God had called and enabled his kingship to flourish. Wherever God has called us, ultimately it is to make him known by loving and serving others. Our work becomes worship when we dedicate it to God and perform it with an awareness of his presence.
14 “so David inquired of God again, and God answered him“
I am very encouraged to read about how David dutifully and wisely inquired of God for battle strategy. But I find it telling that in this same passage, we don’t see David inquiring of God before he went and “took more wives”. His life is in way so inspiring yet a cautionary tale in another way!
How amazing it is and so very comforting is it to know that in your battle, even when you have to wait, the Lord has gone before you. BUT GOD has you every step of the way. What would be hard would be to hear from God and know you are to wait but you can hear the enemies footsteps, could I do it? Also when God says wait, can I do that? Even when David thought God is not doing what he wanted done or a friend gets struck down dead, David came back humbly and teachable. I want that.
As I was reading other commentaries and blogs on this chapter, several had verse 11 as a prayer when you need a breakthrough in you life. It says in the middle of verse 11 “He said, “As waters break out, God has broken out against my enemies by my hand.”
“Each day we face many challenges. Although there is no one-size-fits-all answer, our first action should always be to consult God. As He guides us, we can have confidence in Him. Then, whether the victory comes through His miraculous intervention or through His guidance, all the glory goes to God.— by Dave Branon
Not to the strong is the battle,
Not to the swift is the race;
Yet to the true and the faithful
Victory is promised through grace.
—Crosby
To stand up to any challenge, spend time on your knees.
God thank You for this day, these minutes of this day, that I have breath that You have given me. God I am so thankful for these minutes to try my hardest to let You guide me in all circumstances. I see a thread of pray throughout scripture. God it amazes me that You want to talk and hang out with me. But there You are in the beginning, middle and end of all the things. God help my first response to be talking to You about what is happening (which You already know) and trusting in Your voice. Thank You God for breaking out against my enemies ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ I come against the spirit of pride in my life. God, at times David was humble. “Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually.” (1 Chron 16:11).God I know my brothers and sisters in Christ are also searching for that break through that David had, we all have challeneges. I just pray that no weapon formed against us shall prosper but in all things through pray and supplication we are making our request be made known to You God so that You can intercede in our battles. God let me/us be listening to hear (shema) into that obedience of doing what You have requested or require. God thank You for the minutes of the rest of this day, that there are multiple praises due to breakthrough moments today, in these minutes, in Jesus name amen.
WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
David’s victories over the Philistines were not just a result of his military prowess but a testament to God’s favor. “So, David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the army of the Philistines from Gibeon to Gezer” (1 Chronicles 14:16). Acknowledging God’s role in our achievements keeps us humble and reminds us to give Him the glory for our successes.