Old Testament · History

1 Chronicles 14

Established

David defeats the Philistines twice and his fame spreads. God confirms the kingdom — not through ceremony, but through victory.

King James Version BSB KJV

1Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an house.

2And David perceived that the LORD had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel.

3And David took more wives at Jerusalem: and David begat more sons and daughters.

4Now these are the names of his children which he had in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon,

5And Ibhar, and Elishua, and Elpalet,

6And Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia,

7And Elishama, and Beeliada, and Eliphalet.

8And 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.

9And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

10And 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.

11So they came up to Baal-perazim; 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 Baal-perazim.

12And when they had left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire.

13And the Philistines yet again spread themselves abroad in the valley.

14Therefore 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.

15And 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.

16David therefore did as God commanded him: and they smote the host of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gazer.

17And the fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations.

Understand This

1 Chronicles 14, explained

What 1 Chronicles 14 is saying

Hiram of Tyre sends materials and craftsmen to build David's palace, confirming his international recognition. David takes more wives in Jerusalem and defeats the Philistines twice, following God's specific tactical instructions each time. His fame spreads among all nations.

The background behind it

The alliance with Hiram of Tyre represents the first major international diplomatic relationship for the united monarchy. The Chronicler positions this chapter between the failed and successful ark transfers to show God blessing David despite the setback.

Themes running underneath

David's military consultations with God contrast sharply with the previous chapter's presumption. In battle, David asks God before acting and follows specific instructions, demonstrating the obedient posture that was missing in the ark transfer.

Why it still matters

After failure, the path forward is not less boldness but more attentiveness to God's direction. David's victories came because he learned to ask first and act second.

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Scripture text: King James Version — public domain.