I Chronicles 14: David's Reign, Blessings, and Battles
Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an house.
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.
And David took more wives at Jerusalem: and David begat more sons and daughters.
Now these are the names of his children which he had in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon,
And Ibhar, and Elishua, and Elpalet,
And Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia,
And Elishama, and Beeliada, and Eliphalet.
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.
And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
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.
So 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.
And when they had left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire.
And the Philistines yet again spread themselves abroad in the valley.
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.
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.
David therefore did as God commanded him: and they smote the host of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gazer.
And the fame of David went out into all lands; and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations.
I Chronicles 14 offers a glimpse into the early years of David's reign, highlighting both the blessings he received and the battles he faced. The chapter serves as a powerful reminder that even in times of prosperity, challenges are inevitable, and reliance on God is paramount. The Chronicler strategically pauses the ark narrative to spotlight God’s favor upon David, potentially reassuring readers of God's continued support despite David's imperfections.
God's Blessings and David's Establishment (I Chronicles 14:1-7)
The chapter begins by detailing the tangible blessings bestowed upon David. King Hiram of Tyre, recognizing David's rising prominence, sent envoys, cedar logs, stonemasons, and carpenters to build a palace for him (I Chronicles 14:1). This act of international recognition and support underscored David's growing influence and the stability of his kingdom. David acknowledged that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel (I Chronicles 14:2). This understanding was crucial; David recognized that his success was not solely due to his own abilities but was a direct result of God's favor and purpose. David's star was indeed shining brightly, a testament to God's faithfulness in elevating him from a shepherd boy to a king.
The passage also mentions David taking more wives and fathering more children in Jerusalem (I Chronicles 14:3-7). While this was a common practice for kings in that era, it's important to remember that polygamy often led to complications and challenges, even for David. The list of his sons serves as a reminder of the lineage and future of the kingdom.
The Philistine Threat and David's Reliance on God (I Chronicles 14:8-17)
Just as David was enjoying the fruits of God's blessings, a challenge arose. When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they mobilized to confront him (I Chronicles 14:8). This highlights a crucial principle: blessings often attract opposition. When God blesses you for His purposes, you become a target of the enemy. However, David's response to this threat is a model for all believers.
Instead of relying on his own military might or past victories, David inquired of the Lord (I Chronicles 14:10). This act of seeking God's guidance is the cornerstone of his success. To inquire of God—to pray—is to seek heavenly intervention in an earthly situation. It is the established means by which God relates to His people and we relate to Him. God has wired the world of His people, in fact, to work through prayer. David didn't rely on his military might or past victories. He humbly looked to the one who had made him king in the first place.
God's response was clear and decisive: "Go up, for I will give them into your hand" (I Chronicles 14:10). David obeyed, and the Lord routed the Philistines at Baal-perazim. David acknowledged God's victory by naming the place Baal-perazim, which means "Lord of breaking through" (I Chronicles 14:11). This act of remembrance served as a constant reminder of God's power and faithfulness.
The Philistines, undeterred, regrouped and attacked again (I Chronicles 14:13). Again, David sought the Lord's guidance, and God provided specific instructions: "You shall not go up after them; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees. And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines" (I Chronicles 14:14-15). David meticulously followed these instructions, and God granted him another resounding victory.
As a result of these victories, David's fame spread throughout all lands, and the Lord caused all nations to fear him (I Chronicles 14:17). This fear was not simply a result of David's military prowess but was a recognition of God's power working through him.
Lessons for Today
I Chronicles 14 offers several valuable lessons for believers today:
- Blessings and Challenges Go Hand-in-Hand: Times of prosperity are often followed by trials. Don't be surprised when opposition arises, but be prepared to face it with faith and reliance on God.
- Prayer is Essential: David's consistent practice of seeking God's guidance through prayer is a model for us. Prayer is not merely a ritual but a vital connection to the source of all wisdom and power.
- Obedience is Key: God often provides specific instructions. David's obedience to these instructions was crucial to his success. We must be willing to listen to God's voice and obey His commands.
- Acknowledge God's Victory: Like David naming Baal-perazim, we should remember and acknowledge God's victories in our lives. This helps us to maintain a spirit of gratitude and dependence on Him.
By learning from David's example, we can navigate the challenges of life with faith, wisdom, and the assurance of God's presence and power.
Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an house.
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.
And David took more wives at Jerusalem: and David begat more sons and daughters.
Now these are the names of his children which he had in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon,
And Ibhar, and Elishua, and Elpalet,
And Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia,
And Elishama, and Beeliada, and Eliphalet.
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.
And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
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.
So 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.
And when they had left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire.
And the Philistines yet again spread themselves abroad in the valley.
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.
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.
David therefore did as God commanded him: and they smote the host of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gazer.
And the fame of David went out into all lands; and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations.
I Chronicles 14 offers a glimpse into the early years of David's reign, highlighting both the blessings he received and the battles he faced. The chapter serves as a powerful reminder that even in times of prosperity, challenges are inevitable, and reliance on God is paramount. The Chronicler strategically pauses the ark narrative to spotlight God’s favor upon David, potentially reassuring readers of God's continued support despite David's imperfections.
God's Blessings and David's Establishment (I Chronicles 14:1-7)
The chapter begins by detailing the tangible blessings bestowed upon David. King Hiram of Tyre, recognizing David's rising prominence, sent envoys, cedar logs, stonemasons, and carpenters to build a palace for him (I Chronicles 14:1). This act of international recognition and support underscored David's growing influence and the stability of his kingdom. David acknowledged that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel (I Chronicles 14:2). This understanding was crucial; David recognized that his success was not solely due to his own abilities but was a direct result of God's favor and purpose. David's star was indeed shining brightly, a testament to God's faithfulness in elevating him from a shepherd boy to a king.
The passage also mentions David taking more wives and fathering more children in Jerusalem (I Chronicles 14:3-7). While this was a common practice for kings in that era, it's important to remember that polygamy often led to complications and challenges, even for David. The list of his sons serves as a reminder of the lineage and future of the kingdom.
The Philistine Threat and David's Reliance on God (I Chronicles 14:8-17)
Just as David was enjoying the fruits of God's blessings, a challenge arose. When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they mobilized to confront him (I Chronicles 14:8). This highlights a crucial principle: blessings often attract opposition. When God blesses you for His purposes, you become a target of the enemy. However, David's response to this threat is a model for all believers.
Instead of relying on his own military might or past victories, David inquired of the Lord (I Chronicles 14:10). This act of seeking God's guidance is the cornerstone of his success. To inquire of God—to pray—is to seek heavenly intervention in an earthly situation. It is the established means by which God relates to His people and we relate to Him. God has wired the world of His people, in fact, to work through prayer. David didn't rely on his military might or past victories. He humbly looked to the one who had made him king in the first place.
God's response was clear and decisive: "Go up, for I will give them into your hand" (I Chronicles 14:10). David obeyed, and the Lord routed the Philistines at Baal-perazim. David acknowledged God's victory by naming the place Baal-perazim, which means "Lord of breaking through" (I Chronicles 14:11). This act of remembrance served as a constant reminder of God's power and faithfulness.
The Philistines, undeterred, regrouped and attacked again (I Chronicles 14:13). Again, David sought the Lord's guidance, and God provided specific instructions: "You shall not go up after them; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees. And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines" (I Chronicles 14:14-15). David meticulously followed these instructions, and God granted him another resounding victory.
As a result of these victories, David's fame spread throughout all lands, and the Lord caused all nations to fear him (I Chronicles 14:17). This fear was not simply a result of David's military prowess but was a recognition of God's power working through him.
Lessons for Today
I Chronicles 14 offers several valuable lessons for believers today:
- Blessings and Challenges Go Hand-in-Hand: Times of prosperity are often followed by trials. Don't be surprised when opposition arises, but be prepared to face it with faith and reliance on God.
- Prayer is Essential: David's consistent practice of seeking God's guidance through prayer is a model for us. Prayer is not merely a ritual but a vital connection to the source of all wisdom and power.
- Obedience is Key: God often provides specific instructions. David's obedience to these instructions was crucial to his success. We must be willing to listen to God's voice and obey His commands.
- Acknowledge God's Victory: Like David naming Baal-perazim, we should remember and acknowledge God's victories in our lives. This helps us to maintain a spirit of gratitude and dependence on Him.
By learning from David's example, we can navigate the challenges of life with faith, wisdom, and the assurance of God's presence and power.