1 Chronicles 14:1-17 (June 12, 2025)

David's Wives and Children

14:1 And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, also masons and carpenters to build a house for him. 2 And David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel, and that his kingdom was highly exalted for the sake of his people Israel.

3 And David took more wives in Jerusalem, and David fathered more sons and daughters. 4 These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, 5 Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, 6 Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, 7 Elishama, Beeliada and Eliphelet.

Philistines Defeated

8 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. But David heard of it and went out against them. 9 Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the Valley of Rephaim. 10 And David inquired of God, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the Lord said to him, “Go up, and I will give them into your hand.” 11 And he went up to Baal-perazim, and David struck them down there. And David said, “God has broken through[a] my enemies by my hand, like a bursting flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim. 12 And they left their gods there, and David gave command, and they were burned.

13 And the Philistines yet again made a raid in the valley. 14 And when David again inquired of God, God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; go around and come against them opposite the balsam trees. 15 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.” 16 And David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army from Gibeon to Gezer. 17 And the fame of David went out into all lands, and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations.

Footnotes

1 Chronicles 14:11 Baal-perazim means Lord of breaking through

Summary

1 Chronicles 14 recounts God's continued establishment of David's kingship in Jerusalem. The chapter opens with King Hiram of Tyre sending cedar and craftsmen to build David a house, a political gesture affirming David’s legitimacy.

David recognizes that his kingship is not merely political success, but God's doing for the sake of His people (v. 2). The chapter then mentions David’s growing family in Jerusalem (vv. 3–7). The latter half (vv. 8–17) highlights two military victories over the Philistines.

Notably, David does not act presumptuously; he inquires of God before battle, and God provides specific instructions. As a result, David defeats the Philistines, and "the fame of David went out into all lands, and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations" (v. 17).

Reflections

1 Chronicles 14:2 (ESV)

"And David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel, and that his kingdom was highly exalted for the sake of his people Israel."

God establishes leaders for the sake of His people.

David discerns that his rise is not merely for personal achievement but for the good of God’s people. Christian leadership must be understood in this light: God raises up leaders not for their own platform, but for His purposes and His people. This perspective guards us from pride and turns our attention to servant-hearted stewardship.

1 Chronicles 14:10 (ESV)

"And David inquired of God, 'Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?' And the Lord said to him, 'Go up, and I will give them into your hand.'"

God blesses those who seek His guidance before acting.

David’s strength lies not only in his military prowess but in his dependence on God. He does not assume success. He prays and waits for direction. This is repeated in verse 14 with a different strategy. When we humble ourselves and seek God's counsel, we act in faith, not presumption.

1 Chronicles 14:16–17 (ESV)

"And David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army... And the fame of David went out into all lands, and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations."

God brings victory when His people follow His leading.

Victory is not the result of David’s strategy but his obedience. God honors those who honor Him. The result is not only deliverance but also a wider testimony to God's power among the nations. When we follow God’s Word, He exalts His name through us.

Application

Before acting, stop and ask: Am I doing this for God's glory or my own gain?

David's rise, prayer, and victory all stem from a posture of dependence on God. Our effectiveness in ministry and life does not begin with confidence in ourselves, but in quiet, prayerful submission to God's will.

Prayer

Sovereign and wise God,

We praise you for your faithfulness in raising up leaders for your people. Keep us from pride and self-reliance. Teach us to seek your face before we act. Help us walk in obedience, not presumption. May your name be glorified through our decisions, our victories, and our service.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.