1 Chronicles 14:1-17
David's House Is Established
1Now Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to David, along with cedar logs, stonemasons, and carpenters, to build a palace for him.
2And David realized that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had highly exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.
3And David took more wives in Jerusalem and became the father of more sons and daughters.
4These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,
5Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet,
6Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia,
7Elishama, Beeliada, and Eliphelet.
8When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went out to face them.
9Now the Philistines had come and raided the Valley of Rephaim.
10So David inquired of God, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go,” replied the LORD, “for I will deliver them into your hand.”
11So David and his men went up to Baal-perazim, where he defeated the Philistines and said, “Like a bursting flood, God has burst out against my enemies by my hand.” So they called that place Baal-perazim.
12There the Philistines abandoned their gods, and David ordered that they be burned in the fire.
13Once again the Philistines raided the valley.
14So David again inquired of God, who answered him, “Do not march up after them, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.
15As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move out to battle, because this will mean that God has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.”
16So David did as God had commanded him, and they struck down the army of the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.
17And David’s fame went out into every land, and the LORD caused all nations to fear him.
Berean Standard Bible
Hiram king of Tyre sends cedar, stonemasons, and carpenters to build a house for David. David realizes that the LORD has established him as king over Israel and exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people.
The genealogy of David's sons born in Jerusalem follows. The growing household shows that the king's life is becoming firmly rooted in the city, but it also reminds us that royal strength is not merely a private achievement. The LORD is establishing David for Israel's sake.
The Philistines hear that David has been anointed king and come against him. David asks God whether he should fight them. At Baal-perazim, the LORD breaks through David's enemies, and David says God has broken through like a bursting flood.
When the Philistines return, David asks again. This time God gives a different strategy: circle around them and wait for the sound of marching in the treetops. David obeys, strikes the Philistines, and his fame spreads. The victories belong to God, and David's repeated questions show that yesterday's direction is not a substitute for today's dependence.
Questions
1 Who helped build David's house?
AnswerHiram king of Tyre sent cedar, stonemasons, and carpenters to build it.
2 Why did David say the LORD had established him?
AnswerHe understood that God had established his kingdom for the sake of Israel, not merely for his private honor.
3 What did David do before fighting the Philistines?
AnswerHe inquired of God instead of assuming that his own judgment was sufficient.
4 Why did David ask again when the enemy returned?
AnswerHe needed fresh direction because God gave a different strategy for the second battle.
What This Means for Us
Past faithfulness gives encouragement, but it does not make discernment unnecessary. David had already seen God give victory and still asked what to do next.
Success should make us more dependent, not more presumptuous. Before repeating a familiar response, pay attention to the people and circumstances God has placed in front of you today.
Prayer
LORD, thank You for every place where You have established us to serve others. Keep us humble after success, attentive to Your direction, and willing to ask again when the situation has changed. Amen.