1 Chronicles
Chapter 14
David in Jerusalem
Hiram, king of Tyre, sent messengers to David with cedar wood and stonemasons and carpenters to build him a palace.
David then knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and that, for the sake of his people Israel, his kingdom was being made prosperous.
At Jerusalem, David took more wives and fathered more sons and daughters.
These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,
Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet,
Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia,
Elishama, Beeliada, Eliphelet.
When the Philistines arrived, they began plundering the Valley of the Rephaim.
David consulted the Lord: “Shall I attack the Philistines? Will you turn them over to me?” The Lord answered him; “Attack! I will turn them over to you.”
The Philistines went up to Baal-perazim, and there David defeated them. David said; “God has broken through them by my hand just as water breaks through a dam.” For this reason, that place was called Baal-perazim.
They had left their gods behind them there, and David ordered them to be burned.
Again, the Philistines started plundering in the valley.
David again consulted God, and God answered: “Do not attack them from the front; go around and get ready to attack them from the other side, near the balsam trees.
When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, launch your attack, for God is going out ahead of you to defeat the army of the Philistines.”
David did as God had ordered, and they defeated the Philistine army from Gibeon as far as Gezer.
David became famous everywhere, and the Lord made every nation afraid of him.
Commentaries
Transfer of the Ark to Jerusalem.
Based on 2 Samuel 6:1-23, the Chronicler greatly expands the story of bringing the Ark to Jerusalem. The account highlights two key moments: the first attempt at transfer (13) and the final transfer of the Ark to Jerusalem (15-16). These events are separated by the story of the war against the Philistines (14). It concludes with Nathan’s prophecy (17). The focus shifts to the religious significance: the Ark, as a symbol of God’s presence; the worship in the city; and the Temple that Nathan foresees.
David in Jerusalem – Battles Against the Philistines.
David becomes an important figure among other nations. While the kindness of the Tyrians brings them peace and good business (1-2), the hostility of the Philistines results in their defeat (8-17). The Chronicler highlights David as the king who obeys God (10:14-16), setting the standard by which other kings are judged.