1 Chronicles 14

The Voice

14 Hiram (king of Tyre) sent messengers to David with cedar trees, masons, and carpenters to build a royal palace, acknowledging Israel and David’s political influence in the region. ²Because of the expanding power of Israel, David realized the Eternal had selected him as king over Israel to provide for His people. ³At Jerusalem he took more wives and fathered more children. ⁴These were the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, ⁵Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, ⁶Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, ⁷Elishama, Beeliada, and Eliphelet.

David is obviously God’s man. The blessings God pours out on David are apparent: he is experienced in political and military success, his family rapidly expands, and his massive building projects are visible everywhere.

⁸When the Philistines heard about David’s ascension to the throne of all Israel, they prepared to attack him. But David heard about their movement and sent his troops to attack them. ⁹As the Philistines raided the valley of Rephaim, ¹⁰David asked for God’s guidance.

David: Shall I fight the Philistines? Will You assure me a victory?

Eternal One: Fight them, and I will ensure a victory.

¹¹David defeated the Philistines at Baal-perazim, so named because “God broke the enemies with my hand as rushing waters break through barriers.” ¹²The Philistines abandoned their gods there, so David ordered the idols to be burned.

¹³The Philistines raided the valley again. ¹⁴Again David asked for God’s counsel.

Eternal One: This time do not attack them directly. Circle behind their forces and attack from their rear coming out from the balsam trees. ¹⁵When you hear marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then go out to fight. I will have already attacked the Philistine army before you arrive.

¹⁶David obeyed God’s command, and he defeated the army of the Philistines from Gibeon to Gezer. ¹⁷David was famous among his neighboring nations, and the Eternal made all other nations afraid of him.