1 Chronicles Chapter 14 — David’s Kingdom and Victories
David builds a palace in Jerusalem, expands his family, and achieves two major military victories over the Philistines by following God's specific instructions.
1Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David with cedar trees, masons, and carpenters, to build him a house.
2David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, for his kingdom was highly exalted, for his people Israel’s sake.
3David took more wives in Jerusalem, and David became the father of more sons and daughters.
4These are the names of the children whom he had in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,
5Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet,
6Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia,
7Elishama, Beeliada, and Eliphelet.
8When 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.
9Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the valley of Rephaim.
10David inquired of God, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hand?”
11So they came up to Baal Perazim, and David defeated them there. David said, God has broken my enemies by my hand, like waters breaking out. Therefore they called the name of that place Baal Perazim.*“Baal Perazim” means “The Lord who breaks out”.
12They left their gods there; and David gave a command, and they were burned with fire.
13The Philistines made another raid in the valley.
14David inquired again of God; and God said to him, “You shall not go up after them. Turn away from them, and come on them opposite the mulberry trees.
15When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then go out to battle; for God has gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.”
16David did as God commanded him; and they attacked the army of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gezer.
17The fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him on all nations.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
1 Chronicles 14:2
“David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, for his kingdom was highly exalted, for his people Israel’s sake.”
This verse shows David's awareness that his authority was granted by God for the purpose of serving the people.
1 Chronicles 14:15
“When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then go out to battle; for God has gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.”
This illustrates the specific and supernatural nature of the guidance David received from God.
Chapter Summary
1 Chronicles 14 details the expansion and stabilization of David's reign as king over all Israel. It begins with King Hiram of Tyre sending resources and craftsmen to build a palace for David, signaling international recognition. David recognizes that his success is a gift from God for the benefit of the nation. The chapter lists the children born to David in Jerusalem, highlighting the growth of his household. The narrative then shifts to military conflict as the Philistines launch two separate attacks in the valley of Rephaim. In both instances, David seeks God's guidance before engaging. In the first battle at Baal Perazim, David defeats them decisively. In the second, God provides a unique strategy involving the sound of marching in the mulberry trees. Following David's obedience, the Philistine army is driven back, and David's reputation for strength and divine favor spreads to all surrounding nations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hiram was the king of Tyre who sent messengers, cedar trees, masons, and carpenters to help David build a palace. This alliance showed that David's kingdom was gaining international recognition and stability.
The name Baal Perazim means 'The Lord who breaks out.' David gave the location this name after his victory because he believed God had broken through his enemies like a flood of water.
God gave David a specific sign to wait for: the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees. This signal indicated that God had already gone out before the army to defeat the Philistines.
Study Note
The name Baal Perazim uses the Hebrew word 'parats,' meaning to break through or burst forth, illustrating the decisive nature of the divine intervention.
Related Chapters
2 Samuel 5
This chapter contains a parallel historical account of David's palace construction and battles.
1 Chronicles 13
This provides the immediate context of David's early attempts to organize his kingdom and the Ark's journey.
1 Chronicles 15
This chapter follows David's victories as he prepares to properly bring the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem.
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