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1 Chronicles 14

17 verses

TL;DR

David receives cedar timber from Hiram of Tyre, expands his family in Jerusalem, and defeats the Philistines with God's guidance.

Summary

The chapter opens with the king of Tyre, Hiram, sending timber and craftsmen to David to build a house. David, recognizing the LORD’s confirmation of his kingship, enlarges his household in Jerusalem, listing many sons and daughters. The Philistines, upon hearing of David’s anointing, confront him, but David seeks divine approval before engaging them. God instructs him to attack in the valley of Rephaim, and David follows, achieving victory at Baalperazim where he names the place after the encounter. The Philistines regroup, yet David again consults God, who directs him to fight from Gibeon to Gazer, a strategy that results in further triumph. As a result, David’s renown spreads throughout the lands and instills fear in all nations.

Outline
  1. Hiram’s gift of cedar timber and craftsmen to David
  2. David’s expansion of his family and military campaigns against the Philistines
  3. Divine instructions guiding David’s victories and the spreading of his fame
Themes
Divine favor and confirmation of kingshipStrategic warfare guided by faithThe spread of David’s influence and the establishment of national security
Keywords
HiramcedarsPhilistinesDivine instructionBaalperazimmulberry treesDavidconquestJerusalem
People
HiramDavidShammuaShobabNathanSolomonIbharElishuaElpaletNogahNephegJaphiaElishamaBeeliadaEliphaletPhilistinesLord
Places
TyreJerusalemValley of RephaimBaalperazimGibeonGazerMulberry grove
Things
timber of cedarsmasons and carpentersBaalperazimmulberry treesfire used to burnhouseconquest
Key Verses
  • 1 Chronicles 14:1: Highlights the diplomatic relationship between David and Tyre, setting a tone of support and resourcefulness.
  • 1 Chronicles 14:10: Shows David’s reliance on divine guidance before battle, underscoring faith as the basis of victory.
  • 1 Chronicles 14:16: Depicts the final decisive victory over the Philistines and the spread of David’s renown.
Questions
  • What does Hiram’s gift of timber and craftsmen reveal about David’s political alliances?
  • How does David’s consultation with God before each battle influence the outcome of the conflicts?
  • In what ways does the naming of Baalperazim reflect the theological significance of the encounter?
  • What implications does the spread of David’s fame have for Israel’s identity as a nation?
  • How do the themes of divine favor and military strategy interact in this chapter?
Sentiment

mixed
The narrative combines triumph and divine praise with the acknowledgement of human strategy and warfare.