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1 Chronicles 14

ScriptureDepth's study of 1 Chronicles 14

“So 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.”

1 Chronicles 14:11

David declares God's victory over the Philistines at Baal Perazim, marking a significant turning point in his reign and securing his position as king.

What 1 Chronicles 14 is about

Hiram, king of Tyre, sends messengers to David with cedar trees, masons, and carpenters to build him a house (vv. 1-2). David recognizes Yahweh's establishment of his kingship and takes more wives in Jerusalem, fathering many children (vv. 3-7). Upon hearing of David's anointing, the Philistines seek him out, making a raid in the valley of Rephaim (vv. 8-10). David inquires of God regarding the Philistines and is told to go up against them. He defeats them at Baal Perazim, proclaiming that God has broken his enemies (vv. 11-12). The Philistines attempt another raid, but David again seeks God's guidance. God instructs him to ambush them by the mulberry trees (vv. 13-15). David follows God's command and attacks the Philistines from Gibeon to Gezer, gaining fame as a warrior (vv. 16-17).

Yahweh brings fear of David upon all nations as he experiences victories and support.

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1 Chronicles 14 at a glance

  1. 1 Chronicles 14:1–2Hiram's Support for David
  2. 1 Chronicles 14:3–7David's Family Expansion
  3. 1 Chronicles 14:8–10Philistines Seek David
  4. 1 Chronicles 14:11–12Victory at Baal Perazim
  5. 1 Chronicles 14:13–15Divine Strategy for Battle
  6. 1 Chronicles 14:16–17David's Growing Fame

Key verse: 1 Chronicles 14:11

One thing to notice

The chapter concludes with a focus on David's growing fame among nations. Verse 17 states, 'The fame of David went out into all lands,' which connects back to the earlier victories over the Philistines and hints at the establishment of his reputation as a military leader.

Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.

Chapter text

Read 1 Chronicles 14 (WEB)

Hiram's Support for David 1 Chronicles 14:1–2

Verse 1. Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David with cedar trees, masons, and carpenters, to build him a house. Verse 2. David perceived that Yahweh had established him king over Israel; for his kingdom was exalted on high, for his people Israel’s sake.

David's Family Expansion 1 Chronicles 14:3–7

Verse 3. David took more wives at Jerusalem, and David became the father of more sons and daughters. Verse 4. These are the names of the children whom he had in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, Verse 5. Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, Verse 6. Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, Verse 7. Elishama, Beeliada, and Eliphelet.

Philistines Seek David 1 Chronicles 14:8–10

Verse 8. When 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. Verse 9. Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the valley of Rephaim. Verse 10. David inquired of God, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hand?” Yahweh said to him, “Go up; for I will deliver them into your hand.”

Victory at Baal Perazim 1 Chronicles 14:11–12

Verse 11. So 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. Verse 12. They left their gods there; and David gave a command, and they were burned with fire.

Divine Strategy for Battle 1 Chronicles 14:13–15

Verse 13. The Philistines made a another raid in the valley. Verse 14. David 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. Verse 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.”

David's Growing Fame 1 Chronicles 14:16–17

Verse 16. David did as God commanded him; and they attacked the army of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gezer. Verse 17. The fame of David went out into all lands; and Yahweh brought the fear of him on all nations.

World English Bible (public domain)

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Main themes in 1 Chronicles 14

Faith in God's guidance

David demonstrates his reliance on God's direction when he inquires about engaging the Philistines in vv. 10 and 14. In v. 10, David asks, 'Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hand?' Yahweh responds affirmatively. Again, in v. 14, he seeks God's instruction about strategy, and God provides specific guidance, confirming David's dependence on divine direction throughout his kingship.

God's deliverance in battle

David experiences God's deliverance as he defeats the Philistines at Baal Perazim in v. 11. He declares, 'God has broken my enemies by my hand, like waters breaking out,' signifying God's powerful intervention. This victory strengthens David's position and showcases Yahweh's active role in the battles, creating a narrative of divine support for David's leadership and endeavors.

The importance of seeking the Lord

Throughout the chapter, David exemplifies the importance of seeking the Lord for guidance, particularly in vv. 10 and 14. Before engaging the Philistines, he first seeks God's counsel. This practice highlights how David's victories are linked to his commitment to inquire of Yahweh and follow His directions, portraying a model for reliance on divine wisdom in decision-making.

David's establishment as king

David's establishment as king is evident from the initial verses, particularly in v. 2, where it notes, 'Yahweh had established him king over Israel.' This acknowledgment of his kingship is further reinforced by the support from Hiram in v. 1 and the subsequent military success against the Philistines. David's personal and political legitimacy grows, shaping his role as a leader chosen and upheld by God.

Chapter outline

How 1 Chronicles 14 unfolds

  1. 1 Chronicles 14:1–2 Hiram's Support for David

    Hiram, king of Tyre, sends messengers to David with 'cedar trees, masons, and carpenters, to build him a house' (v. 1). David recognizes that 'Yahweh had established him king over Israel' (v. 2).

  2. 1 Chronicles 14:3–7 David's Family Expansion

    David takes 'more wives at Jerusalem' and becomes the father of 'more sons and daughters' (v. 3). The names of his children include Solomon and others born in Jerusalem (vv. 4-7).

  3. 1 Chronicles 14:8–10 Philistines Seek David

    The Philistines hear of David's anointing and 'went up to seek David' (v. 8). David goes out against them and inquires of God, who tells him to 'Go up' (vv. 9-10).

  4. 1 Chronicles 14:11–12 Victory at Baal Perazim

    David defeats the Philistines at Baal Perazim, declaring that God has broken his enemies like waters breaking out, leading to the naming of the site (vv. 11-12). The Philistines abandon their gods, which David orders to be burned (v. 12).

  5. 1 Chronicles 14:13–15 Divine Strategy for Battle

    After another Philistine raid, David seeks God's guidance, receiving a specific battle plan that involves waiting for a sign at the mulberry trees (vv. 14-15). This divine instruction directs David's military strategy (v. 15).

  6. 1 Chronicles 14:16–17 David's Growing Fame

    David obeys God's command and leads a successful attack against the Philistines, which enhances his reputation and instills fear of him among other nations (vv. 16-17). David's fame spreads as a result of these victories (v. 17).

Key verses

  • 1 Chronicles 14:11David declares God's victory over the Philistines at Baal Perazim, marking a significant turning point in his reign and securing his position as king.

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Study questions

Questions for studying 1 Chronicles 14

SummarizeObserveInterpretApply

Uses your daily Ask questions.

  1. observeIn v1, what is Hiram king of Tyre sending to David?
  2. observeWhat does David do in v3 after perceiving his establishment as king?
  3. interpretDavid's inquiry in v10: why does he seek God's guidance before engaging the Philistines?
  4. interpretIn v12, why does David command the Philistines' gods to be burned with fire?
  5. applyWhen has seeking 'God's guidance' (v10) changed the outcome of a challenge you faced?

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1 Chronicles 14: frequently asked questions

What is 1 Chronicles 14 about?+
Hiram, king of Tyre, sends messengers to David with cedar trees, masons, and carpenters to build him a house (vv. 1-2).
What is the key verse in 1 Chronicles 14?+
1 Chronicles 14:11: “So 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.”
What are the main themes of 1 Chronicles 14?+
The main themes of 1 Chronicles 14 are Faith in God's guidance, God's deliverance in battle, The importance of seeking the Lord, David's establishment as king.

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