Bible Commentaries
1 Chronicles 14

Verses 1-17

In this chapter a most interesting reference is made to the long commercial friendship with Hiram which commenced with David and was continued into the reign of Solomon. Here again the chronicler is silent concerning the sin of David. It is stated boldly that he took more wives at Jerusalem, and a list of his sons is given. Among these are the sons of Bathsheba. Two victories over the Philistines are described. In each case David took counsel of God whether he should go up to battle against them. In the first case he was told to do so, and victory resulted. It is stated in this connection, which we shall do well to ponder, that the defeated Philistines left their gods behind them. David at once recognized the peril of leaving them among the people, and they were destroyed by fire.

Again, before the second victory David took counsel of God, and was forbidden to go until there should be granted to him the supernatural indication of the sound of marching in the mulberry trees. This would have a twofold effect on the king, first, to keep him conscious of his dependence on God; and, second, to maintain his confidence by the evidence of the presence and activity of God.