Bible Commentaries
1 Chronicles 14

Verse 1

Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an house.

Now Hiram king of Tyre. The alliance with this neighbouring king, and the important advantages derived from it, were among the most fortunate circumstances in David's reign. The providence of God appeared concurrent with His promise, in smoothing the early course of his reign. Having conquered the Jebusites, and made Sion the royal residence, he had now, along with internal prosperity, established an advantageous treaty with a neighbouring prince; and hence, in immediate connection with the mention of this friendly league, it is said, "David perceived that the Lord had confirmed him king over Israel."

Verse 2

And David perceived that the LORD had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel.

His kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel. This is an important truth, that sovereigns are invested with royal honour and authority, not for their own sakes so much as for that of their people. But while it is true of all kings, it was especially applicable to the monarchs of Israel, and even David was made to know that all his glory and greatness were given only to fit him, as the minister of God, to execute the divine purposes toward the chosen people.

Verse 3

And David took more wives at Jerusalem: and David begat more sons and daughters.

David took more wives at Jerusalem - (see the note at 2 Samuel 3:5.) His concubines are mentioned, 1 Chronicles 3:9; where also is given a list of his children (1 Chronicles 3:5-8), and those born in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:14-16). In that, however, the names of Eliphalet and Nogah do not occur, and Beeliada appears to be the same as Eliada.

Verses 4-7

Now these are the names of his children which he had in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon,

No JFB commentary on these verses.

Verse 8

And 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.

All the Philistines went up to seek David. In the hope of accomplishing his ruin (for so the phrase is used, 1 Samuel 23:15; 1 Samuel 24:2-3) before his throne was consolidated. Their hostility arose, both from a belief that his patriotism would lead him, before long, to wipe out the national dishonour at Gilboa; and by fear, that in any invasion of their country, his thorough knowledge of their weak points would give him superior advantages. They resolved, therefore, to surprise and crush him ere he was fairly seated on his throne.

Verses 9-10

And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

No JFB commentary on these verses.

Verse 11

So they came up to Baalperazim; and David smote them there. Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies by mine hand like the breaking forth of waters: therefore they called the name of that place Baalperazim.

They came up to Baal-perazim; and David smote them there. In an engagement fought at mount Perazim (Isaiah 28:21), in the valley of Rephaim, a few miles west of Jerusalem, the Philistines were defeated and put to flight.

Verse 12

And when they had left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire.

When they had left their gods - (see the note at 2 Samuel 5:21.)

Verse 13

And the Philistines yet again spread themselves abroad in the valley.

The Philistines yet again spread themselves. They renewed the campaign the next season, taking the same route. David, according to divine directions, did not confront them.

Verse 14

Therefore David inquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.

Go not up after them. The text in 2 Samuel 5:23 more correctly has, "Go not up."

Turn away from them - i:e., by stealing round a Baca-grove, come upon their rear.

For God is gone forth before thee. 'The sound of the going in the tops of the mulberry-trees' - i:e., the rustling of the leaves by a strong breeze suddenly rising-was the sign by which David was divinely apprised of the precise moment for the attack. The impetuosity of his onset was like the gush of a pent-up torrent, which sweeps away all in its course; and in allusion to this incident the place got its name.

Verse 15

And it shall be, when thou shalt hear a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt go out to battle: for God is gone forth before thee to smite the host of the Philistines.

No JFB commentary on this verse.

Verse 16

David therefore did as God commanded him: and they smote the host of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gazer.

From Gibeon ... to Gazer - Geba or Gibea (2 Samuel 5:25), now Jib'a, in the province of Judah. The line from this to Gazer was intersected by the roads which led from Judah to the cities of the Philistines; and to recover possession of it, therefore, as was effected by this decisive battle, was equivalent to setting free the whole mountains of Judah as far as their most westerly slope (Bertheau).

Verse 17

And the fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations.

And the fame of David went out into all lands, [ bªkaal (H3605) haa'ªraatsowt (H776), into all the lands]. And the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations, [ `al (H5921) kaal (H3605) hagowyim (H1471), upon all the nations, i:e., around. So the Septuagint, en pasee tee gee, epi panta ta ethnee.]