Bible Commentaries
1 Chronicles 14

Verse 1

CONTENTS

We are here again introduced to the acquaintance between Hiram, king of Tyre, and David. We have also, an account of David's family and of his victories.

Verses 1-2

We were before informed of Hiram's message to David, and the events of it, with the king's views, that his greatness came from the Lord. 2 Samuel 5:0 related these things, to which therefore I refer the Reader, without adding any further observation on that subject, than what the Commentary there contains.

Verses 3-7

On the subject of David's wives, in addition to what was there observed in the same chapter, let me only add, that such things are the shades in the brightest picture of our nature. And if David will multiply wives, they shall produce trouble. Perhaps no man ever suffered more in ungracious, unnatural, and unworthy children.

Verses 8-16

The account of these wars is so exactly represented before in 2 Samuel 5:0 that I refer the Reader to what is there observed upon them. Spiritually considered, and with an eye to Christ, we may derive great improvement from the wars of David. In Jesus, he conquered. So must we. His direction for going forth to the war, was by the sound of the mulberry trees. Our guide is the same, in the movement of the Holy Ghost. His opposition to the Philistines all his days, teacheth us, that the holy war with us ends only with our death. His burning with fire the spoil, shows us that no quarter is to be given to the foe. His reputation as a warrior among his neighbours, serves to point him out as a type of Christ, under whose banner he fought. And the holy praise he gave to the Lord, in saying, God hath broken in upon mine enemies, and ascribing all the glory to him, serves to teach us, that in all our victories, like the armies above, we overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of his testimony. Revelation 12:11 .

Verse 17

REFLECTIONS

READER! learn from the view given us of David in this chapter, that the highest state of earthly glory, is neither secure from corruptions within, nor from fightings without. Even David hath fleshly lusts which war against the soul. And even David's security under the blessing of the God of Israel, shall not exempt him from furious battles with the Philistines on every side. They that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Reader! if you be Christ's, do not expect much ease, or uninterrupted enjoyment. But see to it, in all your conflicts, that you fight under the Lord's banner. Remember what David saith, speaking of Jesus: In thy name shall they rejoice all the day, and in thy righteousness make their boast. Go forth, therefore, as he did, in the strength of the Lord, and make mention of his righteousness, even his righteousness only. And Reader! suffer me to add one thought more. As David waned for the sound of a going in the mulberry trees: so let you and I watch that still small voice, of God the Holy Ghost, which, like a voice from behind or within, saith, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right-hand, and when ye turn to the left, And to what is this direction pointed, but unto thee, thou blessed Jesus, for the Holy Ghost is unceasingly glorifying thee, for thou art the way, and the truth, and the life. In thee and thy finished salvation, we shall overcome and be more than conquerors through thy love, wherewith thou hast loved us.