1 Chronicles 14

Big idea: A palace, a family, and two Philistine campaigns — and the second one is won by not repeating the first. David asks twice, gets a different answer the second time, and waits for the sound of marching in the tops of the trees before he moves.

Placed between the two ark attempts, the chapter shows enquiry working — which is exactly what was missing from chapter 13.

14:1–17 — The sound of marching in the tops of the trees

Hiram of Tyre sends cedar, masons and carpenters, and the verse that follows gives Chronicles' reading of it: David perceived that Yahweh had established him king, for his kingdom was exalted highly for his people Israel's sake. Prosperity is read as confirmation and as a trust, not as an achievement. The list of children born in Jerusalem follows, including Solomon.

¹ Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David with cedar trees, masons, and carpenters, to build him a house. ² David perceived that Yahweh had established him king over Israel, for his kingdom was highly exalted, for his people Israel’s sake. ³ David took more wives in Jerusalem, and David became the father of more sons and daughters. ⁴ These are the names of the children whom he had in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, ⁵ Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, ⁶ Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, ⁷ Elishama, Beeliada, and Eliphelet. 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. ⁹ Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the valley of Rephaim. 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.” 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. ¹² They left their gods there; and David gave a command, and they were burned with fire. ¹³ The Philistines made another raid in the valley. 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. 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.” ¹⁶ David did as God commanded him; and they attacked the army of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gezer. ¹⁷ The fame of David went out into all lands; and Yahweh brought the fear of him on all nations.

Scripture text: World English Bible (public domain).

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