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F I R S T C H R O N I C L E S
CHAP. XIV.
In this chapter we have,
I. David’s kingdom established,
II. His family built up,
III. His enemies, the Philistines, routed in two campaigns,
This is repeated here from
&c.
| David’s Kingdom Established. | B. C. 1045. |
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1 Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber
of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him a house.
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.
3 And David took more wives at Jerusalem: and David begat more
sons and daughters.
4 Now these are the names of his children which he had in
Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon,
5 And Ibhar, and Elishua, and Elpalet,
6 And Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia,
7 And Elishama, and Beeliada, and Eliphalet.
We may observe here,
1. There is no man that has such a sufficiency in himself but he has
need of his neighbours and has reason to be thankful for their help:
David had a very large kingdom, Hiram a very little one; yet David
could not build himself a house to his mind unless Hiram furnished him
with both workmen and materials,
v. 1.
This is a reason why we should despise none, but, as we have
opportunity, be obliging to all.
2. It is a great satisfaction to a wise man to be settled, and to a
good man to see the special providences of God in his settlement. The
people had made David king; but he could not be easy, nor think himself
happy, till he perceived that the Lord had confirmed him king over
Israel,
v. 2.
“Who shall unfix me if God hath fixed me?”
3. We must look upon all our advancements as designed for our
usefulness. David’s kingdom was lifted up on high, not for his
own sake, that he might look great, but because of his people
Israel, that he might be a guide and protector to them. We are
blessed in order that we may be blessings. See
We are not born, nor do we live, for ourselves.
4. It is difficult to thrive without growing secure and indulgent to
the flesh. It was David’s infirmity that when he settled in his
kingdom he took more wives
(v. 3),
yet the numerous issue he had added to his honour and strength. Lo,
children are a heritage of the Lord. We had an account of
David’s children, not only in Samuel, but in this book
&c.) and now here again; for it was
their honour to have such a father.
| The Defeat of the Philistines. | B. C. 1045. |
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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.
9 And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley
of Rephaim.
10 And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the
Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the
LORD said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine
hand.
11 So they came up to Baal-perazim; 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 Baal-perazim.
12 And when they had left their gods there, David gave a
commandment, and they were burned with fire.
13 And the Philistines yet again spread themselves abroad in
the valley.
14 Therefore David enquired 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.
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.
16 David therefore did as God commanded him: and they smote the
host of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gazer.
17 And the fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD
brought the fear of him upon all nations.
This narrative of David’s triumph over the Philistines is much the same
with that,
&c.
1. Let the attack which the Philistines made upon David forbid us to be
secure in any settlement or advancement, and engage us to expect
molestation in this world. When we are most easy something or other may
come to be a terror or vexation to us. Christ’s kingdom will thus be
insulted by the serpent’s seed, especially when it makes any advances.
2. Let David’s enquiry of God, once and again, upon occasion of the
Philistines’ invading him, direct us in all our ways to acknowledge
God–in distress to fly to him, when we are wronged to appeal to him,
and, when we know not what to do, to ask counsel at his oracles, to put
ourselves under his direction, and to beg of him to show us the right
way.
3. Let David’s success encourage us to resist our spiritual enemies, in
observance of divine directions and dependence on divine strength.
Resist the devil, and he shall flee as the Philistines did before
David.
4. Let the sound of the going in the tops of the mulberry trees direct
us to attend God’s motions both in his providence and in the influences
of his Spirit. When we perceive God to go before us let us gird up our
loins, gird on our armour, and follow him.
5. Let David’s burning the gods of the Philistines, when they fell
into his hands, teach us a holy indignation against idolatry and all
the remains of it.
6. Let David’s thankful acknowledgment of the hand of God in his
successes direct us to bring all our sacrifices of praise to God’s
altar. Not unto us, O Lord! not unto us, but to thy name give
glory.
7. Let the reputation which David obtained, not only in his kingdom,
but among his neighbours, be looked upon as a type and figure of the
exalted honour of the Son of David
(v. 17):
The fame of David went out into all lands; he was generally
talked of, and admired by all people, and the Lord brought the fear
of him upon all nations. All looked upon him as a formidable enemy
and a desirable ally. Thus has God highly exalted our Redeemer, and
given him a name above every name.
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