1 Chronicles 14.
Commentary (4)
Adam Clarke
Hiram sends artificers and materials to David, to build him a house, Ch1 14:1, Ch1 14:2. David's wives and children, Ch1 14:3-7. He defeats the Philistines in two battles: one in the valley of Rephaim, Ch1 14:8-12; and the other at Gibeon and Gazer, Ch1 14:13-16. His fame goes out into all the surrounding nations, Ch1 14:17.
1–3. Now Hiram king of Tyre - See the transactions of this chapter related Sa2 5:11-25 (note).
4–7. These are the names of his children - In Sa2 5:14-16 (note), eleven persons only are mentioned in the Hebrew text, but the Septuagint has twenty-four, here there are thirteen, and all the versions have the same number, with certain varieties in the names. - See the notes there.
8–9. The Philistines went up to seek David - See on Sa2 5:17 (note).
10. David inquired of God - "David consulted the Word of the Lord." - T.
11–14. Like the breaking forth of waters - "And David said, The Lord hath broken the enemies of David like to the breaking of a potter's vessel full of water." - T.
15–16. A sound of going - "When thou shalt hear the sound of the angels coming to thy assistance, then go out to battle; for an angel is sent from the presence of God, that he may render thy way prosperous." - T.
17. Into all lands - That is, all the surrounding or neighboring lands and nations, for no others can possibly be intended.
John Gill
INTRODUCTION TO 1 CHRONICLES 14
This chapter gives an account of the message of Hiram king of Tyre to David, and of David's taking him more wives, with the names of his children by them; and of two battles he fought with the Philistines, in which he had the victory over them; the same are recorded in Sa2 5:11 see the notes there; See Gill on Sa2 5:11. See Gill on Sa2 5:12. See Gill on Sa2 5:13. See Gill on Sa2 5:14. See Gill on Sa2 5:15. See Gill on Sa2 5:16. See Gill on Sa2 5:17. See Gill on Sa2 5:18. See Gill on Sa2 5:19. See Gill on Sa2 5:20. See Gill on Sa2 5:21. See Gill on Sa2 5:22. See Gill on Sa2 5:23. See Gill on Sa2 5:24. See Gill on Sa2 5:25, and the chapter is concluded with observing, that the fame of David, on account of his victories, was spread in all countries, and they were struck with a panic from the Lord, and were in dread of him.
1. See Chapter Introduction
Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 15
JFB
HIRAM'S KINDNESS TO DAVID; DAVID'S FELICITY. (Ch1 14:1-2)
Now Hiram king of Tyre--[See on Sa2 5:11]. The alliance with this neighboring 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 Zion the royal residence, he had now, along with internal prosperity, established an advantageous treaty with a neighboring 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."
2. his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel--This is an important truth, that sovereigns are invested with royal honor 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 towards the chosen people.
3–7. HIS WIVES. (Ch1 14:3-7)
David took more wives at Jerusalem--(See on Sa2 3:5). His concubines are mentioned (Ch1 3:9), where also is given a list of his children (Ch1 14:5-8), and those born in Jerusalem (Sa2 5:14-16). In that, however, the names of Eliphalet and Nogah do not occur, and Beeliada appears to be the same as Eliada.
8–10. HIS VICTORIES OVER THE PHILISTINES. (Ch1 14:8-17)
all the Philistines went up to seek David--in the hope of accomplishing his ruin (for so the phrase is used, Sa1 23:15; Sa1 24:2-3) before his throne was consolidated. Their hostility arose, both from a belief that his patriotism would lead him, ere long, to wipe out the national dishonor 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 before he was fairly seated on his throne.
11. they came up to Baal-perazim; and David smote them there--In an engagement fought at Mount Perazim (Isa 28:21), in the valley of Rephaim, a few miles west of Jerusalem, the Philistines were defeated and put to flight.
12. when they had left their gods--(See on Sa2 5:21).
13. 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.
14. Go not up after them--The text in Sa2 5:23, more correctly has, "Go not up."
turn away from them--that is, by stealing round a baca-grove, come upon their rear.
15. for God is gone forth before thee--"a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees," that is, 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.
16. from Gibeon . . . to Gazer--Geba or Gibea (Sa2 5:25), now Yefa, 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. To recover possession of it, therefore, as was effected by this decisive battle, was equivalent to setting free the whole mountain region of Judah as far as their most westerly slope [BERTHEAU].
Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 15
Matthew Henry
In this chapter we have, I. David's kingdom established (Ch1 14:1, Ch1 14:2). II. His family built up (Ch1 14:3-7). III. His enemies, the Philistines, routed in two campaigns (Ch1 14:8-17). This is repeated here from Sa2 5:11, etc.
1–7. 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, Ch1 14:1. 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, Ch1 14:2. "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 Gen 12:2. 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 (Ch1 14:3), 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 (Ch1 3:1, etc.) and now here again; for it was their honour to have such a father.
8. This narrative of David's triumph over the Philistines is much the same with that, Sa2 5:17, etc. 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 (Ch1 14:17): 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.