1 Chronicles 14

1Ch 14:1, 2.

HIRAM'S

KINDNESS TO

DAVID;

DAVID'S

FELICITY.

1. Now Hiram king of

Tyre--[See on

2Sa 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.

1Ch 14:3-7.

HIS

WIVES.

3. David took more wives at

Jerusalem--(See on

2Sa 3:5).

His concubines are mentioned

(1Ch 3:9),

where also is given a list of his children

(1Ch 14:5-8),

and those born in Jerusalem

(2Sa 5:14-16).

In that, however, the names of Eliphalet and Nogah do not occur, and

Beeliada appears to be the same as Eliada.

1Ch 14:8-17.

HIS

VICTORIES OVER THE

PHILISTINES.

8. all the Philistines went up to seek David--in the hope of

accomplishing his ruin (for so the phrase is used,

1Sa 23:15; 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

2Sa 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

2Sa 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

(2Sa 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].