1 Chronicles 14

King Hiram sendeth messengers to David, with Carpenters and Cedar-wood, vers.1. David increaseth in might, 2. He taketh more wives, and getteth many children, 3. Their names, 4. The Philistines marched up to battle against David, and David against them, 8. David enquireth of God what he shall do: who commandeth him to march up, promising him the victory, 10. David smiteth them, and calleth that place Baal-Perazim, 11. David causeth their Idols to be burnt, 12. The Philistines re-assume the Rear, 13. David enquireth again of the Lord, who telleth him what he should do, 14. Promising him also his help and assistance, 15. David smitteth the Philistines the second time, 16. Whence he getteth a great name, and is every where feared, 17.

1. Then Hiram King of Tyre sent messengers unto David, and Cedar-wood, and Masons, and Carpenters, to build him an house.

2. And David perceived that the Lord had confirmed him King over Israel: for his Kingdom was advanced to the highest (degree) for his people Israels sake.

3. And David took more wives at Jerusalem: And David begat more sons and daughters.

4. Now these are the names of the children which he had at Jerusalem] Sammua, and Sobab, Nathan, and Salomon.

5. And Ibchar, and Elisua, and Elpelet.

6. And Noga, and Nepheg, and Japhia.

7. And Elisama, and Beeljada [Called El-jada, 2 Sam.5.16.] and Eliphelet. [above chap.3. is some alteration in these names.]

8. When the Philistines heard that David was anointed King over all Israel, then all the Philistines marched up to seek David: [They marched up, to wit, with their forces, to make war against him] when David heard that, then he marched forth against them. [that is, he tarried not till they came and made war against him in his own Land; but having received a charge from God, went forth himself to meet them, Compare 2 Sam.5.17.19.]

9. When Philistines came, then they spread themselves in the low ground of Rephaim. [See Judg.15.8. and 2 Sam.5.18. it lay in the tribe of Juda.]

10. Then David enquired of God, [To wit, by Abjathar the high Priests, that put on the Ephod, etc. See 1 Sam.23.9. and 30.7.] saying; shall I marched up against the Philistines, and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the Lord said unto him, marched up, for I will deliver them into thine hand.

11. Now when they [To wit, the Israelites] marched up to Baal-Perazim, [That is, rent-places, or, breach-plains. Or, the Lord of the rents, or, breaches] then David smote them there, and David said, God hath rent mine Enemies by mine hand, as a rent of waters: [see 2 Sam.5.on v.20.] therefore they called the name of that place Baal-Perazim.

12. Ad they left their Gods [2 Sam.5.21. they are called Idols] there, and David commanded, [Heb. said] and they were burnt with fire.

13. But the Philistines went on still, and they spread themselves in that valley. [Meaning the valley of Rephaim, into which they were fallen in an hostile manner, above, v.9]

14. And David enquired once more of God, and God said unto him, thou shalt not marched after them: (but) compass them about from above, [or, turn about from them. Compare 2 Sam.5.23.] and come to them over against the mulberry-trees.

15. And it shall come to pass, when thou shalt hear the noise of a going in the tops [Heb. in the heads] of the mulberry-trees, [that is, a noise as if some body walked upon the tops of the trees. See 2 Sam.5.24. Some understand this of the going of the Angels, that should fight for the Israelites] come then forth to battle; for God is gone forth before thy face, to smite the camp of the Philistines.

16. Now David did according as God had commanded him: And they smote the host of the Philistines from Gibeon unto Gazer.

17. So Davids fame went forth into all those lands: And the LORD gave [Oth. Brought] his terror upon all those heathens. [that is, God made many of the heathenish nations to be afraid and to stand in awe of David.]