David Conquers The Philistines
August 23, 2020
Commentary
At about the same time David was arranging for the arrival of the ark he was also undertaking several building projects (v. l). The primary project was the construction of his own royal palace, which was considered essential in establishing the reign of a new king in that part of the world at that time.
Another symbol of oriental royalty was the accumulation of a large harem of wives and concubines. However, this was not God’s plan as He forbade polygamy (Deut. 17:17). David just gave in to the custom of the day. His marriages brought him greater power and influence, but they also caused strife, jealousy and even murder within his family.
Another evidence of David’s power and influence was his successful encounter with Israel’s enemies, the Philistines. The Philistines attacked Israel in the valley of Rephaim, a few miles southwest of Jerusalem. God gave Israel victory by coming out against the Philistines like a flood.
Before David went to battle, he went to God, asking for his presence and guidance (v. 10). Then David’s quick and decisive action against idols helped unify the kingdom and focus the people on worshiping the one true God. Most of David’s successors failed to destroy idols and this led to great moral corruption in Israel.
Application
David prayed and asked for God’s guidance before he went to battle. Too often I wait until I am in trouble before turning to God. I shouldn’t ask for God’s help only as a desperate last resort.
1 Chronicles 14:1– 17 (NET)
1 King Hiram of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar logs, stonemasons, and carpenters to build a palace for him. 2 David realized that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and that he had elevated his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.
3 In Jerusalem David married more wives and fathered more sons and daughters. 4 These are the names of children born to him 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 had been anointed king of all Israel, all the Philistines marched up to confront him. When David heard about it, he marched out against them. 9 Now the Philistines had come and raided the Valley of Rephaim. 10 David asked God, “Should I march up against the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?” The Lord said to him, “March up! I will hand them over to you!” 11 So they marched against Baal Perazim and David defeated them there. David said, “Using me as his instrument, God has burst out against my enemies like water bursts out.” So that place is called Baal Perazim. 12 The Philistines left their idols there, so David ordered that they be burned.
13 The Philistines again raided the valley. 14 So David again asked God what he should do. This time God told him, “Don’t march up after them; circle around them and come against them in front of the trees. 15 When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the trees, then attack. For at that moment God is going before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” 16 David did just as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army from Gibeon to Gezer.
17 So David became famous in all the lands; the Lord caused all the nations to fear him.