1 Chronicles 14: David's House and His Philistine Victories

David's growing household in Jerusalem and two decisive wins over the Philistines.

1 Chronicles 14: David's House and Victories

Between the ark's two journeys, 1 Chronicles 14 records Hiram of Tyre sending cedar and craftsmen to build David a house, a sign David reads as confirmation of his kingship after the setback in 1 Chronicles 13. More sons are then born to him in Jerusalem.


And Huram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar-trees, and masons, and carpenters, to build him a house.

And David perceived that HaShem had established him king over Israel, for his kingdom was exalted exceedingly, for His people Israel's sake.

And David took more wives at Jerusalem; and David begot more sons and daughters.

And these are the names of the children whom he had in Jerusalem: Shammua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon;

and Ibhar, and Elishua, and Elpelet;

and Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia;

and Elishama, and Beeliada, and Eliphelet.

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 to meet them.

Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the valley of Rephaim.

And David inquired of G-d, saying: 'Shall I go up against the Philistines? and wilt Thou deliver them into my hand?' And HaShem said unto him: 'Go up; for I will deliver them into thy hand.'

So they came up to Baal-perazim, and David smote them there; and David said: 'G-d hath broken mine enemies by my hand, like the breach of waters.' Therefore they called the name of that place Baal-perazim.

And they left their gods there; and David gave commandment, and they were burned with fire.

And the Philistines yet again made a raid in the valley.

And David inquired again of G-d; and G-d said unto him: 'Thou shalt not go up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry-trees.

And it shall be, when thou hearest the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry-trees, that then thou shalt go out to battle; for G-d is gone out before thee to smite the host of the Philistines.'

And David did as G-d commanded him; and they smote the host of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gezer.

And the fame of David went out into all lands; and HaShem brought the fear of him upon all nations.

God gives David two separate victories over the Philistines, the second only after David waits for the sound of marching in the mulberry trees. Verse 17 says his fame spread to every land, echoing the promise in <a href="/bible/jps/deuteronomy/chapter-2/25">Deuteronomy 2:25</a>, before the ark is finally brought home in <a href="/bible/jps/1-chronicles/chapter-15">1 Chronicles 15</a>.