1 Chronicles 14
-In this chapter we see David’s power and clout intensifying
as he incurs favor from foreign kings, dominates opposition under the direction
of the LORD, and enlarges houses and his family in Jerusalem. David is
realizing in this chapter that the LORD had established him as king over Israel
and that the kingdom was indeed highly exalted for the sake of God’s people,
Israel (1 Chronicles 14:1-2). The names of the children born to him in
Jerusalem are listed and he took more wives, which ended up being a big problem
in his service unto God (1 Chronicles 14:3-7).
-The Philistines, when they heard of David’s anointing as king,
came against him and made a raid in Rephaim (which is just west of Jerusalem in
Judah). An important thing to note here is that David twice inquired of the
LORD to see how he should respond and act in this tense situation of warfare (1
Chronicles 14:10, 14). At God’s word, and only at God’s word, did the king make
decisions to go out and fight the battles that came against him and his people.
At Baal-perazim (the master of breakthrough) the Philistines abandoned their
gods and they were destroyed. When the enemy again decided to make a raid,
again an inquiry was made to God and victory was assured, this time with a
sneak attack from encircling around behind them. This time they were destroyed
for a long stretch of land from Gibeon all the way to Gezer, far to the west
more than half way to the Mediterranean Sea (1 Chronicles 14:11-16). “Then the
fame of David went out into all the lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him
on all the nations (1 Chronicles 14:17).”
-*Application* We must remember, like David, that our
victory comes only from the LORD (Proverbs 21:31, 1 Corinthians 15:57). Seek
Him out on matters that are weighing on your heart, and trust in His timing.
His counsel will win the day, and He wants you to prosper. Just don’t get ahead
of Him and do things in your own strength and your own way. This is what King
Saul did and it did not go well for him and his kingdom (1 Samuel 15:23).
Verse to Memorize: 1
Chronicles 14:10
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