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 14:2). 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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