David’s kingship established in Jerusalem
14 Tyre’s King Hiram sent messengers to David with cedar logs, bricklayers, and carpenters to build David a palace. 2 Then David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel, and that his kingship was held in great honor for the sake of his people Israel. 3 David married more secondary wives in Jerusalem and fathered more sons and daughters. 4 The names of his children in Jerusalem were as follows: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, 5 Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, 6 Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, 7 Elishama, Beeliada, and Eliphelet.
David defeats the Philistines
8 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they all marched up to find him. David heard this and went out to confront them. 9 The Philistines had invaded and were plundering the Rephaim Valley. 10 David asked God for advice: “Should I attack the Philistines, and will you hand them over to me?”
The Lord answered, “Attack them, and I’ll definitely hand them over to you.”
11 So they marched up to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. “By my strength,” David exclaimed, “God has burst out against my enemies, the way water bursts out.” That’s why the place is called Baal-perazim.[a] 12 The Philistines left their divine images behind, and David ordered them burned.
13 When the Philistines plundered the valley a second time, 14 David again asked God’s advice, but God answered, “Don’t attack them directly. Circle around behind them and come at them from in front of the balsam trees. 15 As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the trees, then attack, for God has attacked in front of you to defeat the Philistine army.” 16 David followed God’s orders exactly, and they defeated the Philistine army from Gibeon all the way to Gezer. 17 David’s fame spread throughout all lands, and the Lord made all the nations fear him.
Footnotes
- 1 Chronicles 14:11 Or master of outbursts