1 Chronicles 14:4

nds artificers and materials to David, to build him a house, 1Chr 14:1 , 1Chr 14:2 . David's wives and children, 1Chr 14:3-7 . He defeats the Philistines in two battles: one in the valley of Rephaim, 1Chr 14:8-12 ; and the other at Gibeon and Gazer, 1Chr 14:13-16 . His fame goes out into all the surrounding nations, 1Chr 14:17 . Verse 1 Now Hiram king of Tyre - See the transactions of this chapter related 2Sam 5:11-25 (note). Verse 4 These are the names of his children - In 2Sam 5:14-16 (note), eleven persons only are mentioned in the Hebrew text, but the Septuagint has twenty-four, here there are thirteen, and all the versions have the same number, with certain varieties in the names. - See the notes there. Verse 8 The Philistines went up to seek David - See on 2Sam 5:17 (note). Verse 10 David inquired of God - "David consulted the Word of the Lord." - T. Verse 11 Like the breaking forth of waters - "And David said, The Lord hath broken the enemies of David like to the breaking of a potter's vessel full of water." - T. Verse 15 A sound of going - "When thou shalt hear the sound of the angels coming to thy assistance, then go out to battle; for an angel is sent from the presence of God, that he may render thy way prosperous." - T. Verse 17 Into all lands - That is, all the surrounding or neighboring lands and nations, for no others can possibly be intended. Introduction

David's Kingdom Established. ( b. c. 1045.) 1 Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him a house. 2 And David perceived that the Lord had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel. 3 And David took more wives at Jerusalem: and David begat more sons and daughters. 4 Now these are the names of his children which he had in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon, 5 And Ibhar, and Elishua, and Elpalet, 6 And Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia, 7 And Elishama, and Beeliada, and Eliphalet. We may observe here, 1. There is no man that has such a sufficiency in himself but he has need of his neighbours and has reason to be thankful for their help: David had a very large kingdom, Hiram a very little one; yet David could not build himself a house to his mind unless Hiram furnished him with both workmen and materials, v. 1 . This is a reason why we should despise none, but, as we have opportunity, be obliging to all. 2. It is a great satisfaction to a wise man to be settled, and to a good man to see the special providences of God in his settlement. The people had made David king; but he could not be easy, nor think himself happy, till he perceived that the Lord had confirmed him king over Israel, v. 2 . "Who shall unfix me if God hath fixed me?" 3. We must look upon all our advancements as designed for our usefulness. David's kingdom was lifted up on high, not for his own sake, that he might look great, but because of his people Israel, that he might be a guide and protector to them. We are blessed in order that we may be blessings. See Gen. xii. 2 . We are not born, nor do we live, for ourselves. 4. It is difficult to thrive without growing secure and indulgent to the flesh. It was David's infirmity that when he settled in his kingdom he took more wives ( v. 3 ), yet the numerous issue he had added to his honour and strength. Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord. We had an account of David's children, not only in Samuel, but in this book ( ch. iii. 1 , &c.) and now here again; for it was their honour to have such a father.