1 Chronicles 14

Evangelical Heritage Version

Events of David’s Reign

14 Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar logs, stonemasons, and carpenters to build a palace for him. ² David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel because his kingdom had been lifted high for the sake of his people Israel.

³ David took wives in Jerusalem and fathered sons and daughters. ⁴ These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, ⁵ Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, ⁶ Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, ⁷ Elishama, Be’eliada, and Eliphelet.

David Defeats the Philistines

⁸ The Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel. So all the Philistines went up to search for David. David heard about it and went out to face them. ⁹ The Philistines came and made a raid in the Valley of Rephaim. ¹⁰ David asked God, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?”

The Lord said to him, “Go up, and I will give them into your hand.” ¹¹ So they went up to Baal Perazim, and David defeated the Philistines there. David said, “By my hand God has broken through my enemies like a wall of water.” That is why they named that place Baal Perazim.^{[a] 12} The Philistines abandoned their gods there. David gave the order, and they were burned with fire.

¹³ The Philistines made another raid in the valley. ¹⁴ David again consulted God. God said to him, “Do not go directly at them. Go around them and come to them in the area of the balsam trees.^{[b] 15} When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, you are to go out in battle, because God has gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.” ¹⁶ David did what God had commanded him, and they struck the army of the Philistines from Gibeon to Gezer.

¹⁷ David’s reputation spread into all the lands. The Lord caused all the nations to be terrified.