1 Chronicles 14
1 Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an 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.
8 And when the Philistines heard that David was anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David. And David heard of it, and went out against them.
9 And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
10 And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand.
11 So they came up to Baal-perazim; and David smote them there. Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies by mine hand like the breaking forth of waters: therefore they called the name of that place Baal-perazim.
12 And when they had left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire.
13 And the Philistines yet again spread themselves abroad in the valley.
14 Therefore David enquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.
15 And it shall be, when thou shalt hear a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt go out to battle: for God is gone forth before thee to smite the host of the Philistines.
16 David therefore did as God commanded him: and they smote the host of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gazer.
17 And the fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations.
World Behind This Chapter
Explore the people, places, language, history, and material world connected to 1 Chronicles 14.
What did Hiram of Tyre contribute?
Chronicles describes cedar, masons, and carpenters from Tyre, placing David's building program in a Phoenician trade and craft network.
Where was the Valley of Rephaim?
It is generally located southwest of ancient Jerusalem, though exact ancient boundaries are uncertain.
Why are the Philistine battles repeated?
The paired victories underscore consolidation of David's rule and divine guidance in the Chronicler's presentation.
Research PathsCurated links for exploring this chapter 3
History & Daily Life1
- PhilistinesMetropolitan Museum of Art
Illustrated introduction to Philistine cities, material culture, trade, and interaction with neighboring highland groups. Useful background for the Philistine raids into the Valley of Rephaim and David’s two battles in 1 Chronicles 14.
Maps & Timeline1
- The Valley of RephaimBible Mapper Atlas
Map-based orientation to the valley southwest of Jerusalem, where the Philistines deploy and David attacks in 1 Chronicles 14. Useful for visualizing why this open corridor was militarily important.
Language & Literature1
- I Chronicles 14: Hebrew Text and TranslationsSefaria
Parallel Hebrew text and translations for David’s palace, his family in Jerusalem, Philistine raids, Baal-perazim, and the ambush near the balsam trees.
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