1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles 14:1-7

Tyre was a Phoenician city between Sidon and Acco on the Mediterranean cost. This was an important port city imediately north of Israel which made it wealthy and influential. Hiram worked with David and Solomon on their building projects and was paid well (1 Kings 5:1-12).

Scripture tells us that as David became great that he had more wives and concubines. This is in direct disobedience with Deuteronomy 17:

¹⁷ Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away;

God warned of this because it would lead to problems. Did David think he was different and he could handle it? Did he just emulate other kings? We don't really know the answer to why he did this.

1 Chronicles 14:8-17

The Philistines saw that David was growing in power and decided to attack him. They certainly knew of David as he had lived as one of them for about a year when he was on the run from Saul. It may be that they wanted to defeat David before he had become completely established.

David is faithful in consulting with the Lord and not ruled by fear or emotions. God granted this victory to David. But the victory was not complete. The Philistined broke and ran leaving behind their gods.

The Philistines weren't broken, so they attacked again. Why? One reason was that they had the run of that part of Israel for quite some time. y had carried Saul's head and armor to their temple; essentially declaring their god mightier than the God of Israel. This was now in jeopardy. Finally, anytime I see a second chance like this I have to wonder if it isn't God giving these men a clear opportunity for repentance. God was certainly able to destroy the Philistines on the first attack but chose to do it on the second attack.

The battle plan from God was a test for David. This may not have seemed like the best way to man or the most efficient way; however it was God's way. When God instructs you, can you be obedient? Whatever battle you are engaged in; finances, addiciton, health, depression or maybe even physical assault, can you be obedient? Do you trust God in every circumstance, without quesiton? It's in these times were grow our faith; when we lean on God's promises and see Him move in a mighty way.

©2016 Doug Ford