1 Chronicles 14:1-17
Q.1. How did David respond to the success of his kingdom? What were the benefits of his growing family? – (1 Chr.14:1-7)
God prospered David with an army of mighty men, and the offer of skilful tradesmen to build his palaces (1 Sam.12:23-40; 14:1; 15:1). David acknowledged God’s blessing. He – realised that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and that his kingdom was highly exalted for the sake of His people Israel (1 Sam.14:2). David assigned the Levites to produce music that would glorify the Lord (c.f. 1 Chr.25:1-9). He multiplied wives for himself and had numerous sons and daughters (1 Chr.3:1-9; 14:3-7 c.f. Dt 17:17). These princes helped David govern and keep control over his vast territories – and the sons of David were chiefs at the king’s table (1 Chr.18:17b). Some of these marriages were probably entered into to strengthen David’s alliances with other kingdoms.
Q.2. What was unique about David’s battle plans? Was David prepared to simply repeat past strategies? What is the lesson for us? – (1 Chr.14:8-17)
David was a great general. However, his greatness lay in his dependence on God. He constantly consulted God, right from his earliest days on the run (1 Chr.14:10 & 14 c.f. 1 Sam. 23:2, 4, 10-12). After David was anointed king over Israel, the Philistines immediately attacked, planning to destroy him before he could be established (1 Chr.14:8-9). As did Joshua (c.f. Jos.5:13-15), David took his direction from his Commander-in-chief. He could have become careless and assumed he knew the battle plan. However, each time he inquired of God, Who gave him a new strategy. God told David to circle around behind them and – when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall go out to battle, for God will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines (1 Chr.14:15 c.f. 14:10, 13-15). It was recorded – the fame of David went out into all the lands; and the Lord brought the fear of him on all the nations (1 Chr.14:17). We must learn to surrender ourselves to God, to do His bidding, because He is Lord. Past successes are no guarantee of future success. Christ is Head of the church. We must let Him lead in every facet of the ministry.