David Defeats the Philistines

8 And when the Philistines had news that David had been made king over all Israel, they went up in search of David, and David, hearing of it, went out against them. 9 Now the Philistines had come, and had gone out in every direction in the valley of Rephaim. 10 And David, desiring directions from God, said, Am I to go up against the Philistines? and will you give them into my hands? And the Lord said, Go up; for I will give them into your hands. 11 So they went up to Baal-perazim, and David overcame them there, and David said, God has let the forces fighting against me be broken by my hand, as a wall is broken down by rushing water; so they gave that place the name of Baal-perazim. 12 And the Philistines did not take their images with them in their flight; and at David's orders they were burned with fire. 13 Then the Philistines again went out in every direction in the valley. 14 And David went for directions to God; and God said to him, You are not to go up after them; but, turning away from them, come face to face with them opposite the spice-trees. 15 And at the sound of footsteps in the tops of the trees, go out to the fight, for God has gone out before you to overcome the army of the Philistines. 16 And David did as the Lord had said; and they overcame the army of the Philistines, attacking them from Gibeon as far as Gezer. 17 And David's name was honoured in all lands; and the Lord put the fear of him on all nations.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 14:8-17

Chapter Contents

David's victories.

In this chapter we have an account of, 1. David's kingdom established. 2. His family built up. 3. His enemies defeated. This is repeated from 2 Samuel 5. Let the fame of David be looked upon as a type and figure of the exalted honour of the Son of David.