Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary1 Chronicles 14

Hiram. For a full discussion of the events recorded in this chapter, see on 2 Sam. 5:11–25. In Samuel the account of Hiram’s kindness to David immediately follows the narrative of the capture of Jebus and precedes the record of the transfer of the ark from Kirjath-jearim. In Chronicles the record of the capture of Jebus is followed by a catalogue of David’s mighty men, and then follows the narrative of the removal of the ark, and next the account of Hiram and his kindness to David. Thus the sequence in which events appear in the Biblical record is not always strictly chronological. Timber of cedars. Probably, as in the case of the timbers for Solomon’s Temple, these were cut in the mountains of Lebanon and floated by sea to Joppa, and thence carried to Jerusalem (see 2 Chron. 2:16). Lifted up. The Lord blessed David, confirming the entire kingdom in his hand. The king was to reign over a united kingdom, in which his enemies were to be subdued and the cause of the Lord was to triumph. God frequently grants His servants special favor with men (Gen. 39:21; Dan. 1:9; Luke 2:52). In the friendship of Hiram, the powerful king of Tyre, David doubtless discerned a token of divine blessing.

Took more wives. 2 Sam. 5:13 includes concubines.

His children. Compare 2 Sam. 5:14–16. See also 1 Chron. 3:5–9. Nathan, and Solomon. The descent of Jesus is traced through both of these sons of David (Matt. 1:6–16; Luke 3:23–31; see on Matt. 1:6; Luke 3:23, 31).

Elpalet. This child is not mentioned in 2 Sam. 5:15.

Nogah. This name does not appear in 2 Sam. 5:15.

Philistines. Compare 2 Sam. 5:17.

Baal-perazim. The exact site of this victory is not known. The Valley of Rephaim lies to the southwest of Jerusalem. See further on 2 Sam. 5:20.

Their gods. Or “their images” (2 Sam. 5:21). The Philistines had brought the images of their gods with them to the battle, hoping thus to assure victory.

Yet again. Once more, near the beginning of David’s reign over all Israel, the Philistines came up against Jerusalem determined to humble her new and successful monarch.

Sound of going. Or “sound of marching” (see on 2 Sam. 5:24).

From Gibeon. Gibeon was about 6 mi. northwest of Jerusalem, directly in the path of retreat (see on 2 Sam. 5:25). Gazer. Or Gezer. This was a fortress overlooking the Valley of Aijalon, about 18 mi. northwest of Jerusalem, which the Pharaoh of Egypt later captured and presented as a gift to his daughter, the wife of Solomon (1 Kings 9:15–17).

Fame of David. This verse is not found in the parallel record in Samuel. It is a reflection on the fame of David and on the source of Judah’s victories. It was God who gave to David his success, and it was the Lord who exalted him in the eyes of those who had sought to bring him low.