1 Chronicles 14

14:1-7 Even though the Ark was not present in Jerusalem (13:1-14), God blessed David’s palace, his children, and his conquest of the Philistines. God’s blessing did not depend on the presence of the Ark. These blessings eventually encouraged David to carry out his original plan to bring the Ark into Jerusalem (15:1-29).14:1-2 Hiram’s generosity provided further evidence of God’s purpose in making David king.

14:8-17 News of David’s rule over all Israel catalyzed the Philistines to attack; they could no longer regard him as subordinate to their patronage, as they had when he ruled only Judah. They attacked through the valley southwest of Jerusalem (see Josh 15:8). David inquired of the Lord before battle, a direct contrast to Saul’s inquiring of a medium in seeking help against the Philistines (1 Chr 10:13; see 1 Sam 28).

14:12 David’s orders to burn the Philistine idols conformed to God’s instructions (Deut 7:5).