Question 1

How did God confirm David as king in this passage?

Accepted Answer

God’s confirmation of David as king shows up in several ways here. First, Hiram king of Tyre sends timber and skilled workers to build David a house. This favour from another king helps David see that God is the one lifting his kingdom up. David understands that his throne is not just a human choice, but God’s work. Also, when the Philistines attack, God answers David’s prayers for guidance and gives him clear victories. These successes are not just for David’s comfort, but for the good of God’s people Israel.

Question 2

Why did Hiram king of Tyre send cedar and builders to David?

Accepted Answer

Hiram’s help shows friendly ties between David and a neighbouring king. Tyre was known for its cedar trees and skilled builders, so Hiram could give what David lacked. Even though David ruled a larger kingdom, he still needed others. This reminds us that God often uses ordinary help from other people to carry out his plans. It also shows that other nations were beginning to respect David’s rule and see that his kingdom was becoming strong under God’s blessing.

Question 3

Why did David take more wives in Jerusalem and what should we make of that?

Accepted Answer

The passage states that when David was settled in Jerusalem, he took more wives and had more sons and daughters. This increased his honour and strength in the eyes of people, since many children were seen as a gift from God. At the same time, this shows David’s weakness in giving in to his desires. The Bible does not praise the choice to take many wives. It simply records it as part of his life, reminding us that even godly leaders can have sins and blind spots, and that success can tempt someone to indulge the flesh.

Question 4

Why did David burn the Philistines’ gods after the victory?

Accepted Answer

After the first battle, the Philistines left their idols behind. David ordered that these false gods be burned with fire. This act shows clear rejection of idolatry. The idols had not saved the Philistines, and David would not keep or honour them. Burning them removed any temptation to treat them as valuable or to mix their worship with the worship of the Lord. It is a picture of having a strong, holy dislike for anything that takes God’s place, and clearing such things away rather than playing with them.

Question 5

What is the meaning of the name Baal-perazim and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

Baal-perazim is the name David gave to the place where he defeated the Philistines. David said that God had “broken in” on his enemies like a flood of water. The name points to this breaking through. It was not David praising himself, but David saying that God was the one who rushed in with power and scattered the enemy. The name helped people remember that this victory came from God’s strong hand, not just from human skill or courage in battle.

Question 6

Why did God tell David not to go straight up in the second battle?

Accepted Answer

When the Philistines came back, David did not assume he should fight the same way. He asked God again. This time God told him not to go straight up, but to circle around and wait by the mulberry trees. David was to move only when he heard a sound of marching in the tree tops, a sign that God had gone ahead to strike the enemy. This teaches that God’s guidance can change from one situation to another, and that true wisdom is to keep seeking him instead of trusting in past methods.

Question 7

What is the “sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees”?

Accepted Answer

The “sound of going” in the mulberry trees was a sign God gave David. When David heard this sound above him, it meant that God had gone out before him to attack the Philistines. Only then was David to move. The passage does not explain exactly what caused the sound, but it clearly shows that God gave a clear signal. It reminds readers to watch and listen for God’s timing, and to move forward in obedience when it is clear that God is leading the way.

Question 8

What does this passage teach about prayer and obedience in times of attack?

Accepted Answer

When the Philistines attacked, David did not rush into battle on his own. He “enquired of God” both times. God answered with specific instructions, and David did exactly what God commanded. The victories came as David relied on God’s guidance and strength, not on his own plan. This shows a pattern for believers: in trouble, first seek God, wait for his direction, and then obey. It encourages a life that constantly looks to God rather than trusting in human wisdom or past success.

Question 9

What does this passage show about God’s purpose for David’s kingdom?

Accepted Answer

David realizes that God has “lifted up” his kingdom “because of his people Israel.” This means God did not strengthen David’s rule just so David could enjoy honour. He raised David up to protect, guide, and bless his people. The victories over the Philistines and the spreading fame of David both serve God’s care for Israel. This helps us see that any position, gift, or success God gives is meant to serve others, not just ourselves, and should point back to God’s kindness.

Question 10

How can this passage about David and the Philistines apply to believers today?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows patterns of life with God that still matter. David depends on God’s help, seeks guidance in prayer, waits for God’s timing, and gives God the credit for victory. Believers today can follow the same path: in any struggle, whether outward or inward, bring it to God, ask for direction, and be ready to obey, even if his way is different from what we expect. It also nudges us to firmly reject modern “idols” that steal our hearts, and to remember that any success we have should lead to thankful praise to God.

1 Chronicles 14:1

Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an house.

David’s Family Grows

Two Victories over the Philistines

David’s Family Grows

Cross References

1 Chronicles 14:1

Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an house.

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David’s Family Grows

Two Victories over the Philistines

David’s Family Grows

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