Enquiring of God

April 23, 2024 at 12:36 pm | Posted in I Chronicles | 1 Comment
Tags: 1 Chronicles 14, commentary on 1 Chronicles, envy, fame, inquiring of God, inquiring of the Lord, King David, Sunday School lessons on 1 Chronicles

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

I Chronicles 14:1

This shows God blessing David by causing a pagan king to recognize his might and seek his favor. This is how David responded:

And David perceived that the Lord had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel.

I Chronicles 14:2

He gave the glory to God.

And David took more wives at Jerusalem: and David begat more sons and daughters.

I Chronicles 14:3

Polygamy was never condoned by God, but children are always seen as blessings in the Bible.

And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? And wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the Lord said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand.

I Chronicles 14:10

Fame and recognition can bring bring positive favor and influence, but they can also bring envy and trouble. This idea of enquiring of God is one of the major themes in I Chronicles’ narrative of David. A divided Israel posed little threat to the Philistines, but a unified Israel provoked them to attack.

¹¹ So they came up to Baalperazim; and David smote them there. Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies by mine hand like the breaking forth of waters: therefore they called the name of that place Baalperazim. ¹² And when they had left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire.

I Chronicles 14:11-12

This burning of idols was in obedience to the law stated in Deuteronomy.

¹³ And the Philistines yet again spread themselves abroad in the valley. ¹⁴ Therefore David enquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.

I Chronicles 13-14 (emphasis added)