David gets fame as King

I Chronicles Chapter 14

King Hiram of Tyre sent messengers to David along with stonemasons and carpenters to build him a palace. Hiram also sent many cedar logs for lumber.

Then David married more wives in Jerusalem and they had many sons and daughters. The son's names are listed in verses 4 & 5.

When the Philistines heard David had been anointed king over all Israel, they mobilized their forces to capture him. But David was told they were coming and so he marched out to meet them. The Philistines raided the valley of Rephaim, so David asked God if he should fight the Philistines. And God replied that he would give David the victory.

David and his troops went to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. He gave credit to the Lord and the place was named Baal-perazin which means "the Lord who bursts through". David gave orders to burn the Philistine idols which had been left behind.

After a while, the Philistines returned and raided the valley again. David again asked the Lord what to do. This time the Lord told him to not attack straight on, but to circle around behind the enemy and attack them near the trees. God told David that when he heard a sound like marching feet in the tops of the balsam trees, to then attack. This would be a signal that God was moving ahead of them to strike down the Philistines. So David did as God commanded and struck down the Philistine army all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. And David's fame spread everywhere and the Lord caused nations to fear David.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Accumulating wives and concubines in a harem was the custom of the day among Middle Eastern royalt, but it was not God's idea (see Genesis 2:24). David's marriages brought him greater power and influence, but they also caused him strife, jealousy and even murder in his family.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? God gave David prosperity for a reason, not just for personal gain. David was wise enough to realize that God wanted him to prosper for the sake of God's people. Are you tempted to use position or possessions only for your own good? Please remember that God placed you where you are and gave you what you have because he wants you to encourage others and give to those in need.

Before he went to battle, David inquired of God first and asked for guidance. In this time, do you turn to God or do you wait until consequences begin to happen? Do you ask his help only as a last resort? Try asking for his help beforehand.

Imagine being there long ago, being in the balsam forest and feeling and hearing the sound in the tops of the trees and knowing that God is there. What an incredible mental picture that brings. I hope you all ask for God's help in all that you do. And that the sound in the balsam trees reverberates in your head and heart!

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH:
Update on my niece Suzanne, she is healing but her leg was crushed and will take many months of doctoring. She is in a nursing home for rehab care. Pray for her healing. Also Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents. especially her mother whose cancer has returned, and Arlene’s nephew David. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS. Pray for Cyndi Sullivan who was given 14 months to live with cancer, but has made it six years. The pain has returned and she needs our prayers.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home , but continues to have a problem with one arm and hand. She will require long therapy and insurance may soon be a problem since her job was not held for her.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues..
Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
Pray for the speedy recovery of Sandy in Minnesota who underwent successful brain surgery for a tumor recently.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states and Joplin, Missouri. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.